Director, Accounting Policy

Posted:
7/22/2024, 7:53:57 AM

Location(s):
Connecticut, United States ⋅ Southington, United States ⋅ Waterbury, Connecticut, United States ⋅ Stamford, Connecticut, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Accounting

If you’re looking for a meaningful career, you’ll find it here at Webster. Founded in 1935, our focus has always been to put people first--doing whatever we can to help individuals, families, businesses and our colleagues achieve their financial goals. As a leading commercial bank, we remain passionate about serving our clients and supporting our communities. Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, Agility, Respect, Excellence are Webster’s values, these set us apart as a bank and as an employer.  

Come join our team where you can expand your career potential, benefit from our robust development opportunities, and enjoy meaningful work!

The Accounting Policy Director is responsible for the research, interpretation and application of current and pending accounting policy to determine proper treatment with US GAAP.  This person will monitor and proactively play a leadership role, internally and externally, in new potential accounting guidance and its implication on the firm and broader industry. This role is responsible for maintaining oversight of the adoption and compliance with any new accounting policies and will play a critical role in reviewing SEC and other regulatory filings to ensure accurate and policy compliant filings.

In this position, you will be an important business partner with deal teams and senior executives on new business transactions and other opportunities to ensure appropriate consideration of technical accounting ramifications and impact on the firm’s financial statements.

Moreover, this person will work with key stakeholders to ensure accounting process risks have been identified, assessed, and documented in accordance with SOX requirements. This includes assisting with risk control analyses, process flows and matrices necessary to support management’s internal control actions, particularly in connection with key accounting estimates.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop consistent and reliable accounting policies and procedures.

  • Consult with internal business units and external auditors on technical accounting matters and the application and development of accounting policies.

  • Provide training to management and staff on accounting policies and procedures.

  • Develop technical accounting position papers and research memos for the organization in connection with all significant, non-routine transactions.

  • Ensure the application of new products and services is in compliance with U.S. GAAP.

  • Monitor current accounting and regulatory developments and provide updates to senior management on the impact that new standards may have on the organization.

  • Lead the implementation efforts for new accounting standards.

  • Present new accounting policies and changes to existing policies to executive management, as needed.

  • Lead the preparation of certain financial reporting disclosures and work closely with the financial reporting teams in support of the filing of quarterly and annual SEC and bank regulatory reports.

  • Assist the SEC reporting team with other financial reporting requirements, as needed.

  • Support SOX compliance and effective internal controls over financial reporting as relates to significant accounting estimates and judgments (e.g., goodwill impairment, impairment of long-lived assets, deferred tax positions, allowance for credit losses, fair value measurements, business combinations, etc.).

  • Assist in representing the organization externally on technical accounting matters, including by taking part in industry-wide meetings and trainings.

Education, Experience, & Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or higher.

  • CPA is required.

  • 6-10+ years of accounting experience.

  • Experience working in the financial services industry; public accounting experience is a plus.

  • Strong technical accounting knowledge of U.S. GAAP.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; must be able to effectively communicate with all levels of management and educate individuals outside of the department.

  • Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.

  • Strong business acumen and presence.

  • Ability to think critically and independently.

  • Ability to manage projects, including developing of action plans and tracking progress/timelines.

  • Ability to benchmark peers and seek continuous improvement in the Company’s processes and financial reporting.

The estimated salary range for this position is $150,000USD to $175,000USD. Actual salary may vary up or down depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position is eligible for incentive compensation.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.