Job of the Day: Fannie Mae Needs a Financial Reporting Manager
Fannie 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.
Job of the Day: J.P. Morgan Needs a Tax Manager
J.P. Morgan is looking for an experienced tax professional who has experience with registered investments companies (“RIC”) to fill a Tax Manager position in its Boston office.
The position requires a seven to ten years of RIC tax experience, with five years managerial experience and a CPA or MST is required. Big 4 experience is preferred.
Company: J.P. Morgan
Title: Tax Manager
Location: Boston, MA
Qualifications/Skills: BS in Accountancy or Finance is required, CPA or MST is required; Seven to Ten Years of RIC Tax experience required. Minimum of Five years of managerial experience required. Big four tax accounting experience or service provider experience is preferred.
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 Information Systems Auditor
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If you’re really into internal audits and information systems, want to make decent money and never want to worry about having to find a job, you may want to look into the CISA.
Education Requirements
None that we know of, beyond what you’d need to secure a job in the field to gain required professional experience.
Professional Requirements
CISA candidates must have 5 years of relevant experience in IS auditing, control or security work and adhere to the IASCA Code of Professional Ethics. Experience must be obtained in the 10 years before taking the exam.
CISA Exam
The exam is administered twice a year (June and December) and candidates must register no less than two months before the exam date. The exam is made up of 200 multiple choice questions that must be answered within 4 hours. The score is graded from 200 – 800 points and a CISA candidate must score at least 450 points to pass. It covers the following areas:
IS Audit Process (10%)
IT Governance (15%)
Systems and Infrastructure Lifecycle Management (16% of Exam)
IT Service Delivery and Support (14%)
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (14%)
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) sets the standards of and administers the CISA examination.
Compensation
PayScale has some interesting figures on compensation for those with the CISA and we have to say, it’s one of the more lucrative credentials we’ve covered thus far. Interestingly, GT pays its CISAs far better than P-Dubs.
| Deloitte | $59,942 – $86,500 |
| Ernst & Young | $60,737 – $90,757 |
| KPMG | $70,736 – $111,331 |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | $58,448 – $97,657 |
| Grant Thornton | $56,500 – $143,400 |
IS Auditors make between $60,047 – $82,842 while IS Audit Managers can make up to $108,226. The money is good if you’re willing to put in the hours and pass a little more than half of the exam.
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: Nuveen Investments Needs a Manager of Financial Reporting
Nuveen Investments is looking for an experienced accounting professional to oversee the financial reporting function in Chicago.
Candidates need at least 5 years experience in public accounting, a CPA is required and financial services experience is a plus.
Company: Nuveen Investments
Title: Manager – Financial Reporting
Location: Chicago, IL
Responsibilities: Responsible for the financial reporting of financial statements and footnotes, including fair value disclosures as well as the interpretation of updates to authoritative accounting literature and their interpretation to the company’s financial statements and footnotes; Month end close; Various account reconciliations
Assist with external audit; Perform benefit plan audits.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA required; 5 – 7 years accounting/finance experience, including public accounting experience; Financial services experience 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: Bloomberg Needs a Technical Revenue Analyst
Bloomberg is looking for an experienced accountant to join its Revenue Operations Team in a Technical Revenue Analyst role.
Key responsibilities include technical reporting for the closing process, implementing procedural and assisting with external audits.
Candidates need 3 to 5 years experience, CPA is a plus and knowledge of SQL server required.
Company: Bloomberg
Title: Technical Revenue Analyst
Location: New York, NY
Description: This position is responsible for playing a contributing role in all aspects required of the Revenue Operations Team. Key responsibilities include technical reporting for the month close process, ad hoc analysis involving complex system data pulls incorporating analytical insight, automating reporting capabilities, revenue and variance analysis, implementing procedural and operational controls, assisting with the interim and annual external financial audits as needed, and responding to sales/senior management requests.
Responsibilities: Accounting, Reporting & Internal Controls Expertise – Demonstrates appropriate understanding / working knowledge of accounting principles and internal controls, and applies them (as required for the position held) to provide objective, timely, and accurate financial information to meet / exceed regulatory and legislative requirements and to help drive business results; Works to ensure compliance of all financial requirements and reporting are met for all products, countries and policies; Ability to document, control, review, and improve policy and procedures as well as departmental tasks to enhance for efficiency and effectiveness.
Financial Analytics Expertise – Demonstrates insightful use of financial analysis techniques, tools, and concepts, to provide practical counsel to business area partners and management in order to drive business results.
Process & Systems Expertise – Understands and facilitates the integration of business processes, people, and relevant technology, in order to identify, configure, and communicate useful information, and to provide practical business leadership to drive business decision making across the company; Identifies non-value added processes within the department and seeks solutions; Effectively makes decisions on more complex issues, giving consideration to relevant costs, benefits and risks; Demonstrates the initiative to drive change and influence others across the organization in support of the company’s goals and objectives; Ensures achievement of desired results by making appropriate recommendations and providing appropriate financial leadership through completion.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelors in Business Administration (Finance, Accounting, Computer Programming); CPA a plus; 3 – 5 years experience with demonstrated performance assisting/supporting a department; Knowledge of SQL server (version 2000 or higher) required; Knowledge of procedural controls and data validation techniques required; Ability to determine technical requirements for a project given a business request required; Strong MS Excel skills required; SAP/Business Warehouse knowledge a plus; Financial reporting experience a plus; Financial modeling expertise 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: Jones Lang LaSalle Needs a Senior Financial Analyst
Jones Lang LaSalle is looking for an experienced professional to fill a Senior Financial Analyst role in its Minneapolis and Atlanta offices.
Responsibilities include developing financial models and materials as part of project due diligence process as well as gather and evaluate economic, demographic and real estate market data for input into project specific deliverables.
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate, Finance or Accounting Majors preferred. CPA, MBA in Finance or Master of Tax and 2-4 years related work experience in big four firm or corporate finance or accounting group is highly desirable.
Company: Jones Lang LaSalle
Title: Senior Financial Analyst
Location: Minneapolis, MN and Atlanta, GA
Responsibilities: Consult with clients to develop and execute business incentives strategies to meet business objectives; Implement the various business and incentive programs for clients; Model various financial incentive options in multiple locations and states; Develop occupancy cost savings strategies and evaluating alternative financial structures; Daily interaction with both state and local economic development teams and internal brokerage clients; Research various state statutes and local programs; Gather and understand the various client fact patterns and, developing creative solutions and strategies, and implementing preferred approach to achieve desired results; Participate in firm marketing and business development opportunities; Contribute to the preparation of proposals, presentations and reports and interacting with clients daily.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate, Finance or Accounting Majors preferred; CPA, MBA in Finance or Master of Tax desirable; 2-4 years related work experience in big four firm or corporate finance or accounting group is highly desirable; Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel; Strong knowledge of GAAP, P&L’s and Balance Sheet Modeling; Property, Income, and Sales Tax expertise; Strong financial/analytical skills with proven capabilities in financial modeling; Self-starter, team player, and strong organizational and communication skills; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to think independently and bring alternate points of view to the discussion; Travel required.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Staying or Going: What’s the Best Work Experience for Accountants?
Happy MOANday, everyone. If you missed Friday’s post because you were enjoying summer hours, be sure to get caught up on things before anything else.
I left of Friday’s post leaving up to you, the readers, to discuss which person would be better qualified for the situation. I did my best in laying out assumptions for the hypothetical, and many of you responded with wonderful feedback.
Here’s a taste:
From SouthernCPA:
Just for fun, let’s tweak the assumptions a smidge. Same 4 years of public experience, except the job offer has a 30% bump in total comp. Also, the person in the position before you was essentially like you (i.e. 4 years of experience, even came from the same firm as you) and they got promoted within 2 years with a 15% increase in pay. The hours are better (average 45-50 hours a week rather than 60 or so with more consistency), but the new job is less flexible (i.e. less vacation). Would you jump ship?
DWB: SouthernCPA brought up an important aspect that I overlooked – non-financial perks like benefits and – in this case – vacation days. Public accounting firms are generous with vacation days because they know many of you will have stretches of non-chargeability. Private industry average two to four weeks. But like in Southern’s case, a 30% bump in salary more than offset the vacation day situation. And remember what I mentioned above – benefits. Find me a hedge fund that doesn’t completely pay for or greatly subsidize health benefits and I’ll take you to lunch (no, really). This is savings that offers both more money in your wallet and peace of mind.
From Guest:
I would also agree with Southern CPA to the extent that it depends on the experience gained in industry vs public accounting as well as the bump experienced by leaving at a senior vs a manager level. However, there are also other factors that should be considered as well such as the ability to find a job at different levels (senior vs manager). While few talk about it within the big 4, I have personally watched over-specialization as well as too much public experience become an issue when searching for jobs, particularly for individuals at a manager/senior manager level.
DWB: This is the precise situation I wanted to hit home. Sorry, Jeff. Tanya is by far the more qualified candidate. And here’s why:
• Tanya has an ideal mix of public and private experience – assuming the private role is not a demotion – she can hit the ground running at the next level. She understands her respective industry from both the public and private side. She can come on board at the next role (most likely a promotion) with an easier transition than Jeff.
• Jeff spent two years managing – budgets, staff, expectations. Very little of this matters. One could argue that senior staff members are the real managers of engagement teams anyway, as they are forced to handle the demands of staff, partners, and managers. The longer you’re a manager, the longer you’re away from the nitty gritty hands-on work.
• Audit is reviewing other people’s work. Tanya has two years of doing.
• Tanya will require a slightly higher salary, but oftentimes the private/public mix of experience is worth the cost. The more technical the role, the more private experience that will be required.
Please, leave your comments below. Let’s hug talk it out.
Job of the Day: Oregon Community Credit Union Needs a CFO
The Oregon Community Credit Union is looking for an experienced professional to fill their CFO role. The credit union holds over $900 million in assets and is located in Eugene.
Primary responsibilities include asset-liability management, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.
Qualified candidates need a minimum of ten years senior leadership experience with an advance degree preferred.
Company: Oregon Community Credit Union
Title: CFO
Location: Eugene, OR
Description: Individual is a key leader on the Executive Team in developing innovative strategy that propels our organization to success. Based on an intense understanding of current economic factors and our community at large, this individual is responsible for developing and delivering a strong fiscal vision, and must be enthusiastic about providing communication and education to all levels of our organization to achieve the vision.
Responsibilities: Asset-liability management, budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance. Successful incumbents must have an understanding of credit union operations as a whole and think both critically and strategically, possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be able to conduct complete analysis of data and present thorough recommendations, have a passion for creating a culture of success, and be eager to participate in events that support our community.
Qualifications/Skills: A minimum of ten years of senior leadership experience and Bachelor’s degree is essential; a master’s degree is preferred.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Credentials for Accountants: Chartered Financial Analyst
Need help deciding what you want to be when you grow up? Check out the rest of our posts on credentials for accountants.
Into investments and looking to secure a credential that is recognized the world over as a standard of professional excellence? Getting the Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) credential might be for you. You won’t be alone as 139,900 candidates in 160 countries have enrolled for June CFA exams this year.
Here’s the rest of the skinny on the CFA:
Education Requirement
To obtain a CFA, all you need is a bachelor’s and four years of relevant work experience, or a combination of education and experience that totals at least four years.
Professional Requirements
CFAs must have 48 months of qualified work experience to qualify to take the exams.
CFA Exam
The exam is administered only in English by the CFA Institute in June and December. The Candidate Body of Knowledge is the playbook from which all CFAs derive their moves; those who have recently passed the CPA exam can think of it as the opposite of the CPA exams, whereupon BEC is the largest section. Topics include the time value of money, corporate governance, equity investments and portfolio management.
The exam consists of three levels and Each has its own emphasis, with all of them weighing ethics heavily.
Level I emphasizes tools and inputs, and includes an introduction to asset valuation, financial reporting and analysis, and portfolio management techniques.
Level II emphasizes asset valuation, and includes applications of the tools and inputs (including economics, financial reporting and analysis, and quantitative methods) in asset valuation.
Level III study program emphasizes portfolio management, and includes strategies for applying the tools, inputs, and asset valuation models in managing equity, fixed income, and derivative investments for individuals and institutions.
All levels must be passed in order to secure the CFA designation. Each exam is 6 hours. There is no passing score, only pass/fail and candidates are given score reports that explain their performance according to other candidates. The exam uses a psychometric grading system similar to the CPA exam.
Studying takes about 10 – 15 hours per week for 18 weeks. Unlike the CPA, CFA candidates can take the exams as many times as they need to pass and there is no time limit to do so.
Career Options
A large number of CFAs end up as portfolio managers however other career options include research analyst, consultant, financial advisor or investment banking analyst. 7% of CFAs are actually chief executives.
Compensation and Other Benefits
Portfolio managers can make $77,443 – $144,360 (national average) so the obvious incentive to obtaining a CFA is the money. CFAs are overwhelmingly male, about 82% according to PayScale. For CPAs, the CFA designation offers quite a bit of flexibility in one’s career to work outside of accounting with a focus on financial products and investments.
