Category: Career Center

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Job of the Day: Morgan Stanley Needs a Financial Resources Controller

Morgan Stanley is looking for an experienced accountant to fill at Senior Manager/VP role in New York.

Responsibilities include managing liquidity risk reporting & analysis for DSP desk and orking with the BU management on Balance Sheet forecasting.

The position requires a minimum of eight years experience in accounting, preferably in the financial services industry.


Company: Morgan Stanley

Title: Senior Manager/VP – DSP (Equity Swaps) Financial Resources Controller

Location: New York, NY

Responsibilities: Working with manager to define operating model for Financial Resources Control and execute on the agenda; Managing liquidity risk reporting & analysis for DSP desk; Working with the BU management on Balance Sheet forecasting; Assisting in balance sheet and funding analysis, including those related to the Bank initiatives, impending OTC derivatives regulation, etc.; Managing collateral process including a) Phoenix booking model, b) Work with BRM controllers on migrating control to BRM, c) working with Collateral DB IT and CPM to enhance current allocation algorithms; Managing relationships with BRM and Treasury on various initiatives including CPM model, Collateral process, enhancement to current B/S reporting etc.; Leading adoption of firmwide Phoenix initiative aimed to renovate Balance Sheet & Funding model.

Work with Phoenix project team and DSP and EFP managers to: Liaise with Business Unit on implementation of Phoenix principles and adoption of enhanced Funding and B/S reporting and analytics; Contribute to requirements for creation of new strategic reporting; Work with other DSP controllers and Phoenix project team to validate funding booking models, create test plans, and track testing & implementation issues.

Qualifications/Skills: 8-10 years of accounting/finance experience in financial services industry; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Solid accounting knowledge base is required; Equity product control experience; Experience with B/S and Funding reporting and analysis; Ability to work effectively across many functions including BU; Ability to work effectively with all levels of management; Strong oral and written communications; Candidate should have superior organizational skills with eye for details and proven ability to execute individually and as part of a team.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.

Job of the Day: Al Qaeda Needs an Accountant

Serious applicants only please.

A longtime associate of Usama bin Laden on Wednesday pleaded guilty at Guantanamo Bay to terror charges of conspiracy and material support, marking the first-ever conviction under the military commission system resurrected by President Obama.

[…]

Al Qosi was accused of supporting terrorism by serving on a Taliban mortar crew and occasionally as bin Laden’s bodyguard. While not a household name, it is alleged that al Qosi, who is Sudanese, knew bin Laden from his days in Sudan in the early ’90s and ultimately followed the Al Qaeda leader to Afghanistan.

Court documents claim that he served in a number of roles for his longtime friend — from driver to accountant to cook in the kitchen at bin Laden’s Afghanistan compound before the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Perhaps most importantly, he allegedly facilitated bin Laden’s escape from Tora Bora in late 2001.

Big shoes to fill no doubt but you’ll probably clean their books up lickity. Benefits allegedly include weapons training, bomb making and lots and lots of virgins (after death of course).

Bin Laden Aide Pleads Guilty in First Terror Conviction Under Obama Commissions [Fox News]

Another Survey, Another Reason Parents Will Pressure Their Kids into Accounting

Welcome back, people. Stuffed with watermelon mint juleps, fireworks and Klynveldian meats, most of you probably returned to full stomachs and fuller inboxes. That said, I hope your day is as painstakingly slow as mine (HR is a beautiful thing).

My morning news feed (i.e. Caleb’s morning news round-up) contained a story that is all too familiar – graduating college with an accounting degree is a safe bet. Of course. This report could have been 10 days or 10 years old; the song and dance would be the same. Consistently one of the best (meaning safest) bets for an undergraduate degree, the report from National Association of Colleges and Employers that, “jobs in accounting paid an entry-level salary of $50,402.” (It should be noted that – rumor has it – NACE pays a circus monkey to regurgitate these statistics EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR.)

