Accounting Policy Manager

Req # : LW8117 | Type: Full Time | Posted: 8/21/2014 | Edited: 10/16/2014 | Fee: 20.00% Percentage Computed On Base Salary

This is a 50/50 split

Accounting Policy Manager

Responsible for managing a group of accounting positions that will provide accounting expertise to the various business line groups throughout our bank. In addition to this position is responsible for establishing relationships and a high-profile leadership role by providing accounting policy expertise to senior management and business group managers. Requires high-level expertise due to impact of decisions to the Bank.

Position Accountabilities
Research and monitoring
Acts as the bank''''s primary interface with accounting pronouncements, including, but not limited to those written by the following entities:
Securities & Exchange Commission
Financial Accounting Standards Board
International Accounting Standards Board
Derivatives Implementation Group
Emerging Issues Task Force
FDIC, Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Maintains and updates the our Accounting Policy Manual
Ensures that new pronouncements are reflected in the manual in a timely manner
Ensures that the Executive Management Committee and Audit Committee are informed of major changes
Presents to senior management, at their request or need, a basic understanding of certain accounting policies or issues. Also keeps Finance management apprised of exposure drafts and developments that may affect the Company by the pronouncement makers.
Prepares well-organized, comprehensive and pertinent white papers for complex issues and transactions.
Works with the Business Line Groups to ensure General Ledger balances related to large or complex transactions are properly stated in accordance with the our Accounting Policy Manual and generally accepted accounting principles, and that major financial accounting procedures and controls are in place and functioning.
Works with the Business Line Groups on implementation of changes to the Bank''''s accounting policies, procedures, standards and controls.
Advises project teams on specific accounting issues pertinent to new products, major business and organizational events and system conversions, and upgrades and enhancements.
Interacts with Controller''''s Department when questions and issues arise that are related to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) works with Business Line Groups to ensure that information and process needed to report transactions on an IFRS basis is captured. ( Controller''''s Department has primary responsibility for maintaining the accounting policy manual based on IFRS).
Assists Controller''''s Department in implementing GAAP (that group has primary responsibility for implementing GAAP .
Responsible for acting as a liaison between Controller''''s Department and Business Line Groups, working on significant and complex areas of bank accounting managing the rest of the department to do the same.
Responsible for acting as the bank''''s primary interface with accounting pronouncements.
Manages staff including selection, motivation and performance management. Allocates resources effectively.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor''''s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
10+ years professional level accounting experience with a Big 4 Accounting firm or 10 to 12+ years of professional level accounting experience
4+ years of progressive accounting policy and internal control experience while working in a lead/ managerial capacity or matrix situation in the banking / financial services industry
Thorough knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and regulatory accounting practices in financial institutions
Accounting policy implementation experience
Knowledge and understanding of accounting treatment / policy as it applies to different business groups / products (e.g. capital markets, derivatives, treasury, etc.)
Experience in change management and cross-functional work teams
Experience in evaluating and implementing internal controls
Knowledge of COSO framework
Analytical and research skills
Bank product and service knowledge
Negotiation skills
Composition skills
Coordinate meetings
Demonstrated management
Team / consensus building
Strong time management skills and the ability to effectively multi-task
Excel, Word, Access and / or Hyperion software
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong presentation skills with experience reporting to senior management
The ability to plan, execute and deliver on projects in a timely manner
Ability to work effectively across all divisions
Action and results oriented with a positive attitude and the ability to overcome obstacles
Supervise 2+ professional staff
May supervise employees in Business Line Groups assigned to or assisting with accounting policy related work