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 for GC here.
Job of the Day: Morgan Stanley Needs a Tax Associate
Morgan Stanley is looking for a tax associate with a specialty in real estate to join its alternative funds group in its Park Ridge, Illinois location.
The position requires a minimum of three years experience with public accounting experience and a Masters in Tax being a plus. CPA is preferred.
Company: Morgan Stanley
Title: Associate – Tax – Alternative Funds – Real Estate
Location: Park Ridge, IL
Description: Responsibilities include all aspects of tax compliance and coordination with others (including tax attorneys, outside counsel, business unit, etc.) regarding planning.
Responsibilities: Review of federal and state and local compliance from outside service provider including coordination and monitory to ensure accurate and timely; Supervise day-to-day activity of staff and perform efficient review of their work; Work with Operations and Controllers on gathering information; Assist as requested in the independent accountant’s financial statement audit and recurring tax provision processes; Assist with federal and state and local tax return audits and prepare responses to notices issued by taxing authorities; Participate in various personnel actions including, but not limited to performance appraisals; Identify opportunities for process improvements including technology advancements and coordinate with the MS Tax technology team to develop those enhancements; Develop and maintain relationships with various other departments.
Qualifications/Skills: Motivated, team oriented self starter who desires a broad range of tax issues and has the ability to work effectively and efficiently in an environment with all levels of personnel, adept at working in a fast-paced, deadline oriented environment; Willingness to be hands-on as well as a desire to supervise and develop staff; Excellent oral and written communications, analytical and organizational skills are required; Requires a minimum of three years of tax experience, with public accounting experience a plus. Prior experience in supervising positions a plus; Real Estate partnership experience required; Certification as a CPA preferred ; Requires bachelor’s degree, Master in Tax a plus but not required; Strong PC skills required
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: Citi Needs an Audit Manager
Citi is looking for an internal audit manager to join its Audit and Risk Review group in Baltimore, Maryland.
The position requires a minimum of eight years experience with an advanced degree and certifications (e.g. CPA, CISA, CISSP) preferred.
Company: Citi
Title: Audit Manager
Location: Baltimore, MD
Description/Responsibilities: Audit and Risk Review (ARR) is a global organization of 600+ professionals covering Citigroup’s global businesses. Citigroup’s internal audit division provides independent assessments of the company’s risk and control environment. Our findings and recommendations influence business management processes worldwide and senior management decision making around the world.
Work with team to ensure all aspects of reviews and business monitoring activities are executed in accordance with ARR standards and government regulatory statutes and recommending appropriate interventions where needed. Qualified individuals have the ability to effectively communicate and develop relationships with all levels of management and with peers. Demonstrated ability to plan and provide leadership for audits or projects.
Qualifications/Skills: Must have a strong knowledge in the following areas: data retrieval and general information systems controls, financial analysis and regulatory compliance. Strong analytical skills. Require experience with Word, Excel, Access, ACL, Cognos, SAS, Oracle, Unix and HTML. Generally has 8+ years of relevant experience. Advanced degree or appropriate certification (e.g. CPA, CISA, CISSP) is 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: Alps Mutual Funds Needs an Assistant Controller
Alps Mutual Funds Services is looking for an experienced professional that has direct mutual fund experience.
Selected responsibilities include assisting with semi-annual and annual reports, audits and preparing SEC filings. Candidates should have a minimum of four years mutual fund experience.
Company: Alps Mutual Funds Services, Inc.
Title: Assistant Fund Controller
Location: Denver, CO
Responsibilities: Assist in review of semi-annual and annual reports; Assist with audits and provide support as necessary; Coordinate with the Financial Reporting Team and research issues as directed; Assist in review of annual operating expense budget; Review of monthly expense payments; Review 12b-1 payments from the Funds; Review expense ratios and make sure they are inline with projected budget; Coordinate with the Expense Team and research issues as directed; Provide review of performance calculations and other calculations as directed; Review monthly compliance tests; Preparation and/or initial review of SEC filings such as N-SAR, N-Q and 24F-2; Assist in filings such as N-1A, N-CSR and supplements; Preparation and/or review of regular Board reports as related to Administration Services; Assist in renewal of insurance policies; Facilitate questions and help provide general assistance to clients; Assist on any other projects as requested by the Fund Controller.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelors Degree in Finance or Accounting; Knowledge of investment company industry and general understanding of accounting principles; Minimum four years direct mutual fund experience; General computer skills, including Microsoft Office (i.e. Excel, Word, etc).
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: Citigroup Needs a Tax Analyst
Citigroup is looking for someone to join their CFO group as a Tax Lead Analyst in New York.
Main functions of the position include state and local tax research and planning for the company and its affiliates. It requires at 5 years of state income tax planning and analysis with a JD-LLM or CPA preferred.
Company: Citigroup
Title: Tax Lead Analyst
Location: New York, NY
Responsibilities: Assist in developing income/ franchise tax planning strategies to minimize state and local income taxes, with particular focus on New York City and New York State; Provide technical assistance to trading desks and other Corporate departments in those areas in which their operations are affected by state taxes; Analyze state tax effects for acquisitions, dispositions, capital markets transactions, and restructurings; Provide technical assistance to the state tax compliance and state tax audit groups; Consult with outside advisors as appropriate; Review state and local tax legislation, regulations, rulings, court decisions, to evaluate / quantify their impact on Citigroup, Inc and subsidiaries and help develop related planning strategies; State and Local tax planning related to income/ franchise taxes; Document FIN 48 State and Local income tax positions; Draft protests and other anticipatory litigation documents.
Qualifications/Skills: JD Degree, LLM – or – CPA preferred; 5+ years experience in state income tax planning/ analysis; Self directed, able to multitask, organized, able to meet deadlines and generally provide information in a timely manner; Excellent writing skills; Electronic research skills (Westlaw, RIA Checkpoint); Fully capable in MS Office suite of products.
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: Asset Management Company Needs a Controller
An asset management company is looking for an experienced accountant to fill a controller position that will oversee its accounting department and report directly to the CFO.
The position requires a CPA with a minimum of seven years experience, including partnerships and foreign currency. This position is located in Kirkland, Washington.
Title: Controller
Compensation: $140,000
Location: Kirkland, WA
Description: The firm manages $1.8 billion of long-only funds invested in Japanese publicly-traded companies through three separate funds each having a focus area of large-cap, mid-cap or small-cap companies in Japan. The firm is planning expansion into other Asian markets in the near-term for which substantive discussions are underway. Currently located in Monterey, CA, the firm is relocating to Kirkland, Washington in July 2010. The firm is seeking a Controller based in their Washington Offices. The position will report to the CFO and work closely with the CFO on all matters.
Responsibilities: Responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the general ledgers of each fund and the fund management companies; Directly manage the Fund Accountant position, reviewing all work performed by the Fund Accountant; Oversee certain aspects of the Accounting Manager’s work with regards to payables and other general accounting matters; Manage the month-end closing and reporting for each fund, reviewing all journal entries prepared by the Fund Accountant ensuring that fund financials are prepared and submitted timely to CFO; Review all journal entries prepared by Accounting Manager for the fund management companies; Review and help prepare the computation of partner allocations; Oversee the Fund Accountant’s daily computation of NAV and daily trade reconciliation process, including the internal reporting of daily performance for all funds; Step in as a back-up for the Fund Accountant to complete Fund Accountant responsibilities as required; Prepare the annual financial statements and all supporting documentation for the auditors; Prepare tax supporting documentation for the fund tax returns; Monitor tax filing deadlines and FBAR filings and coordinate with tax firm; Coordinate and interface with auditors on year-end audits SAS 70 Type I (and possibly Type II in the future) engagement, and annual GIPS verification; Assist on special projects for internal or external reporting, as requested by the CFO.
Qualifications/Skills: CPA with 7-10 years of experience in investment management industry with strong preference for experience in public equities (including Asian public equities).; Experience in all aspects of partnership accounting for funds, including foreign currency experience; Strong experience in various financial reporting systems required. The firm currently uses Axys (Advent), Moxy and Peachtree. The firm is evaluating the potential for a technology platform for its accounting area which would integrate general ledger, investments, trade recording under a single solution. To this end, strong knowledge of financial reporting systems is a requirement; Experience in budgeting, payroll, general HR and accounting matters as they relate to fund management company; Experience supervising accounting team staff; Working knowledge of Advent Axys and Moxy software systems preferred.
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 Valuation Analyst
Need help deciding what you want to be when you grow up? Check out the rest of our posts on credentials for accountants.
The CVA isn’t like other certifications in that if you’re going for one, you’re probably trying to add to your arsenal of professional credentials and have a few days to spare for the intensive training.
What’s it take?
This is directly from the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA):
The Business Valuation Certification and Training Center’s compact five-day intermediate level curriculum is comprehensive and substantive, providing value from beginning to end. A good understanding of accounting, taxes, economics, finance, and a basic understanding of business valuation fundamentals are prerequisites. The BVTC’s primary goal is to provide you with information that will serve as a solid foundation for your professional valuation endeavors, whether or not you plan to pursue a designation.
The five-hour CVA exam is administered in a rotating yearly schedule in 13 U.S. cities (twice yearly in Chicago) following the five-day training.
The NACVA is a NASBA-recognized CPE provider, meaning the training and certification can satisfy CPE requirements for CPAs. State boards have the final say on what counts for CPE purposes so check with yours if you are interested in completing this program to satisfy CPE requirements. The NACVA has trained 15,000 CVAs since its inception in 1990 and its members are subject to the same sort of ethical standards as CPAs.
The entire program – not counting the exams and any study materials – runs about $3,555 (by comparison, the CPA exam costs around $1000 – $1500 just to sit, excluding CPA review fees or retakes) and the exam itself is $595.
Who would want a CVA?
Tax professionals, for one, but also M&A consultants, investment professionals, financial analysts, financial officers and of course accountants interested in valuation and providing this service to their clients.
Why would you want a CVA?
Businesses need to be valued for all sorts of reasons. Mergers and acquisitions make up a large part of this but the CVA also comes in handy for estate taxes, employee stock ownership plans, divorce, and partner break-ups. This makes it an always-in-demand credential in a constantly-evolving marketplace.
Compensation
Salary is impacted according to one’s position or other credentials. For example, a CFO with a CVA can expect to make a median salary of $125,000 according to PayScale. On the other side of the spectrum, a senior tax accountant with a CVA weighs in at an average of $60,000. But we knew tax was a thankless gig to begin with, didn’t we?
Since CVAs can also unravel bankruptcies and liquidations, the career options may be just about endless moving forward. Better start saving your pennies for that 5-day excursion.
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 for GC here.
Job of the Day: Credit Suisse Needs a Controller of Expense Management
Credit Suisse is looking for an experienced professional to join their IB Expense Management group as a Jr Controller – Expense Management in its Raleigh, North Carolina location.
The position requires four to six years financial reporting or financial services experience, preferably in investment banking.
Company: Credit Suisse
Title: Jr. Controller – Expense Management (ENO/AVP)
Location: Raleigh, NC
Responsibilities: Develop, execute and deliver monthly and ad-hoc non-compensation expense reports and analyses to support critical strategic and day-to-day decisions for various segments of the Investment Bank; Assist, when necessary, in the overall IB month end and with various ad hoc requests; Foster relationships and liaise with IB Finance, COO Finance and business COOs to ensure timely delivery of management reports; Collaborate with the Expense Management Efficiency project teams to identify valid assumptions and monitoring metrics for project savings; Partner with Global COOs and IB Finance to construct product-level budgets by region and to understand monthly non-compensation expense forecasts at a granular business level; Present forecast and budget information and commentary to senior management, coordinating with internal and external teams to aggregate data from disparate systems; Identify and implement enhancements to the non-compensation expense forecasting model and system reporting and analytics.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; 4 – 6 years Financial Services or Financial Reporting experience; Investment Banking and/or Capital Markets experience in one or more of the following areas: Financial Accounting and Control; Expense Reporting and Analysis; Financial Planning & Analysis; Experience with general ledger systems, data warehouse applications and reporting tools such as Essbase and Business Objects is preferred.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Hate Your Job a Little Extra Today? There’s At Least One Recent Accounting Grad That Will Gladly Take Your Place
Okay gang, we know this is a tough day. You quietly wept to yourself on your commute; you’re recovering from sunburns, hangovers and meat sweats. It’s an all-around bitch of a Tuesday. It’s bad enough that your weekends are ruined by your job but now your holidays have to be ruined too? We’d suggest doing away with holidays altogether but then all work and no play makes accountants duller than normal.
But you trudge on, capital market servant. You trudge. A lot of readers recite “I’m thankful to have a job in this economy” mantra which makes some of you sick. Whether your nausea at their grateful attitude is justified is a matter of debate but let it be known, there are people out there that would take that job that you detest with all your heart and soul at the drop of a hat:
Melanie Singer has been preparing for the job market ever since she entered college at the University of Dayton, a private Catholic school in Ohio.