Not too shabby, 50 grand a year after college. This number obviously comes with a salt shaker, as those entering into a career in public need to factor in their location and the fact that the number is pulled upwards – at least to a degree – by private salaries. My beef is not with these numbers but with the parents, high school guidance counselors and university staff that use these numbers as a means to push their products on to naïve students. Alas, my list of Flakey Reasons You Should Be an Accounting Major:


“My (insert random acquaintance reference here) is an accountant, and he/she does just fine.” That’s wonderful for your barber’s cousin’s friend, but really the success of one accountant means nothing. Doctors are successful, as is the 15 year old kid bagging my groceries. This “Mr. Smith is successful” argument is generally used as a conservative reference to a job that is less popular. Quality of life is a relative term; so who’s happier, the produce bagger or the family tax accountant?

“You need to graduate with a degree that will earn you a job.” I understand this argument; however isn’t the point of college to study a subject which you actually like? Don’t get me wrong, I am all for being realistic about this, but the long-term consequences of studying a particular subject and focusing on an industry cannot be overlooked. This leads me to…

“You can work in any industry with an accounting degree.” I like Skittles. I am downright passionate about Skittles. Skittles are my life*. Is an accounting degree the only way to work for their producer, Mars Inc? Umm. No.

“You need a job to pay back your student loans.” No argument here, except for the one about overall crisis in higher education (you know, no big deal really). A recent CardRatings.com poll showed 36 percent of college graduates are carrying student loan debt on a credit card. Sleep soundly knowing the remaining 64 percent of the group is simply burdened by lower interest rates.

But I digress. The loans should be considered a necessary means to an end (i.e. – finding a job and career of interest). If you’re majoring in a subject so you can pay down the debt…that you took on…to earn…said degree…you’re vastly missing the point of going to college.

*Don’t judge.

Do You Enjoy Excitement? Following Money? Arresting Tax Scofflaws? The IRS Needs You!

You may think that working for the IRS would involve nothing more than a plethora of bomb and/or white powder scares as well as hassling famous doucebags for their back taxes you’d only be partly correct.


So if you’re looking for job security, the chance to slap some bracelets on those illegally avoiding their patriotic duty and a whole other level of bureaucracy that the Big 4 only wishes it could create, the IRS may be for you!

Of course if danger isn’t your middle name (some are gathering armies after all), there are plenty of other opportunities out there on the new IRS careers website. The only drawback of course is that you probably won’t get to carry any of those shotguns.

Job of the Day: Genworth Financial Needs an Accounting and Reporting Team Leader

Genworth Financial is looking for an experienced professional to assume a leadership role in their accounting and reporting group.

The position is located in Richmond, Virgina, requires someone with a strong accounting background in insurance, a minimum of five years experience with a CPA, and a MBA is preferred.


Company: Genworth Financial

Title: Team Leader, Accounting and Reporting

Location: Richmond, VA

Responsibilities: Coach, develop, and lead reporting analysts; Quarterly financial reporting for assigned Insurance Legal Entities; Review Statutory and GAAP quarterly financial statements; Plan and draft new disclosures for financial reporting as needed and review disclosure checklists prepared by reporting analysts; Review and approve quarterly entries; Review and lead reporting analysts in the completion of Statutory and GAAP audited financial statements; Review quarterly Statutory analytics, including GAAP to STAT reconciliations; Review results of quarterly Risk Based Capital; Review quarterly GAAP analytics, including Schedule 6’s; Support and respond to requests from State regulators, State examiners and external auditors, and review responses to audit and exam requests prepared by reporting analysts; Coordinate the completion of deliverables with multiple suppliers, internal and external to the business Segment Review supplemental NAIC and State required schedules quarterly and annually; Lead and implement improvement projects related to financial reporting.

Qualifications/Skills: CPA with 5-7 years Insurance experience; Accounting and/or finance degree; Strong Accounting foundation; Deep understanding of Insurance regulations; 2-3 years experience managing teams; Strong organization and communication skills; Working knowledge of Oracle or General Ledger system; MBA and GAAP and Statutory accounting and reporting experience are preferred.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.