Starting in her freshman year, she began working with a career counselor. She attended networking events, did three internships while in school full-time, and worked with a recruiter to help connect her with jobs.
Singer, 22, got good grades, studied abroad and even chose a degree — accounting — that was supposed to give her one of the best chances of finding work.
“Everything you read, accounting was in the top five positions to get a job in,” Singer says.
But while she was in school, the economy tanked. Today’s job market is worse than it’s been in at least a generation.
Singer can’t remember how many websites or companies she’s applied to — she began sending out resumes at the beginning of her senior year. A month after commencement, she still hasn’t found a job.
We certainly agree with “everything you read” statement. You’d be hard pressed to find a MSM list of any sort that places accounting or accounting firms in a negative light as it relates to a career choice. Maybe the accounting scene has taken a turn for the worse in the Buckeye State and she needs to venture out?
Whatever the problems in Ohio, it sounds like Ms Singer spent most of her college days practicing for job interviews rather than the traditional co-ed activities and yet has had a serious run of bad luck finding a job. This is unfortunate and we know that there are plenty of Ohio accountants out there that probably wouldn’t mind an extended vacation. So if you find yourself hating life a little bit more than usual today, perhaps you’d consider taking one for the team so Ms Singer can fulfill her dream of joining the workforce.
Job of the Day: A Global Bank Needs a Private Equity Controller
Nevis Recruiting has a client in New York that is looking for someone to fill a VP/Controller position in their private equity business.
The position requires eight years experience in private equity reporting or at a large accounting firm and a CPA license is preferred.
Recruiter: Nevis Recruiting, LLC
Title: Private Equity Controller
Location: New York, NY
Description: Global Bank looking for a VP/Controller to support their growing Private Equity businesses.
Responsibilities: Supervise a team responsible for the accounting and financial reporting oversight for PE funds; Coordinate quarterly financial statement preparation with external administrators; Support investor and regulatory reporting; Coordinate the production and audit of annual financial statements; Liase with multiple teams within the Firm; Assist in the launch of new products; Support team, department, and business managers on various special projects.
Qualifications/Skills: 8+ years of experience in Private Equity reporting or from a large public accounting firm with significant PE clients; CPA 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: Natixis Global Associates Needs a Fund Administrator
Natixis Global Associates is looking for an experienced tax professional to fill an AVP – Fund Administrator role in its Boston office.
Primary responsibilities include tax matters related to their mutual fund products. The position requires eight years experience with a CPA or advanced degree preferred.
Company: Natixis Global Associates
Title: AVP – Fund Administrator – TAX
Location: Boston, MA
Description: Reporting to the Deputy Treasurer, this individual will be responsible for overseeing, reviewing and completing certain department responsibilities. The focus will be on tax matters related to mutual funds.
Primary Responsibilities: Coordination and review of the department’s and vendor’s work on the following tax related items: Distribution schedule; Year end tax provisions; Fund distribution calculations; Tax related information included in the Financial statements and Form N-Q; Fund tax returns; Shareholder 1099s and related year-end shareholder reporting; Trustee and vendor 1099s; Research on the tax implications of new security types; Research on regulatory requirements and other tax matters; IRS compliance results; Communication between State Street, Tax Auditors, Marketing, Sales, and Product Departments.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting; An advanced degree or CPA is recommended, but not, required; Minimum of 8 to 10 years experience in the mutual fund industry is required, including direct tax experience and knowledge of fund administration, fund accounting and fund transfer agent functions and responsibilities; Project management experience is a must.
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: Jefferson Wells Needs Internal Auditors
Jefferson Wells is looking for internal auditors to join its Financial Institutions team.
Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and at least five years professional experience in internal audit, Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Work. Professional designation such as CIA, CPA, CRCM, CFSA is a plus.
Company: Jefferson Wells
Title: Internal Auditor
Compensation: $90,000+
Location: New York, NY
Responsibilities: Prepare tax returns for S corporations, C corporations, and partnerships; Preparation of accounting records, and financial statements and tax returns for several investment partnerships; Reviewing and preparing yearly tax filings for Hedge Fund, Private Equity Funds, Real Estate Funds, and Funds’ general partners and investment managers; Performing security analysis and calculating various Fund tax adjustments; Preparation of Tax Form 1065 income tax returns and related K-1s and supporting schedules; prior experience with form 1120; Recording all accounting transactions of the fund and ensuring all investments are booked accurately; Preparation of limited partner capital calls and capital distributions; Researching tax treatment of complex financial instruments and corporate actions of Funds.
Qualifications/Skills: Enterprise Risk Assessment and Management Services; Financial Reporting Audits, Operational Audits, and Regulatory Compliance Audits; Fraud and Forensic Investigations; Internal Audit Co-Sourcing and Outsourcing; Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Work; Bachelor’s degree in accounting, or business related curriculum; 5+ years related experience; Professional designation such as CIA, CPA, CRCM, CFSA is a plus; Compliance, Bank Secrecy Act Compliance or Loan Review.
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: Jefferies & Company Needs a Senior Accountant
Jefferies & Company is looking for an experienced accountant to join its Corporate Financial Accounting Department in Los Angeles.
Candidates need three to six years of experience and a CPA is desired. Experience with investment banking or related financial services businesses is preferred.
Company: Jefferies & Company, Inc.
Title: Senior Accountant, Corporate Financial Accounting
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Description: This role will support the corporate controllers team in the financial accounting and reporting for compensation and benefits expense.
Responsibilities: Prepare journal entries related to the commission based sales force and performance based teams; Develop compensation models to compute applicable drivers and rules dictated by complex employment agreements and compensation plans; Prepare actual and forecasted financial reporting packages highlighting revenue and related compensation; Interact and collaborate with multi-functional groups throughout the company, including operating business units, corporate finance, legal, compliance, etc., to accomplish tasks and objectives.
Qualifications/Skills: 3 to 6 years in financial accounting and reporting, CPA designation desired; Investment bank and institutional sales and trading or related financial services industry experience desired; Expertise in gathering, manipulating, analyzing financial and accounting data; Advanced user of Microsoft Excel, Access, and PeopleSoft General Ledger.
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 Internal Auditor
This is the fourth in our series on certifications for accountants. Previously, we’ve covered the CFP, CMA, and CFE so if you’re not sure what you want to be when you grow up, be sure to check those out.
So, what’s the CIA all about?
Education Requirement
CIA candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree. Unlike the CPA exam, which often requires certain coursework or a minimum master’s level education in accounting, the CIA certification has no such requirements. The CIA exam is administered year-round by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Professional Requirements
Those interested in pursuing a CIA designation must have at least 24 months (2 years) professional experience in internal auditing or its equivalent. Equivalent experience would be in the areas audit/assessment disciplines, including external auditing, quality assurance, compliance, and internal control. Candidates with a master’s degree can substitute their degree for one year of experience. Candidates may sit for the CIA exam before satisfying the experience requirement but will not be certified until meeting this requirement.
Career Options
Certified Internal Auditors can be in public or private industry and experience a diverse workload checking controls, planning the audit process for their company, testing, and compiling reports. Internal auditors may also give feedback on management policies and procedures based on their findings.
Compensation and Other Benefits
CIAs can expect to make a median yearly salary of $55k freshly certified and around $100k with 20 years of experience, making it a cozy career choice for auditors (Payscale). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, growth in auditing and accounting positions is expected to rise 18% between 2006 and 2016, which gives CIAs a certain level of job security not seen in other industries. Equally important, executive responsibility attached to Sarbanes-Oxley means CIAs are that much more critical to an organization by isolating incidents of fraud or waste.
Obviously, CIAs are not in it for the money but for fraud-fighters who love information systems, technology and auditing, the CIA is a safe, always-in-need designation worth looking into!
Job of the Day: Arizona American Water Needs a Financial Analyst
Arizona American Water is looking for an experienced professional with an accounting or finance background to fill a Intermediate Financial Analyst position in Phoenix, Arizona.
The position requires 5 – 7 years experience including SOx and U.S. GAAP knowledge with a CPA or CMA credential desirable.
Company: Arizona American Water Company
Title: Financial Analyst II (Intermediate)
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Description: Intermediate Financial Analyst responsible for developing revenue and expense analyses, projections, reports and presentations.
Responsibilities: Compile and analyze financial information for developing revenue/expense analyses, projections, reports and presentations. Ensure accuracy of financial information; identify trends and present findings to senior management. Analyze and assess business performance against goals. Support management in shaping, driving and influencing business performance and continuous improvement.
Qualifications/Skills: Requires BA/BS in accounting/finance related field and 5-7 years related experience including, knowledge of US GAAP, SOX, regulatory accounting and practices and computer expertise. CPA/CMA is desirable. Experience in water/wastewater utility industry is highly desirable.
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: Morgan Stanley Needs a Real Estate Accounting Associate
Morgan Stanley is looking for an experienced accountant to join their Real Estate Funds group in Atlanta, Georgia.
The position require 2 – 4 years of experience with a CPA preferred.
Company: Morgan Stanley
Title: Real Estate Funds Associate – MSREF
Location: Atlanta, GA
Description: Reporting to a Manager, position is responsible for the overall accounting, reporting and operations for global private equity real estate funds and affiliated funds. Responsibilities include assisting on special projects including reengineering processes and system implementations.
Responsibilities: Prepare quarterly and annual financial statements and footnote disclosures; Prepare various work paper and financial data analyses based on requests from the business unit, investors and auditors; Prepare fee calculations (i.e. management fees, acquisition fees, etc.) verifying that calculations are in accordance with applicable agreements; Prepare investor capital call and distribution notices; Address and resolve audit inquiries from external auditors during year end audit; Assist on IT initiatives to automate process, program calculations and streamline reporting; Participate on special projects related to the fund.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelors degree in Accounting or Finance; Well organized, detailed, analytical individual with two to four years of relevant work experience; CPA preferred; Real estate partnership accounting and reporting experience 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: PwC Needs a Tax Manager
PricewaterhouseCoopers is looking for an experienced tax professional to join its Private Company Services (“PCS”) team. PCS helps private companies and their owners with tax planning an compliance decisions at all stages of the business.
The position requires five to seven years experience and is located in Chicago.
Company: PricewaterhouseCoopers
Title: Tax Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Description: The Private Company Services (PCS) team is a dedicated group of professionals who focus on the audit, tax compliance and planning, and business advisory needs of public interest entities, and private companies and their owners. By helping private companies make strategic decisions throughout the business lifecycle, our PCS practice is designed to help clients improve cash flow and increase owners’ wealth accumulation. This includes access to capital markets, initial public offerings and assistance with growth into international markets. The team’s clients primarily reside in private equity portfolio companies and the manufacturing, retail, wholesale and distribution, professional services and construction industries.
Qualifications/Skills: 5 – 7 years of tax consulting or compliance experience is required.
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: Harvard Management Company Needs a Senior Accountant
Harvard Management Company is looking for an experienced accountant to join their accounting and finance department.
The position is focused on the Marketable Securities Funds portfolio which is comprised of hedge fund investments. This person will be responsible for all the accounting and analysis for the portfolio.
Candidates should have a minimum of three years experience, hedge fund experience being a plus, and a CPA is preferred.
Company: Harvard Management Company, Inc.
Title: Senior Accountant – Marketable Securities Funds
Location: Boston, MA
Description: The Senior Associate will be responsible for all accounting and related accounting-specific analysis and reporting functions of the MSF portfolio as well as contributing to the accounting of the NR portfolio, as needed. This includes transaction entry, cash movement, and valuation input processes related to these portfolios as well as valuation review and analytical procedures. This also includes the reconciliation of transaction entry, accounting, and performance systems to ensure trade execution accuracy and proper recording of all transactions. The Senior Associate will work closely with other members of the external management accounting team to execute the accounting period close on a monthly basis. This process requires in-depth understanding and analysis of the MSF portfolio investments, including the documentation of significant matters on an ongoing basis. Lastly, the Senior Associate will be involved in the ongoing assessment of accounting and valuation issues related to these portfolios, including financial reporting considerations.
Responsibilities: Maintain the integrity of the portfolio accounting systems and general ledger records; Monitor proper reconciliation of transaction entry, accounting, and performance reporting systems; Contribute to financial statement and valuation analysis; Execute cash movements in coordination with custody operations personnel and ensure trades are processed accurately and timely; Analyze current industry and accounting guidance and its applicability to the MSF portfolio accounting process; Facilitate communication with external managers to provide relevant insight into the accounting and valuation process; Obtain and review fund valuation statements and assist in the analysis of these statements; Interact with and support the MSF portfolio managers regarding current investments; Assist during the annual audit, providing information as requested and maintaining audit reports throughout the year; Participate in special projects and duties as assigned ; Provide accounting-related support and reporting to HMC’s Tax department; Manage responsibilities pertaining to business continuity preparedness, documentation, Disaster Recovery site visits, etc.
Qualifications/Skills: BS Accounting, CPA preferred; Minimum 3-5 years of relevant accounting experience (hedge fund specific experience a plus); Ideal candidate will be very proficient with hedge fund L.P. investment accounting/industry issues; Knowledge and demonstrated interest of financial markets and products
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: Cecil College Needs a Controller
Cecil College is looking for a Controller to lead its financial services department in North East, Maryland.
Candidates should have a minimum of five to seven years experience with CPA and Masters a plus.
Company: Cecil College
Title: Controller/Finance Director
Compensation: $85,000-$92,000
Location: North East, MD
Description: The Controller is a senior level position at Cecil College and is responsible for providing overall leadership and direction for the Financial Services Department which includes a broad range of financial and business services within a robust technology based system.
Responsibilities: Fiscal responsibilities: Accounting (accounts payable, accounts receivable, capital projects and foundation accounting, grant accounting, investment management and payroll), Annual Audits, Budget Development and Management, and Financial Reporting.
Business services responsibilities: purchasing, insurance/risk management controls, and auxiliary services. Three (3) Accounting Managers and the Manager of Procurement are direct reports. The Controller is the “subject matter expert” concerning the finances of the College and keeping the Vice President for Administrative Services, and the leadership of the College informed about its financial condition.
General responsibilities: Provide leadership for all financial operations of the institution which includes the design of systems, preparation/presentation of financial reports and budgets, preparation of documents for annual audits, monitoring of revenues and expenditures, conducting financial analyses and development of internal controls. Provide leadership in the use of technology to achieve administrative efficiencies. Recommend and develop strategies and goals to meet College objectives, and to support sound fiscal management. Participate in the development of short term and long range financial projections along with organizational and staff planning. Provide strategic financial leadership and support on potential alliances, investments, capital projects and other issues affecting the College’s business. Develop an effective structure and plan for monitoring projects and foster continual improvement. Establish fiscal and personal credibility throughout the organization. Enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the organization that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the College.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance; experience in finance in a higher educational environment valued highly. CPA or Master’s Degree a plus Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, fund accounting and ability to apply knowledge within higher education setting. 5-7 years of progressively responsible non-profit accounting using an integrated accounting system. Proficient in the use of word processing and spread sheet software applications (Word and Excel preferred). Effective oral and written communication skills. 3-5 years of supervisory experience.
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: Jefferson Wells Needs a Tax Fund Accountant
Jefferson Wells is looking for tax fund accountants to join its New York office. The position will have a number of responsibilities including preparation of corporate and partnership returns including those for hedge funds, private equity funds, real estate funds and investment advisors.
The position requires a minimum of nine years experience, including multi-national tax experience and a broad understanding of technical tax issues. CPA or EA certifications are preferred.
Company: Jefferson Wells
Title: Tax Fund Accountant
Compensation: 80,000-150,000
Location: New York, NY
Responsibilities: Prepare tax returns for S corporations, C corporations, and partnerships; Preparation of accounting records, and financial statements and tax returns for several investment partnerships; Reviewing and preparing yearly tax filings for Hedge Fund, Private Equity Funds, Real Estate Funds, and Funds’ general partners and investment managers; Performing security analysis and calculating various Fund tax adjustments; Preparation of Tax Form 1065 income tax returns and related K-1s and supporting schedules; prior experience with form 1120; Recording all accounting transactions of the fund and ensuring all investments are booked accurately; Preparation of limited partner capital calls and capital distributions; Researching tax treatment of complex financial instruments and corporate actions of Funds.
Qualifications/Skills: Experience with CorpTax software is required; Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject area required (accounting, auditing, information technology, sciences, taxation, finance etc.); Minimum nine years applicable experience in tax required (federal, state and local or international tax); Experience with multi-national corporate taxation preferred; Broad understanding of tax technical areas and a strong familiarity of FAS 109 preferred; CPA, MST, Enrolled Agent (EA) or Project Management (PMI) certifications 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: Computer Sciences Corporation Needs a Senior Accountant
Computer Sciences Corporation is looking for an experienced accountant to join their group in Sterling, VA. The position is responsible for supervising the posting and balancing of general and subsidiary ledgers, along with account analysis and journal entries.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of six years experience, including three year of supervisory experience and a CPA license is a plus
Company: Computer Sciences Corporation
Title: Accounting Senior Supervisor
Location: Sterling, VA
Description: Supervises the posting and balancing of general and subsidiary ledgers; ensures accuracy and timeliness. Oversees the preparation of account analysis and journal entries to ensure records
Responsibilities: Supervises the posting and balancing of general and subsidiary ledgers; ensures accuracy and timeliness; Oversees the preparation of account analysis and journal entries to ensure records are organized and standardized; Oversees the coding of invoices and vouchers with proper account distribution support to ensure accuracy and validity; Oversees and prepares, as appropriate, foreign currency exchange and remeasurement calculations and journal entries; Supervises and assists in the compilation of data for preparation of regularly scheduled and special accounting reports; verifies statements to ensure accuracy and to meet company information needs; Supervises and assists in the implementation of accounting systems and accounting control procedures to ensure adherence to company guidelines; Recommends and/or initiates the selection and hiring of employees. Trains and evaluates employees to enhance their performance, development and work product. Addresses performance issues and makes recommendations for personnel actions. Makes recommendations for salary increases, transfers and terminations to manager; Provides supervision of the accounting staff to ensure activities are completed accurately and in a timely fashion. Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists employees to resolve problems;
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or related field strongly preferred; Six or more years of accounting experience; Three or more years of leadership experience included; CPA or CPA candidate preferred; Experience working with generally accepted accounting principles; Experience with SAP, Hyperion and Lotus Notes a plus.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
What the AICPA’s New Website Means for CPA Exam Candidates
The short answer: not really anything but I spent 3 years slogging through that last design and can I tell the AICPA that it was absolutely awful? I’m not bitter or anything but I can only imagine what candidates felt like trying to find even the simplest bit of information.
They tell you before you take on the CPA exam to check out cpa-exam.org and run the tutorial before you actually sit down for a section so you can familiarize yourself with the computerized format. CPA Review providers cannot duplicate exam content or the environment exactly, as it is proprietary information, so simulations are a must-do and navigating is a skill you’ll pick up along the way if you don’t already have it. So as long as you’ve already done that, your next stop is the redesigned AICPA website.
Watch a PPT on becoming a CPA, learn about joining the AICPA as a candidate member, or check out their many resources on career options in the accounting industry. You’ve seen Start Here Go Places (an AICPA project that markets the exciting career of accounting to high schoolers and beyond), I don’t need to point you to that.
The AICPA is hot on marketing and excellent at it, even if they do make a poor choice every now and then (Benjamin Bankes, I’m talking about you, dude), so it’s no surprise that they are trying to seduce undecided college students and disgruntled finance professionals looking to switch professions. Things are slightly better in accounting so it isn’t all slick marketing, but I digress.
You can check licensure requirements for your state and even find out how much “average” accountants make. I encourage all of you considering accounting as a career to doublecheck those numbers with Going Concern salary threads.
Anyway.
Overall it’s an improvement and hopefully aggregating this information on the AICPA’s website will make it easier for candidates to find what they need. What do you think?
(Remember also that the ultimate authority on your CPA exam experience is your state board, NASBA, or CPA exam administrating company (like Washington), not the AICPA. Always check with your state board et al. before filing applications or forms if you are unsure on any CPA exam information you read.)
Adrienne Gonzalez is a Going Concern contributor and former CPA wrangler. You can see more of her posts here and all posts on the CPA Exam here.
Job of the Day: Moody’s Needs a Senior Revenue Analyst
Moody’s is looking for someone to join their accounting team in San Francisco as a Senior Revenue Analyst.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree, between two and five years experience in a Big 4 firm, and a CPA license.
Company: Moody’s Corporation
Title: Senior Revenue Analyst
Location: San Francisco, CA
Description: Operate with considerable latitude in performing highly complex duties related to preparing and analyzing financial information to record transactions, prepare financial reports, and review and verify accuracy. Provide value-added expertise to consultants, auditors, and others in development of new concepts, techniques, and standards. Utilize wide-ranging experience to conduct research and problem-solving. May operate in a lead role within the team.
Responsibilities: Ensure that all invoices and key contracts are reviewed for revenue recognition compliance in accordance with US GAAP (SOP 97-2, SOP 81-1, SAB 101); Prepare Deferred Cost analysis for Costs related to SOP 81-1 revenue recognition; Maintain Project spreadsheet with up to date information on on-going and new SW arrangements; Maintain Revenue Analytics spreadsheet on a monthly basis reconciled against all recognized revenue related to on-going or completed services; Reconcile general deferred revenue account on a monthly basis and keep track of all additions and subtractions to account; Work with the Professional Services team to maintain and improve the process to monitor the progress towards completion for fixed-price arrangements; Answer questions from Legal and Sales related to draft orders with the potential revenue recognition implications; Ensure that all revenue deferrals are communicated and recorded properly, and that the recognition of revenue occurs in the proper periods; Prepare and record monthly J/E’s to recognize revenue; Prepare revenue accounting memos and/or checklists to document accounting positions for unusual and/or significant deals; Participate in revenue recognition meetings with internal and external auditors; Ensure compliance of the Revenue Recognition process with Sarbanes Oxley.
Qualifications/Skills: CPA or equivalent qualification; 2-5 years working with within a Finance / Accounting environment; Previous experience with multi-national software revenue recognition or Big 4 accounting firm experience a distinct advantage; Ability to understand legal contracts and determine the proper revenue recognition; Experience with accounting practices and knowledge of accounting rules and regulations faced by public software companies, including revenue recognition; Experience with ERP systems including Peoplesoft and Softrax as well as hands on experience with Great Plains a plus; Bachelor’s degree required. Additional education or degrees in finance or accounting are highly 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: Fannie Mae Needs a Senior Accountant
Fannie Mae is looking for an Senior Accountant – Debt, Derivatives in their Washington, DC/Metro location.
The position requires a minimum of six years experience, with exposure to FASB 52, 91, 133, 155, 157, 159 a plus.
Company: Fannie Mae
Title: Sr. Accountant – Debt, Derivatives
Location: Washington, DC/Metro
Description: Operate with considerable latitude in performing highly complex duties related to preparing and analyzing financial information to record transactions, prepare financial reports, and review and verify accuracy. Provide value-added expertise to consultants, auditors, and others in development of new concepts, techniques, and standards. Utilize wide-ranging experience to conduct research and problem-solving. May operate in a lead role within the team.
Responsibilities: Compile, review, analyze, and record financial information to the general ledger; Complete monthly closings; Prepare balance sheet and profit and loss statements, consolidated financial statements, and other accounting schedules and reports; Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliations to ensure general ledger account information is accurate, consistent, traceable, and auditable; Execute and manage timely and accurate transactions; Identify control weaknesses, communicate to management, and operate in a lead capacity in making remedial changes to tighten and enhance controls and mitigate risk; Design and produce reports; Conduct research and analyses on highly complex issues. Devise creative and effective solutions; Provide requested information to auditors, consultants, and others on highly significant matters requiring coordination; Design, modify, install, and/or maintain accounting systems to ensure adequate recognition of financial transactions; May perform highly complex projects or participate as a team member on projects at the highest level of complexity.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent required; 6-8 years; CPA preferred; Knowledge of financial instruments (debt, derivatives, short term investments) and/or familiarity with financial statements of financial services companies; Knowledge of any of FASB 52, 91, 133, 155, 157, 159 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: Morgan Stanley Needs a Real Estate Accounting Manager
Morgan Stanley is looking for an experienced accountant to join their real estate group to be responsible for all aspects of accounting for the company’s real estate leases and associated fixed assets.
The position requires a minimum of three years experience with real estate accounting experience preferred and advanced Excel skills including pivot tables and lookup functions.
Company: Morgan Stanley
Title: Real Estate Accounting Associate/Manager
Location: New York, NY
Description: This position will be responsible for all aspects of accounting for Morgan Stanley real estate leases and associated fixed assets. This position will work closely with the space reporting, strategic analysis, lease administration, space planning and property management groups.
Responsibilities: Review of new leases to ensure financials are accurate in the Real Estate System; Calculate and record straight-line rent adjustments as well as prepare monthly reconciliation and analysis; Promptly respond to requests of internal & external auditors by providing lease documentation and supporting schedules; Month end close and expense accruals; Prepare balance sheet reconciliation of all rent & rent-related accounts; Accrue & monitor all costs associated with abandonment of space & assess adequacy of vacant space reserves on a quarterly basis; Review all Corporate Services fixed assets to ensure they are accounted for in accordance with Fixed Asset policy and are assigned to the right locations; Monthly analysis of space & occupancy variances and drivers; Compute and record Interest on Fixed Asset allocations; Assist with all aspects of accounting for the Morgan Stanley Smith Barney joint venture; Support the Global Reporting Space Initiative; Ad hoc reports.
Qualifications/Skills: Strong Accounting skills with detailed working knowledge of the General Ledger; 3-5 years of accounting experience; Must have advanced Excel skills, including use of Pivot Tables and Lookup functions; Detail oriented with strong analytical and interpersonal skills; Proven track record of good organizational skills, sound time management, and ability to prioritize and multitask; Team oriented; Systems experience: Omega, REM, BOXI; Communication and presentation skills; Bachelors in Accounting; Background in Real Estate Accounting; PC Skills: MS Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Mainframe General Ledger.