Job of the Day: Nemours Needs an Assistant Treasurer

Nemours is looking for an experienced accounting or finance professional to fill an Assistant Treasurer role in its Jacksonville, Florida location.

The position requires an MBA with three years experience and knowledge of accounting principles and financial analysis.


Company: Nemours

Title: Assistant Treasurer

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Description: This position is responsible for providing assistance with analysis and management of short- and intermediate-term investment pools. Additionally, will provide assistance with analysis and management of self-insurance, captive and risk retention group investment pools. Finally, this position will be responsible for ongoing monitoring and analysis of existing debt structure.

Responsibilities: Prepares analyses and provides reports on investment holdings and investment performance of Nemours short- and intermediate-term investment pools; Prepares analyses and provides reports on investment holdings and performance held by Nemours’ wholly-owned subsidiaries; Researches and coordinates new cash management products and procedures. Provides assistance in designing and implementing technical and process improvements to the organization’s cash management functions, including float optimization and maximization of portfolio earnings and acceleration of cash collections; Assists Managing Director of Finance/Treasurer with cash flow analysis to ensure optimal investment of funds. Ensures funds are available to meet the needs of all Nemours’ expenditures, including Payroll and Accounts Payable, while timing availability to maximize investment of unexpended cash.

Qualifications/Skills: MBA with an emphasis on Finance, along with three (3) to five (5) years of related experience; Excellent written and verbal skills; Knowledge of general accounting principles; Knowledge of financial analysis techniques and methods for assessing the operating effectiveness and financial condition of organizations.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.

Job of the Day: Vanguard Needs a Corporate Tax Accountant

Vanguard is looking for an experienced tax professional to join their team in its Valley Forge, PA location.

Responsibilities include preparing and filing of domestic and federal compliance related documentation for international subsidiaries, maintaining transfer pricing documentation and preparing and reviewing returns.

Candidates need a minimum of three years experience, two that are specific to tax compliance. CPA or Masters in tax is a plus.


Company: Vanguard

Title: Corporate Tax Accountant – International

Location: Valley Forge, PA

Responsibilities: Preparing and ensuring the timely filing of domestic and federal compliance related to international subsidiaries (Form 5471, FBAR form), including coordinating the timely receipt of key source documentation and the preparation of applicable tax work papers; Maintaining up-to-date transfer pricing documentation; Owning the responsibility for direct and indirect tax compliance (income tax, value added tax, goods and services tax, etc.); Coordinating the preparation and review of returns; Performing compliance reviews of Form W-8 in coordination with Accounts Payable Services, including the annual review of Form 1042 and Form 1042-S for foreign vendors; Assisting in the quarterly calculation of the global tax provision for foreign entities, including variance analysis and periodic projections; Owning the responsibility for the calculations of FIN 48 and FAS 5 tax exposure related to foreign issues (i.e., transfer pricing, subpart F, PE, etc.); Completing quarterly tax account reconciliations of foreign subsidiaries; Preparing tax footnotes for applicable foreign subsidiaries; Completing quarterly reconciliation of foreign subsidiary tax-related general ledger accounts; Maintaining work papers related to foreign subsidiaries, including earnings and profits, foreign tax pools, and subpart F detail; Preparing foreign tax credit calculations and related tax forms as required (Form 1118)

Qualifications/Skills: Undergraduate degree (accounting or finance preferred) or equivalent combination of training and work experience; Minimum of three years of general experiences, including two years directly related to accounting or tax experience; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master of Science in Taxation (MST) a plus; Knowledge of the financial services industry preferred; Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.

Credentials for Accountants: Certified in Financial Forensics

If you’re the type that enjoyed spy shows as a kid and loves scoping out financial statements like CSIs love autopsying dead bodies, you might want to consider a CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) when you grow up. Anyone considering this designation may want to add CFF to the end of their name with a CFE or CFA. If you’re looking at a CFF, you might want to hurry up and decide before future CFFs are required by the AICPA, starting September 1st, to pass the CFF examination.