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: Peak6 Investments Needs a Senior Accountant
Peak6 Investments is looking for an experienced accountant to join their team in Chicago.
An ideal candidate will possess superior analytical and reconciliation skills, at least five years of experience in Big 4 accounting is required; CPA designation and previous payroll knowledge is a plus.
Company: Peak6 Investments, LP
Title: Senior Accountant
Location: Chicago, IL
Description: This position will require you to manage accounts of the general ledger within a specific business unit of PEAK6 for which you will be solely responsible in addition, serve as the main contact for all payroll related issues.
Responsibilities: Manage accounts of the General Ledger System; Post and reconcile journal entries; Process semi-monthly payroll for 400+ employees; Work with third parties to resolve payroll tax issues; Assist with the annual audit and be a point person for outside auditors; Drive complex reconciliations Communicate with business leaders within your given business unit; Understand and apply regulatory business rules to accounting procedures.
Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance or related degree; Prior Broker Dealer or similar industry experience preferred; Minimum 5 years experience with automated accounting systems in a customer service, high volume, deadline driven production environment is required. Mastery of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and have familiarity with SEC reporting rules. Creating journal entries and maintaining accounts within an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required—Dynamics GP is 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: RBC Needs a Senior Audit Manager
RBC is looking for a Senior Audit Manager to lead a team to provide independent risk assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of risk management practices, internal control and corporate governance processes in the Capital Markets Finance areas
Requirements include a CA or equivalent, an accounting degree and experience working in financial services with an in-depth knowledge of both U.S. and Canadian GAAP. This position is located in New York.
Company: RBC
Title: Senior Audit Manager
Location: New York, NY
Description: In support of the Senior Manager, Capital Markets Finance, provide independent, objective risk assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of risk management practices, internal control and corporate governance processes in the Capital Markets Finance areas. Work with management in achieving business objectives by creating solutions to improve business operations, while remaining objective and independent. Key stakeholders include senior management, external auditors, and regulators. Results ultimately impact shareholders, employees and customers. Engagement is defined as a specific assignment, task, or review activity, such as: an internal audit, design review, fraud examination, or consultancy. An engagement may include multiple tasks or activities designed to accomplish a specific set of related objectives.
Responsibilities: Leadership/People Management – Lead a team of senior managers and professional auditors responsible for complex and large engagements in terms of product, location or client relation. – Direct, counsel, and instruct staff assigned to the engagement and review audit plan, findings and reports for sufficient scope and for accuracy. – Provide leadership, coaching, performance management and personal development support. – Ensure that we have competent and sufficient engagement resources, with relevant skill sets to meet each audit and our annual plan. – Raise the technical knowledge of the group through various courses, seminars and in-house training in the areas Capital Markets Finance and related risk management framework, compliance and audit techniques. – Back up for primary Senior Relationship Manager Audit & Planning – In concert with Senior Manager, Capital Markets Finance develops the annual Audit Plan for Capital Markets Finance ensuring that audits confirm to regulatory and internal audit requirements – Provide input and participate in the IAS strategic planning process.
Qualifications/Skills: In depth knowledge of business and key functions of Capital Markets Finance – Project Management – Proficient in auditing principles and techniques – Must have the ability to quickly understand the risks associated with new services and/or routines, products and to formulate practical audit procedures to adequately monitor new risk and ensure adherence to limits. – A understanding of management principles that enable recognition and evaluation of materiality and significant deviations from good management practices – In-depth knowledge of US and Cdn GAAP, complex accounting, auditing standards, business processes – Minimum 10-15 years banking/audit experience.
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: UBS Needs an Accounting Director
UBS is looking for someone to join their Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) Structuring Group at the Director level who has expertise in both U.S. GAAP and IFRS.
The position requires four years of relevant experience, and a CPA. Experience in a Big 4 transaction services group is ideal. This position is located in Stamford, CT.
Company: UBS AG
Title: Executive Director/Director – FICC Structuring – Accounting Expert
Location: Stamford, CT
Responsibilities: The candidate will be expected to (1) Structure and execute transactions, and (2) Support the Structuring Group in analyzing and structuring the accounting aspects of transactions. The candidate will report to Head of US RATL.
Qualifications/Skills: The ideal candidate will have practiced accounting in a transaction services group at a Big 4 accounting firm with experience in US GAAP and IFRS. The candidate should have a track record of innovation/creativity. Minimum of 4 years proven relevant experience; 4 year Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent; CPA.
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: Genworth Financial Needs a Senior Tax Analyst
Genworth Financial is looking for an experienced tax professional to assume senior tax responsibilities including compliance and accounting for income taxes.
The position is located in Richmond, Virgina, requires a minimum of three years experience and a CPA is preferred.
Company: Genworth Financial
Title: Federal Income Tax Senior Analyst
Location: Richmond, VA
Responsibilities: An experienced tax professional to assume senior tax responsibilities including activities relating to federal income tax compliance and accounting for income taxes. The successful candidate will join a team of tax professionals that are responsible for all tax compliance and tax accounting for the Company including controllership.
Qualifications/Skills: BA/BS in Accounting; 3-10 years experience with an accounting firm, large internal tax function; 2-4 years tax experience for a US insurer; Outstanding written and oral communication skills; Ability to read, interpret and summarize technical standards, tax and legal documents; Demonstrated ability to solve technical tax or accounting issues in a fast-paced environment, and to communicate tax or accounting requirements effectively to a non-technical audience; Experience with Tax, GAAP or STAT accounting principles; Expertise with Excel, Word and PowerPoint software; CPA is 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: Fannie Mae Needs an Accounting Manager
Fannie Mae is looking for an accounting manager who will manage a staff responsible for collecting, recording, analyzing, and reporting accounting transactions.
The position is located in Dallas, requires six years experience, including 2-4 years of management experience and a CPA license.
Company: Fannie Mae
Title: Accounting Manager – REO and Reserve Accounting
Location: Dallas, TX
Description: Manage a team engaged in collecting, recording, analyzing, and reporting accounting transactions. May manage operations related to general accounting or other specialty areas. 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 production of timely, accurate, and reliable financial information including profit and loss and balance sheet accounts, booking accounting transactions, preparing and validating account reconciliations, and resolving issues and exceptions on a timely basis; Plan, review, and/or prepare internal and external reports, schedules, and statements; Review, establish, and monitor financial controls. Identify opportunities to streamline and automate. Improve efficiencies to reduce costs; Respond to Audit, consultant, and other stakeholder inquiries and requests; Identify and facilitate technology changes to support business needs; 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 in accounting required; CPA required; 6 or more years of progressively challenging experience in accounting, financial analysis, application of accounting principles, and accounting controls; 2-4 years of management experience with motivating, coaching and developing staff in pursuit of creating a performance driven culture. Additionally, experience managing complex projects involving multiple cross-functional stakeholders and strict time constraints required; Understanding of complex accounting regulations and guidance, including GAAP, SEC, FASB, AICPA, required. Strong knowledge in accounting pronouncements associated with real estate strongly desired; Previous experience in an SEC reporting environment and/or Big 4 Public Accounting experience preferred; Experience with accounting processes of a mortgage company, large financial service institution or real estate company required.; Previous experience implementing and documenting SOX controls required; Demonstrated ability to manage and direct a team with an emphasis on developing the team to high performance; Ability to provide regular feedback to team members and prepare performance reviews as required by company timelines.
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 Management Accountant
Last week we kicked off our certification series by looking at the CFE for those of you interested in becoming numbers sleuths that also have the figurative iron-clad stones that Sam Antar insists are imperative for any CFE.
This week we look at the Certified Management Accountant (“CMA”) credential and while it’s probably not as sexy as the CFE, a lot of you may want to consider the CMA if you see yourself spending a good portion of your career working as an in-house accountant or finance pro.
The credential is administered by the Institute of Management Accountants whose website states that “85% owork inside organizations, where expertise in decision support, planning, and control over value-adding operations are crucial elements of operational success,” and boasts 60,000 members worldwide.
Here’s the rundown on the CMA:
Education Requirement
You can meet the education requirement by verifying that you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or that you have a professional qualification, such as a CPA (here’s a partial list of global certifications that qualify).
Professional Requirements
The professional requirement for the CMA is two continuous years of experience in management accounting or financial management. This can be completed prior to the application or within two years of passing the CMA exam. The website states that, “Qualifying experience consists of positions requiring judgments regularly made employing the principles of management accounting and financial management.”
There is a long list of experience that will satisfy this requirement including financial analysis, budget preparation, management information system analysis, financial management, management accounting, auditing in government, finance or industry, management consulting, auditing in public accounting, research, teaching or consulting related to management accounting or financial management.
CMA Exam
The CMA Exam is currently transitioning from a four-part format to a two-part format. The two-part format rolls out on May 1st but testing of the four-part format will be available through December 31, 2010. The new format will focus on financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. The two four hour exams consist of 100 multiple choice questions and two 30 minute essay questions.
Part 1 breaks down like this:
Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting (30%)
Performance Management (25%)
Cost Management (25%)
Internal Controls (15%)
Professional Ethics (5%)
And Part 2:
Financial Statement Analysis (25%)
Corporate Finance (25%)
Decision Analysis and Risk Management (25%)
Investment Decisions (20%)
Professional Ethics (5%)
There’s a lot of information on the new exam format including fees, testing windows, and more that can be seen here.
After certification, you are required to complete 30 hours of CPE annually, of which, 2 hours are required to be in ethics.
Career Options
Many CMAs work in budgeting, financial planning, cost accounting, performance evaluation, asset management and other various capacities. The work often times result in internal reports that will help management make prudent decisions rather than just taking wild stabs at running their respective companies. So it goes without saying that this is important stuff.
For those of you still working in the public realm, you can get benefits out of a CMA too. Our favorite Exuberant Accountant, Scott Heintzelman, has a CMA and he told us that it helps him better understand the needs of his manufacturing clients, “I had a bunch of clients in the manufacturing space and many of the controllers were CMA’s. I thought taking the time to get this certification would give me more creditability with this group…it helped me gain more manufacturing clients as they saw me as one of them, not just a CPA.”
Compensation and Other Benefits
According to the IMA’s most recent survey, CMAs earn 24-31% more than their non-certified colleagues. Those surveyed that have both a CMA and a CPA have even higher salaries. Now, we know what that you’re hung up on money but there are some other advantages too.
According to Scott, “Partners then had this belief [then] that the CMA was a brutal test (and it was). So a year later I started the process and actually was fortunate to pass the entire test on the first attempt. I had also passed the CPA exam on the first attempt a year earlier and so my partners suddenly thought I was some super smart young accountant and many believed I was ‘fast tracked’ to partner. I believe I just worked my butt off to learn that stuff, but none the less several of my partners looked at me differently. A very key moment in my young career.”
Job of the Day: Deutsche Bank Needs a Finance Manager
Deutsche Bank is looking for someone to join its Finance Division as a Finance Manager of Global Banking. Responsibilities will include stakeholder management, business solutions, validation and control.
Candidates need a minimum of seven years experience with background that is familiar with both U.S. GAAP and IFRS.
Company: Deutsche Bank
Title: Finance Manager – Global Banking
Location: New York, NY
Responsibilities: Stakeholder Management – the establishment of stakeholder priorities and the development of open communication and feedback with them. Prioritizing business requirements given the resources available; Business Solutions – providing innovative solutions to business requirements, reviewing new structures and business opportunities. You will also challenge new product initiatives to ensure that business assumptions are accurate; Validation & Control – reviewing offshore produced profit and loss (P&L) and risk data produced by service centers. Monitoring key performance indicator performance and developing a thorough understanding of the products and business drivers. This includes P&L, Balance sheet and risk weighted asset analysis; Acting as the contact point to advise on local generally accepted accounting practice and regulatory requirements; Continuing to develop and enhance the relationship and business knowledge of the Professional service centre in Mumbai and to ensure proper accounting is followed especially by the offshore production teams; Move existing onshore finance production to the PSC
Qualifications/Skills: Accounting or Finance background (IFRS and US GAAP); Relevant product knowledge-Securities Lending, Trust And Securities Services (Custody, Hedge Fund administration, Corporate Trust-Structured Financial Services, Global Debt Services); Strong Excel, Essbase and PowerPoint skills are required; 7-12 years of experienced desired.
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: An International Bank Needs a VP of Technical Accounting
Ashton Lane Group has a client looking for a VP of Technical Accounting that will be responsible for addressing accounting issues under both U.S. GAAP and IFRS.
Candidates need at least eight years of experience, a CPA license, and a Masters degree is a plus.
Recruiter: Ashton Lane Group
Title: VP – Technical Accounting
Location: New York, NY
Description: Advisory expert for complex accounting policies for an international bank
Responsibilities: Analyze accounting treatment for a wide range of complex transactions under both US GAAP and IFRS; Provide on-going support to the financial and regulatory control functions; Work closely with a network of experienced technical accountants globally to provide a cohesive accounting framework; Assist in reviewing US GAAP financial statements and filings; Participate in the new product and trade review functions in New York; Stay abreast of new and emerging accounting developments and assessing their impact on the business.
Qualifications: CPA (or equivalent) with 8+ years financial control experience within financial services; Broad knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US GAAP; Excellent PC skills, proficient in Excel, knowledge of GL packages a plus; Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Bachelors Degree or equivalent required, Masters degree 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: Deutsche Bank Needs a Principal Auditor – Assistant Vice President
Deutsche Bank is looking for an experienced auditor to join their Group Audit Legal, Risk and Captial team. The primary role of this position will focus on the Credit Risk Management, Market Risk Management and Treasury functions.
The position is located in New York and requires a strong finance/accounting background with 5 to 8 years experience.
Company: Deutsche Bank
Title: Principal Auditor – AVP
Location: New York, NY
Description: The role is for a Principal Auditor for the Group Audit LRC (Legal, Risk and Capital) team which covers the following functions: Risk Management (Credit, Market, and Operational), Corporate Security and Business Continuity (CSBC), Treasury & Capital Management, Legal and Compliance. The primary focus of this role will be on Credit Risk Management, Market Risk Management and Treasury.
Responsibilities: Successful implementation of risk-based audits both regionally and globally, with audit work that is appropriately risk assessed and aligned to the LRC audit strategy; Undertakes audit assignments and may review audit work completed by other team members and drafts audit reports for review by LRC Audit management, identifying and escalating issues and recommending audit ratings for approval by the PAM and Chief Auditor. Presenting and agreeing key findings with Client management; Contributes to dynamic planning through business monitoring of the areas of their responsibility; Demonstrates understanding of the client’s business; Facilitates issue tracking and validates closure of issues; Continues to develop technical expertise relevant to LRC and Group Audit, including market and regulatory developments; Enhance team’s position as a center of excellence for LRC related activities and Issues; Assists with training for Group Audit, prepares updates for GA Senior Management and provides on-going advice to Client management.
Qualifications: The candidate will ideally have an Audit background, however those with considerable experience in Risk would also be considered. Five to eight years of relevant experience is desired. He/she should have knowledge and experience with financial services products and operations, and an understanding of the regulatory framework for DB. Detailed technical knowledge of valuation techniques and risk modelling are considered a plus; He/she will have a strong academic background in finance or accounting; Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products, and experience using flowcharting applications. Experience with CAATs is also a plus.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Here’s What Big 4 Accountants Need to Know About the Current Job Market
Ernst & Young’s red alert email that was shared by GC yesterday should not be taken lightly. Doesn’t matter where you work – your job is about to get harder.
Chances are your most recent busy season was relentlessly terrible. A year removed from rounds of cuts and going on two years with zilch for a raise, the masses at the Big 4 are getting antsy, as they should. It’s now or never. Raises are coming. People are leaving. What should you do?
Consider it professional osmosis – Remember high school science labs? Same theory applies to today’s financial services job market. In one Petri dish there are overworked and underpaid public accountants; the other has job openings and cash flow. It doesn’t take a lesson from your high school chemistry teacher (or me) to explain how this one works. The back offices of financial markets are increasing their numbers as investments begin to flow in again.
Better than a tax refund – The job market for tax professionals will hopefully see its typical action this summer. According to a recent FINS article, interest in making a change is at an all-time high, “43% of tax professionals are hoping to change jobs when the economy evens out, according to a survey by the large U.S. finance headhunter Ajilon Professional Staffing. ‘That’s a large number — one of the largest numbers than we’ve seen in years,’ said Jodi Chavez, a senior vice president at Ajilon.”
Does this mean 43% of your staff is jumping ship? Hell no. The job market is warm not on fire. But it does mean that you should expect to see more “Farewell” emails like this one. If your buddies skip town in a similar fashion to that letter, please share with us.
What about this E&Y thing? Well…I don’t know. Desperate times sound like they’re wrapped up in a formal message with a $7,500 ribbon on top. KPMG made a similar request for advisory reinforcements a few weeks back but they didn’t go so far to make a public plea for external hires. The E&Y situation is probably not as bad as it’s being played out here at GC; it could be a pre-emptive move to protect the practice from layoffs. How bad is it really? We need to know. Get on the horn and tell us in the comments.
Job of the Day: Bloomberg Needs an Accounting Manager
Bloomberg is looking for someone to assume a leadership role in its Media Accounting Group.
This group oversees the credit, billing, collections, cash application, AR reporting and analysis for all of the company’s media products
The position requires 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience and is located in New York.
Company: Bloomberg
Title: Media Accounting Team Leader
Location: New York, NY
Description: A leadership role within the Media Accounting group whose responsibilities include Credit, Billing, Collections, Cash Application, AR Reporting and Analysis for all Bloomberg media products (Television, Radio, Online and Print).
Responsibilities: We are looking for a hands-on manager with experience in the Order to Cash process (Credit, Collections, Billing, Reporting, Reconciliation). This person will be expected to supervise the work of others while at the same time performing day-to- day job tasks in a fast paced open environment. AdMarc billing system and DART ad server experience preferred.
Qualifications: A degree in accounting is required; Possesses thorough accounting knowledge; 3-5 years of supervisory experience within the media industry.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Three Big Benefits to Getting Your PhD in Accounting
Not so long ago, we presented you with the interesting results of the Final Four if schools advanced based the number of accounting research papers produced. This may or may not have piqued your interest in the possibility of ditching the grind of 9 to whenever you get off for the friendly confines of a college campus.
For those of you that are interested, Professor David Wood of Brigham Young University passed along a link that compiles information for anyone giving serious thought to going back to school. We also got some of his thoughts about his own experience as a professor.
Other than everyone calling you “Doctor” there are three benefits that professors enjoy that is listed on BYU’s “So You Want to Get a PhD.?” page. Granted these don’t apply to just those in accounting but to anyone looking to dive into higher ed instruction:
Professors are constantly learning – “Professors spend the majority of their time teaching and researching. Both of these acts are rooted in learning and sharing your learning with others.” Learning? You mean people enjoy learning? Constantly? Yes, it’s true that some accountants are in it for intellectual stimulation as opposed to the glamor, riches, and title. Professor Wood wrote to us in an email, “Every day is filled with exciting new challenges—from thinking about how to improve business through my research to trying to better communicate and reach students.”
Professors want to make a difference in the world – “In the classroom, professors are role models to their students and teach students how to make the world a better place.” Yes there’s some mushy stuff but that’s good, right? Being able to guide future accountants by showing them different paths that careers can take, what opportunities exist now and what the future holds is a rewarding part of a professor’s job. Professors have the amazing opportunity to inspire young minds to want to make a difference in their chosen career. As Professor Wood told us, “College students are at an important cross road in their life and professors can help provide clarity and information for students to make well-informed, good decisions.”
Life as a professor is full of flexibility – “Not only do professors largely work when and where they want, but they also choose what they do.” This is the stuff that most can only dream of in most corporate/Big 4 world – work when you want, where you want, time for hobbies and other activities. Sure you had to work hard at researching and teaching the new wave of CPAs but there’s a lot freedom that comes with it. Again, Professor Wood, “I don’t know any other career that offers the flexibility of academics without bearing substantial financial risk.”
There you have it. Lots of learning, you get to inspire young minds and you basically can live the way you want. Of course it involves some work too but we’ll touch on that later. Meanwhile, you can ponder.
So you want to get a Ph.D.? [BYUaccounting.net]
Job of the Day: VeriFone Needs an Internal Auditor
VeriFone is looking for someone to join its internal audit team to participate in global SOx testing and other internal audits.
This position is located in San Jose, CA and requires someone with at least three years experience of internal/external audit experience and the ability to travel internationally when required.
Company: VeriFone
Title: Senior Internal Auditor
Location: San Jose, CA
Responsibilities: To assist in the planning, scoping, development, and execution of the global SOX 404 testing compliance function; Under the direction of IA management updates all testing templates, key controls/risk/assertions or other required documentation or analysis; Conduct and execute testing efforts with IA team and outside consultants and auditors as needed to perform the work and track all results; Compile and document all deficiencies, effectively interface with auditors and process owners to ensure issues are understood and corrective action is agreed to for prompt remediation; Meet all assigned deadlines without exception; Ensure all work papers comply with IA department standards; Prepare final deficiency listing of all open items for prompt Process Owner clearance; To assist in the execution of planned internal audits according to annual risk and audit plan; To conduct fieldwork for all audits assigned; document all pre-planning steps and analysis work; create audit programs and review audit results of self and team members as assigned; Update and prepare detailed action plans of all audit results for process owner agreement and final publication; Interface with all levels of VFI staff in the execution of audit work; Perform special reviews/investigations as assigned
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or accounting; Requires a minimum of 3+ years internal / external audit experience including SOX testing as well as operational audits; Experience in a manufacturing environment; Desire and ability to travel Internationally when required.
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: Asset Manager Needs a Senior Corporate Accountant
A top New York asset management company is looking for a senior corporate accountant to responsible for monthly close, expense/revenue analysis, assisting in year-end audit process, among others.
The position requires 3 to 6 years experience and a CPA license is preferred.
Company: Not disclosed
Title: Senior Corporate Accountant
Location: New York
Responsibilities: Take ownership for parts of the monthly G/L closing (e.g. booking/tracking of certain investments, expenses and various expense accruals and preparation of supporting schedules); Revenue and Expense Account analysis and reconciliations; Review and own the revenue sharing expense process (i.e. keep up to date with contracts and maintain organized, review invoices for accuracy, etc.); Prepare quarterly insurance company revenue sharing payments; Assist with outside legal bills monthly coordination and approvals for payments; Act as new G/L system administrator and report writer/editor; Prepare monthly financial reporting package for senior management; Prepare monthly business line and departmental reporting package for senior management; Prepare annual financial statements and footnotes, standalone and consolidated which includes registered investment advisory and broker dealer subsidiaries as well as affiliated hedge funds; Assist in year end audit process (i.e. prepare schedules, reconciliations, analysis of account balances, etc.) and interface with auditors as needed; Assist in yearly budget process and prepare monthly budget analysis (including budget vs. actual variance analysis).
Qualifications: CPA preferred; Bachelor Degree in Accounting; Prefer individual with 3-6 years experience (with at least 1-2 years experience/exposure in or to the Corporate Accounting area of an Asset Management firm).
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Jobs of the Day: Barrier Advisors Needs Associates and Analysts
Barrier Advisors, Inc. has positions at both the Associate and Analyst level to join its Restructuring & Investment Banking Group in Dallas, Texas. These positions will provide financial and accounting consulting services in corporate restructuring, M&A and other areas.
The Associate positions require 3 to 4 years experience with CPA, CFA, CIRA or Series 7 a plus. Analysts require 1 to 2 years experience and certifications are also a plus.
Company: Barrier Advisors, Inc.
Title: Associate or Analyst
Location: Dallas
Description: Provide financial and accounting related consulting and advisory services primarily in the areas of Corporate Restructuring and Mergers and Acquisitions. This practice provides services primarily in the following areas: Creditor and Debtor Advisory, Mergers and Acquisitions, Performance Improvement, Wind-Down and Liquidation.
Responsibilities: Apply business, accounting, finance and analytical skills to various client situations and practice disciplines (e.g., financial modeling, ratio and comparable company analysis, review/analysis of financial statements and projections, assessing business plans, claims, conducting due diligence on balance sheet and profit and loss statement items, etc.); Prepare complex cash flow projections and worksheets to model business processes and/or actual or hypothetical transactions; Work to ensure a quality product, as well as delivery of all work within established timeframes; Prepare draft written analyses and other reports for third parties, as necessary, on the project scope, findings and/or results of activities; Prepare PowerPoint presentations and quantitative exhibits for third parties, as necessary, on the project scope, findings and/or results of activities; Research and organize information to facilitate effective data access and analysis.
Qualifications: Proficiency with PC environment and related software, including Microsoft Office applications (a very strong emphasis on Excel and PowerPoint); Familiarity with web-based financial research resources for corporate information, SEC filings, competitive data, etc; Thorough knowledge of corporate finance and accounting principles and terminology; General knowledge of corporate bankruptcy process and procedure;
Associate Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or business administration is required, MBA preferred. If not a business degree, then subsequent business training can suffice; 3-4 years of Investment Banking, Consulting, Private Equity or Public Accounting is desired; Certifications such as CPA, CFA, CIRA, Series 7, etc. are not mandatory, but will be considered.
Analyst Education/Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or business administration is required. If not a business degree, then subsequent business training can suffice; 1-2 years of Investment Banking, Consulting, Private Equity or Public Accounting is strongly desired; Certifications such as CPA, CFA, CIRA, Series 7, etc. are not mandatory, but will be considered.
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: Asset Management Company Needs a Tax Manager
A top mutual fund/asset manager is looking for a tax manager to take responsibilities over many of the tax functions including Product Support (e.g. reviewing of federal and state tax returns) and Corporate Support (FIN 48 Analysis).
Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, 5+ years of mutual fund taxation experience either with a , public accounting firm or a mutual fund complex and hedge fund experience is plus. The position is located in New York.
Company: Not disclosed
Title: Tax Manager
Location: New York
Responsibilities: Review fiscal year end and excise tax calculations (mutual funds, ETF’s); Review federal, state and local tax returns (mutual funds, hedge funds and ETF’s); Prepare/review year end 1099 shareholder tax reporting and supplemental tax reporting information (i.e. foreign tax credit pass through, tax exempt income by state, alternative minimum tax); Review K-1 preparation and reporting to hedge fund partners; Assist in monitoring book/tax differences such as PFICs, wash sales, straddles, contingent debt, equity/debt determination, etc.; Monitor hedge fund investments for UBTI and FIRPTA issues; Prepare/review tax schedules required for tax return preparation; Perform tax research, advice and analysis for current and potential products (i.e. swaps, publically traded partnerships, derivatives, etc), including keeping appraised of developments and industry issues; draft tax position memos as needed; Perform FIN 48 analysis; Maintain tax filing calendar; Review monthly and quarterly tax compliance, IRC diversification, income tests, etc.; Enhance/develop internal tax policies/procedures; Assist in the training and development of portfolio administration staff on tax matters; Prepare/review tax disclosures for insertion in financial statements; Review international tax filings (i.e. ETF’s in Germany); Prepare/review tax disclosures for insertion in financial statements; Address fund shareholder, separate account and hedge fund investor tax related inquiries
Qualifications: College degree in accounting and/or advanced degree in taxation is required; 5+ years of Mutual Fund taxation experience is required, either with a public accounting firm or mutual fund complex, hedge fund taxation experience a plus; Managerial experience a plus; Proficiency in Excel and Word required.
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: Bloomberg Needs a Senior Accounting & Finance Analyst
Bloomberg needs someone to join their global accounting group that will be responsible for the Brazil region’s accounting operations, processing and efficiency Metrics for all accounting functions and internal control over transaction processing.
Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, 5 to 7 years of relevant experience, and a CPA license. The position is located in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Company: Bloomberg
Title: Senior Accounting and Finance Analyst
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Description: The Accounting representative position is a senior-level role within the Global Bloomberg Accounting organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for all cash operations in the region, achievement of processing and efficiency of funds for all accounting functions, internal control over financial & accounting transactions, analysis & reporting Bloomberg senior accounting leadership.
Responsibilities: Processing of transactions relating to selected treasury/cash related functions and region-specific regulatory and statutory requirements for Latin America; Processing of cash flows and funding request; To support peers on bank issues; To verify the foreign rules before export or import goods on the Latin America region and to control the import/export process. Knowledge in Incoterms is a plus; To keep track of the changes at each country in the Region related to the legal procedures at Customs; To close the FX contracts for Latin Americas branches, experience in exchange is a plus; To control and storage accounting, financial and statutory documents; To control and to register all fixed assets and promotional items purchased for the region; To coordinate the print process of Nota Fiscal for all branches in Brazil; To prepare the resale, donation and scrapping spreadsheets to analyze the values to proceed or not with the process; To attend government inspections, internal or external audits and to check all government statements and escalate if necessary; Development, maintenance, and review of the internal control framework governing all financial operations within the region.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; Professional Accounting designation (e.g. CPA, chartered accountant); Demonstrated experience in process refinement/improvement to achievement goals/metrics; Prior accounting related roles with dotted line responsibilities to sales organizations and/or customer service related targets; Proficiency in Accounting systems or enterprise-wide software applications; SAP a plus; Proficiency in Spanish is an advantage.
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: Morgan Stanley Needs a VP – Transfer Pricing/Tax Controller
Morgan Stanley is looking for someone to join their Transfer Pricing/Tax Controllers team as a Vice President. The position will be responsible for the transfer pricing accounting process and three staff in the group.
Company: Morgan Stanley
Title: Vice President – Transfer Pricing/Tax Controller
Location: New York (One NY Plaza)
Description: Morgan Stanley is seeking a Vice President for its Transfer Pricing/Tax Controllers Team. The successful hire will be responsible for aspects of the Firm’s Transfer Pricing accounting process and management of 3 staff. The Tax Control side of the role needs to be developed further.
Responsibilities: Liaise with Transfer Pricing Tax and Legal Entity/Business Unit Controllers; Participate in month end close process for Transfer Pricing; Preparation of the quarterly and annual transfer pricing reconciliation; Account reconciliation and variance analysis; Related party account control; Responding to e-mails, questions and requests; Liaise with IT and users to help trouble shoot and resolve issues on the systems used by the group; Booking tax payments/accruals as directed by Tax; Ad hoc tax account/cost center opening.
Qualifications: Bachelors Degree; Strong Accounting skills; Strong PC Skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, Access).
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: Bloomberg Needs a Management Planning & Analysis Professional
Bloomberg needs someone to join their Management Planning & Analysis team to help develop and evaulate business reporting for all aspects of the Company’s business.
Qualifications include 5 to 7 years experience in analytic, metrics role, highly skilled with data analysis applications (e.g. Excel, Access, SAP BW) and an advanced degree is preferred.
Company: Bloomberg
Title: Management & Planning Analysis
Location: New York
Description: The primary responsibilities of the MP&A team is to develop performance reporting for all areas of the Bloomberg business in order to (1) evaluate performance against goals, (2) support business decisions and prioritization of resources, and (3) increase transparency of results to better align goals within the organization.
Responsibilities: Analyze data and processes; Develop and articulate solution definitions; Assist in the collection and consolidation of required information and data; Analyze large data sets in detail and develop critical insights/analyses; Document processes and requirements; Research industry and competitive position; Perform evaluation and analysis of periodic (weekly, monthly, quarterly) reporting of departments performance against these business plans and metrics; Prepare presentations in support of senior management presentations; Work on ad-hoc reporting to analyze success of various corporate business initiatives; You will also be responsible for maintaining standards for reporting including ensuring proper documentation and consistency of data used in reporting and the development and/or evaluation of reporting tools such as SAP Business Warehouse, internal reporting systems,
etc.
Qualifications: 5-7 years in an analytical, metrics focused role; An undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree is preferred; Ability to provide solutions based on analysis of large data sets, business plans and goals; Previous experience within a multimedia firm a plus; Proficient with all Microsoft applications; highly skilled with data applications including but not limited to Excel, Access, SAP BW; Ability to learn and adapt new technology and software quickly to meet immediate demands; Ability to execute projects in high pressure environment while clearly articulate roles, project goals, and timelines; Comfortable with taking input/direction from team members and internal customers and appropriately and accurately applies comments/feedback; Embodiment of our core competencies – effective communicator, highly ethical, creative, continually develop business expertise; Hard-working, intelligent, and professionally assertive with a strong work ethic; Results oriented attitude; makes commitments and follows through; Willingness to work with small teams in all aspects of assessment and implementation.
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: Insurance Expert with Big 4 Audit Experience Needed in New York
A major New York financial company is looking for an experienced accountant/auditor that is familiar with the insurance industry, specifically property & casualty, life or re-insurance companies.
Responsibilities include reviewing current accounting and reporting policies, as well as development and implementation of new policies.
Four to seven years of Big 4 or corporate accounting experience is preferred. CPA required.
Company: Not disclosed
Compensation: $120-$135k base + 20% bonus
Title: Accounting Analyst
Location: New York
Responsibilities: Responsible for reviewing current accounting policies and reporting proceedures and will also work on a team with responsibility for development of and implementation of new accounting policies.
Qualifications: 4 to 7 years of public or corporate accounting in the US Insurance Industries. Preference in Big 4 auditors with P&C or Life or Re-Insurance companies as clients or staff accounting professionals currently working in P&C or Life Insurers. CPA preferred. No travel.
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: Hamilton Lane Needs a Reporting Analyst
Hamilton Lane is looking for someone to join their Reporting Group that will monitor the performance of portfolios and investment using analytics and proprietary software developed by the Company.
The position is located in Bala Cynwyd, PA (Southwest Philadelphia), requires a fluent Spanish speaker and may require some day time travel (approximately 10%).
Company: Hamilton Lane
Title: Analyst – Monitoring and Reporting
Location: Bala Cynwyd, PA
Responsibilities: Establish and maintain client relationships as the primary contact for the Reporting Department, ensuring a superior level of client service; Work directly with Relationship Managers on client deliverables and special projects; Maintain a working knowledge of assigned client portfolios and the investments within these portfolios; Possess a working knowledge of accounting principles and be able to extract and analyze data from financial statements; Communicate with representatives of investment partnerships to ensure the timely receipt of cash flow and financial information; Coordinate assigned projects and special project work with allocated resources; Prepare quarterly and annual reports for clients and asset management vehicles; Review financial statements prepared by fund administrators for inclusion with reports; Respond to client and fund investor questions and special requests (analyze reports/informational requests), interact with Relationship Managers to ensure that the required level of client service is being provided; Monitor and track cash flow activity for limited partnerships, communicate with custodian banks regarding capital calls and distributions for clients to ensure successful delivery and receipt, reconcile cash flows with custodian banks.
Qualifications: Fluency in Spanish is a requirement; 0-4 plus years of work experience in an accounting/financial industry setting preferred; College degree (B.A., B.S. or B.B.A.); Some daytime travel possible (up to 10%).
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: Northwest Needs an Accounting Manager
Northwest is looking for an experienced accounting professional to lead a team of approximately twelve individuals. This person needs experience evaluating, creating, and re-working effective controls along with leadership experience.
The position is located in Stamford, CT, requires a minimum of eight years experience, and a CPA license. Get more details after the jump.
Company: Northwest
Title: Manager, Portfolio Accounting (Investment Management)
Location: Stamford, CT
Description: Highly skilled Portfolio Accounting Manager sought to manage/mentor staff, evaluate existing processes/innovate new more efficient ones, create new controls, streamline workflows, etc.
Responsibilities: Responsible for monthly reconciliations, the calculation and reporting of monthly performance, pricing, valuations and NAV’s, and reporting to clients for SMA’s and DFI’s; Take ownership of the portfolio accounting metrics (review existing, create new), build new processes/procedures and controls, streamline/rebuild work flows to ensure efficiency, manage third party relationships, consistently identify areas of improvement within the department, build and execute strategy as well as manage numerous cross-departmental projects. Position will report to the department senior.
Qualifications: Minimum of a Bachelors degree; prefer Masters; CPA; Minimum of 8 years relevant accounting experience (portfolio accounting, fund accounting, partnership accounting, reconciliation/valuation expertise, or CPA out of a Fund Administrator); Experience managing a staff of at least 10 individuals. Experience creating staff performance metrics, evaluating staff performance, hiring; Extensive experience evaluating accounting processes and procedures, creating controls.
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: Credit Suisse Needs a Head of Valuation Testing
Credit Suisse is looking for an experienced professional to join their Chief Financial Officer Division as a Head of Valuation Testing Reporting.
The position is responsible for the collection of valuation testing results across all Investment Bank business units and consolidates those results in a monthly presentation to senior management and quarterly presentation to the Audit Committee among other duties.
The position requires a minimum of seven years experience and is located in New York. Get more details after the jump.
Company: Credit Suisse
Title: Head of Valuation Testing
Location: New York
Description: This person is responsible for managing the technology for collecting the valuation testing results, summarizing the results and providing ongoing guidance to the business unit product controllers on valuation testing policies and procedures. The material this person is responsible for preparing will be reviewed by the Global Head of Product Control, the CFO and the Audit Committee.
Responsibilities: Primary deliverable is the Monthly Consolidated Inventory Valuation Review for the Investment Bank. There are also additional monthly deliverables to Product Control that summarize valuation testing metrics, exception reports and other control-related reports or processes; This person will be a key participant in the development of next generation valuation testing reporting systems and will work closely with the Product Control Reporting Group and the Strategic Process Change Group on enhancing existing systems and defining requirement for future development; This person will also work closely with his/her peers within VRG in defining new policies and procedures and guidelines for implementation of policies and procedures. Additionally this person will be a point person for communication with his/her peers in Product Control Price Testing.
Qualifications: This person needs to be organized and be able to organize a complex consolidation and reporting function such that it is most efficient and minimizes errors. Organization extends to the process of collecting information, synthesizing/editing, presenting and storing the results; This person should have experience in management reporting in a Global Investment/Commercial Bank with experience in reporting price testing results. A working knowledge of the investment banking products of derivatives, cash instruments, and structured products is a must; This person should understand the different roles of control in an investment/commercial bank and the interactions between product control, reporting, financial accounting, etc.; This person should have experience in developing technology solutions for their business with specific experience in management reporting a definite 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: BNP Paribas Needs an Experienced Accountant
BNP Paribas is looking for someone to join their accounting team that will be responsible for the day to day maintenance and control of the assigned sections of the general ledger.
The position requires a of two to four years experience and is located in Jersey City, NJ. Get more details after the jump.