In May of 2008, the AICPA introduced the CFF as a professional credential that combines specialized forensic accounting expertise with the core knowledge and skills that make CPAs among the most trusted business advisers.


Education Requirements
Becauential that represents an extensive knowledge base, CPE is an important component to qualify for and renew a CFF designation. New CFFs are required to demonstrate a certain amount of Lifelong Learning (based on the point system below) and must complete 60 hours every 3 years with renewal of the credential.

Professional Requirements
In order to qualify to become a CFF, CPAs must be an AICPA member in good standing, have five years professional experience in the field of accounting and must score at least 100 points on the application (points based on professional experience, knowledge, lifelong learning and forensic accounting credentials already held). Only CPAs can apply as a valid, unrevoked license to practice public accounting is a requirement as well.

The CFF Exam
The exam, which will be introduced as a requirement on September 1, 2010, is a four hour, 100% multiple choice exam administered by the AICPA. It consists of the following areas and weights (check out the CSOs from the AICPA here)

Professional Responsibilities and Practice Management

• AICPA 5%

• CPA Professional Responsibilities in Civil and Criminal Matters 5%

Fundamental Forensic Knowledge

• Laws, Courts and Dispute Resolution 5%

• Planning and Preparation 5%-10%

• Information Gathering and Preserving 10%

• Discovery 5%-10%

• Reporting, Experts and Testimony 5%-10%

Specialized Forensic Knowledge

• Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Reorganization 5%-10%

• Computer Forensic Analysis 5%-10%

• Economic Damages Calculations 5%-10%

• Family Law 5%-10%

• Financial Statement Misrepresentations 5%-10%

• Fraud Prevention, Detection and Response 5%-10%

• Valuation 5%-10%

Career Options
Many with the CFF credential stick to private practice and use the CFF as a way to distinguish themselves as passionate about forensic accounting.

Compensation and Other Benefits
We all know more letters = more money but in the case of the CFF, little real data can be found on the difference in compensation for CFFs versus plain old forensic accountants. We’re guessing this is because the CFF is a relatively new AICPA credential but as time goes on and frauds get larger and more complicated, we trust that this data will be much easier to come by. As a general rule, crendentialed CPAs are more valuable simply because pursuit of a credential in one’s specialty shows a level of professional dedication adored by HR departments and managers alike.

Adrienne Gonzalez is the founder of Jr. Deputy Accountant, a former CPA wrangler and a Going Concern contributor. You can see more of her posts here

Job of the Day: Toyota Financial Services Needs a Senior Analyst

Toyota Financial Services is looking for an experienced professional to fill a Senior Analyst of Accounting Commercial Finance role in its Los Angeles location.

Responsibilities include designing, developing and executing all daily and monthly analysis, maintaining SOX narratives and process flows and periodic testing of key controls.

Candidates should have three to five years experience with at least two in public accounting, a CPA or experience and education to obtain a CPA is required.


Company: Toyota Financial Services

Title: Senior Analyst – Accounting Commercial Finance

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Responsibilities: Design, develop and execute all daily and monthly analysis; Review analysis with Product Accounting management monthly or more frequently if necessary; Assist in the preparation and review of account reconciliations; Assist other areas of the organization with product related questions; Fully cross train on monthly close procedures and maintain ability to effectively execute process if needed; Maintain SOX narratives and process flows; Perform periodic testing of key controls and review results with Product Accounting management; Maintain group desk top procedures.

Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; C.P.A. or experience and education required to receive license required; A minimum of three to five years of accounting experience; At least two years of public accounting experience; Evidence of increasing levels of responsibility; Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint; PeopleSoft accounting software preferred or similar general ledger software experience; Familiarity/capacity to learn database/query tools/techniques; Knowledge of SAP and/or Hyperion a plus.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.

Job of the Day: Duff & Phelps Needs a Due Diligence Analyst

Duff & Phelps is looking for a Due Diligence Analyst to join its Los Angeles office.

Selected responsibilities include researching technical accounting topics, reviewing target companies accounting policies and analyzing quality of earnings.

Candidates should have one to three years of audit or due diligence experience. Travel required as needed.


Company: Duff & Phelps

Title: Due Diligence Analyst

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Responsibilities: Preparing analytical schedules to be used in discussions with Management of target companies; Identifying transaction focus areas based on preliminary analysis; Researching technical accounting topics for contemplated transactions; Researching public industry and competitor information relevant to the target company; Analyzing cyclicality of target’s business and working capital trends; Investigating contingent liabilities, off-balance sheet items and related party transactions; Analyzing quality of earnings and non-recurring items; Reviewing target company’s accounting policies for proper application of GAAP; Participating in discussions held with Management; Contributing to the report-writing process.

Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor of Science/Business Administration in Accounting from an accredited college or university; 1-3 years of Audit or Due Diligence experience: However, new graduates with a minimum GPA of 3.2 will also be considered; Strong analytical, comprehension and problem solving skills, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills; Flexibility to travel, as needed.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.

Job of the Day: Fannie Mae Needs a Financial Reporting Manager

Thumbnail image for Need_a_job.jpgFannie Mae is looking for an experienced professional to fill a Financial Reporting Manager position in its Washington, D.C. office.

This person will be responsible for managing a team tasked with compiling and reviewing accurate financial reports for both internal and external purposes.

Qualifications include 6 – 8 years experience either with an audit or financial services background. A CPA license is required.


Company: Fannie Mae

Title: Financial Reporting Manager

Location: Washington, D.C.

Description: Manage a team engaged in compiling, reviewing, and/or transmitting accurate financial results internally to the firm points of contact or externally to regulatory bodies (e.g., FHFA, SEC) for inclusion in board reports, news releases, and public financial reporting. Hire, manage, train, develop, and evaluate staff. Develop, implement, document, and ensure adherence to practices and procedures. Participate in or lead special projects.

Responsibilities: Manage daily team activities related to accounting, control, and financial reporting for responsible areas. Ensure that monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting is accurate, timely, and based upon internal and external reporting requirements; Plan, review, and/or support preparation of internal and external reports, journal entries, account reconciliations, tables, and schedules; Review, establish, and monitor financial controls. Identify opportunities to streamline and automate. Improve efficiencies to reduce costs; Document accounting procedures. Complete necessary testing and remediation; Provide customer service by responding to inquiries and requests from internal and external customers. Advise senior management regarding business, internal programs, and activities as they relate to financial reporting matters; Support senior management and new business initiatives; Coordinate and administer assignments, monitor team progress, and maintain schedules; Develop team members and provide ongoing professional guidance and direction.

Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent required; 6-8 years of related experience; CPA;
Access and SQL knowledge; Audit background; Financial services industry experience; Strong people manager.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.

Job of the Day: Sterling Stamos Needs a Financial Analyst

Private investment firm Sterling Stamos needs an experienced professional to join its Finance team in their newly established Charlotte, North Carolina office.

Candidates should have a minimum of three years experience with a CPA preferred but not required.


Company: Sterling Stamos

Title: Analyst, Finance

Location: Charlotte, NC

Description: This position will perform a range of portfolio management and monitoring duties to ensure client deliverables are met and investment portfolio risk is mitigated.

Responsibilities: Input and analyze private equity fund and portfolio company finance data into models that drive valuation and other quantitative analysis. Perform a broad and complex range of private equity fund and portfolio level analysis, modeling and reporting. Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of finance, accounting and private equity practices and be able to independently analyze and interpret financial statements

Qualifications/Skills: B.A./B.S. degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; Minimum 3 years relevant work experience; CPA preferred but not required; Experience supporting a transaction-based or portfolio monitoring business within the financial services industry.

See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.