Company: BNP Paribas
Title: Accountant, Financial Institutions
Location: Jersey City, NJ
Description: The accountant is responsible for the day to day maintenance and control of the sections of the general ledgers under his responsibility. When applicable he coordinates review and potential adjustments with operation groups He provides all required reporting to management. This person is also responsible for the process of reporting the monthly management revenues for the entities under his/her responsibility.
Responsibilities: Observance of Banks Policies and Procedures; Review of Daily Ledgers for posting errors and/or back value transactions; Justify or reconcile all accounts under her/his responsibility; Prepare and book daily/monthly entries as necessary; Prepare required reconciliation reporting for branch or entity; Assist on special projects at the request of management; Assist on user acceptance testing at the request of management
Perform specific duties and report as assigned; Assist in the distribution of financial reports and ledgers
Support Management Accounting for financial data; Produce, review, reconcile and submit monthly revenue profitability information to Head Office; Respond to questions and special requests from account officers; Investigate and resolve issues and questions concerning Customer Profitability.
Qualifications: Minimum 2-4 years experience in financial and/or management accounting; Must have Prime Brokerage product knowledge.
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: Citi Needs a Expense Controller
Citi is looking for someone to join their Citi Capital Advisors (CCA) Financial Control unit as an Expense Controller. The position’s responsibilities center around budgeting, forecasting and reporting actual results for all operating expenses and headcount.
It requires a minimum of six years experience and is located in New York. Get more details after the jump.
Company: Citi
Title: Financial Control – Expense Controller
Location: New York, NY
Description: Financial Control is responsible for a variety of activities related to the firm’s financial reporting and controls. The team is divided into different areas of specialization where each member is responsible for a unique set of responsibilities that include both analytical and accounting roles.
Responsibilities: This position will assist in all aspects of expense management and legal vehicle reporting within the Citi Capital Advisors (CCA) Financial Control unit; The primary responsibility will be to drive the core expense management processes and assist the CCA Finance management team to create a best-in-class robust and controlled financial reporting process for both management and legal books. These responsibilities will be centered around budgeting, forecasting and reporting actual results for all operating expenses and headcount; The candidate will have significant input to streamline all aspects of the expense reporting processes.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting degree required; 6 to 10 years of experience in financial control or related function required.
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: Visa Needs a Controller of Business Operations
Visa is looking for an experienced professional to join its Business Operations Group.
The position requires a candidate to have experience with Oracle GL, advanced Excel skills, a CPA and an MBA is preferable.
Check out more details for this position, located in Foster City, CA after the jump.
Company: Visa
Title: Business Leader – Controller of Business Operations
Location: Foster City, CA
Responsibilities: Lead a team within Controller Business Operations who will provide comprehensive controller support to the CIO organization; Successfully translate emerging technology strategies, business relationships and initiatives into controller and financial statement impacts. Align through Finance and other key stakeholders for efficient application of Visa’s accounting policies; Continue to improve the communication, controls, tools, and framework used for assessment and communication of financial impacts of software development projects and the efficiency and effectiveness of recording the impacts of “in progress” software development projects as part of the monthly Ensure accurate accounting for acquisitions and disposals of facilities, technology and software assets, including assessment and documentation accounting impacts of large and complex multi-year software contracts; This includes fostering ongoing interaction with global sourcing and accounts payable to ensure timely, seamless and automated information transfer from these teams and systems to Controller Business Operations and Oracle fixed assets; Build and maintain ongoing and regular communication with CIO leadership and finance business partners to ensure that controllership is aware of emerging business decisions/ developments to ensure seamless support to the business;
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance with 10+ years of progressive experience at a publicly held global company; In-depth knowledge and recent experience with application of SOP 98-1; CPA required, MBA 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: Wescott Financial Advisory Group Needs a Senior Accountant
Wescott Financial Advisory Group is a growing Philadelphia based financial advisory firm that is looking for a senior accountant to join their accounting team.
This job requires 4 years experience with QuickBooks familiarity and a CPA license is preferred.
Check out more details for this position, located in Philadelphia, after the jump.
Company: Wescott Financial Advisory Group
Title: Senior Accountant
Compensation: $55,000 – $65,000
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Responsibilities: Evaluating, improving and maintaining the accuracy and integrity of all financial databases and reporting systems; Providing accurate and timely financial reports; Developing an annual budget; Working on special financial analysis, forecasting and business modeling projects as assigned; Provide system-wide testing assistance to Wescott’s Chief Compliance Officer and, along with other members of the Wescott team, identify, recommend and implement improvements to Wescott’s financial reporting practices, processes and systems.
Qualifications: 4-year degree with a emphasis on accounting or finance; Minimum of 4 year’s general accounting experience, Familiarity with Quickbooks and advanced Microsoft Excel spreadsheet construction and financial analysis skills; Financial Services experience in a multi-business unit/ regional operation and a CPA are a strong 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: Computer Sciences Corporation Needs a Tax Manager
Computer Sciences Corporation is searching for a tax professional to join their corporate tax department for the purposes of managing their tax compliance and planning functions.
This job requires supervisory and management experience. Big 4 experience is a plus.
Check out more details for this position, located in Falls Church, VA, after the jump.
Company: Computer Sciences Corporation
Title: Senior Manager – Federal Tax
Location: Falls Church, VA
Description: This position directs and controls the activities of one or more functional areas, divisions, product groups or service areas.
Responsibilities: Manages tax planning and compliance function, including the preparation of Federal corporate and partnership returns; Manages the tax budgeting and forecasting process, including the preparation of estimated payments; Assist with IRS audit defense (fact gathering, tax law analysis and positioning); Research and draft tax position papers for FIN 48 and Sarbox documentation requirements; Coordinate with Legal and Business Development on due diligence for mergers and acquisitions; Develop and maintain critical relationships between Tax, Controllers, Treasury, Legal, and Business Units to ensure Tax has a well-informed view of the business operations; Coordinate closely with Tax Accounting and Reporting team to ensure timely and accurate preparation of quarterly and annual tax provision and related disclosures; Coordinate closely with International Tax function to ensure timely and proper pickup of international results in consolidated returns; Coordinate and assist State Tax function with their planning and compliance objectives; Mentor and coach Managers and Senior tax accountants in department.
Basic Qualifications: Master’s degree in accounting, finance or related field preferred; Twelve or more years of tax accounting or finance experience; Nine or more years of supervisory or management experience included; CPA preferred; Big Four experience a plus; Experience working with tax laws and procedures; Experience working with tax forms and processing; Experience working with accounting principles and accounting software and databases; Experience working with auditing and generally accepted accounting principles; Familiarity with SAP, Hyperion and CorpTax 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: Morgan Stanley Needs an Infrastructure Controller
Morgan Stanley is looking for someone to join their Private Equity Finance Division to handle financial reporting, tax support and business analysis for its Fund Infrastructure complex.
The position requires seven to nine years experience and a CPA license.
Get more details on this position in New York after the jump.
Company: Morgan Stanley
Title: Infrastructure Controller – Vice President
Location: New York, NY
Description: Morgan Stanley is looking for a Fund Controller for Private Equity Finance Division to provide accounting and financial reporting, tax support and business analyses for a multi -billion dollar fund. The open position is a Vice President for the Firm’s Infrastructure Fund complex and related feeder funds
Responsibilities: Review of GAAP basis accounting closings for the Partnerships, including maintenance of books and records, valuation of publicly traded and non-public investment portfolios and cash and brokerage records; Review of quarterly GAAP basis financial statements for the Partnerships, cash flow statements, schedules of investments and footnotes; Review of quarterly reports for partners, including detail roll forward analyses of Partner Capital Accounts (PCAAs) and ad hoc investor requests; Identify and resolve partnership legal, tax and accounting issues subject to investment company accounting guidance. Work with the Partnerships’ auditors to issue year end audited financial statements; Review of accounting and reporting for the Partnerships’ general partners and leveraged co-investment vehicles which are owned by the Firm and Partnerships’ Management personnel; Review of capital calls, management fees, expense analyses, investment purchases and sales and distributions; Communicate, coordinate and work with Partnerships’ Management and the Firm’s finance, administration and operations areas (such as Investor Relations, Treasury, Tax, and Legal); Ensure proper guardianship controls over partnership assets and compliance with procedures documented as required by Sarbanes Oxley; Identify opportunities to use technology to enhance accounting, reporting and operating processes; Assist with the operations of portfolio holding companies.
Qualifications: 7-9 years of accounting experience including financial statement preparation experience and prior experience in Private Equity and/or Hedge Fund area; CPA required
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: Global Partnership Schools Needs a Controller
Global Partnership Schools is looking for a controller to oversee the the financial reporting system and supervise the accounting staff.
This position requires 5 to 7 years experience and CPA or CMA license.
Check out the details for this position, located in New York, after the jump.
Company: Global Partnership Schools
Title: Controller
Location: New York, NY
Experience Required: 5 – 7 years
Description: To develop, maintain and oversee Global Partnership Schools and its associated entities’ financial systems while assisting CFO in all areas of financial management and company operations.
Responsibilities: Design and develop financial accounting systems; prepare budgets; supervise accounting processes; review and analyze financial reports. Coordinate with external auditors and tax consultants; Design, monitor and implement financial systems, policies and procedures; Meet finance operational standards by contributing information to strategic financial plans and reviews; implement production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; resolve problems and identify system improvements; Supervise accounting staff and carry out responsibilities in accordance with Global Partnership School’s policies and procedures and applicable state and federal laws; Accomplish accounting requirements by designing and maintaining accounting processes: including journal entries and general ledger, billing, collections, accounts payable, accounts receivable and purchase orders; supervise bank reconciliations and closing processes; Support annual budget processes; develop and maintain forecasts and models; ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices and cash management; Perform budget vs. actual analysis for Global Partnership Schools on a monthly basis; Prepare monthly financial accounts vs. profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flows for management reporting; Manage payroll process by analyzing, preparing and inputting payroll data using automated system; ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal wage and hour laws; Coordinate with external auditors and tax consultants; prepare and file basic tax returns; Oversee projects as assigned by CFO.
Qualifications: 5-7 years of experience in Financial Management, preferably in an educational setting; CPA/CMA strongly desired; Accounting, cost accounting, financial planning and strategy, financial skills, financial software, analyzing information, implementation of Microsoft Dynamics and exceptional written and oral communication skills. Educational experience strongly desired.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Three Things to Remember When Changing Accounting Careers
Happy Friday, folks. Hopefully with busy season ending soon, this marks the end of your work week. If not, well, keep reading. Maybe we can change that.
As I mentioned on Tuesday, you might be feeling the tides of change in the next few weeks in your office, whether that be with your personal career or with co-workers dressing better than usual.
• It’s about the total package – Even in the glory days of post-SOX rulings and lush amounts of advisory services work, public accounting has never paid close to what the private sector provides. When looking for new positions, know that you should not be expecting to find 50%-100% salary increases. It can be expected to find base salary increases to fall into the 10-15% range. Why? Because honestly, the stories told over warms beers at your last work function were grossly overblown. Sure, the occasional rock star accountant makes the leap from newly christened manager to controller of a small fund and landing on a cushy financial pillow. The monetary difference between public and private (and I’m speaking of financial services) rests in the annual bonuses:
Senior Associate, Big 4: $70,000 salary + $5,000 bonus = $75,000
Fund Accountant, XYZ Hedge fund: $80,000 salary + $30,000 bonus = a no brainer
These numbers are general but realistic for today’s market. Keep these in mind as you reach for that red wax pencil.
• Be realistic about your next job title – You’re an accountant. No, you can’t be a trader. No, front office is not for you (yet). You need to be honest with yourself and really scrutinize the experience you’re building in your current role. Working on a private equity fund-to-fund will not prep you enough to slip into a fund accounting role at the P/E firm of your choice. Mold your career experiences to fit what you want to do. The right recruiter will manage your expectations, which leads us to…
• Start out with multiple recruiters – Finding the right recruiter is like finding a career counselor. Some will be pushy and force unwanted jobs on you. Others will take the time to polish your resume, help you realize the steps you need to take to work toward your ideal job, and only pass along relevant job opportunities. Consider a recruiter like this a blessing. And don’t forget to pass that person’s contact information on to your buddies. They helped you; return the favor.
Job of the Day: Fannie Mae Needs a Senior Accountant
Fannie Mae needs an experienced accountant that will perform day-to-day accounting operations for Fannie Mae’s investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credit & CI partnerships, including the impacts of consolidating those assets.
The position requires a four to six years experience and a CPA license.
Get more details on the position, located in Washington, DC after the jump.
Company: Fannie Mae
Title: General Accountant, Partnership Accounting
Location: Washington, D.C.
Experience Required: 4 – 6 years
Description: Apply comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles, concepts, practices, and standards in performing complex duties related to preparing and analyzing financial information to record transactions, prepare reports, and review and verify accuracy. Work with consultants, auditors, and others to analyze and provide information on operational, reporting, or system impact related to policy changes and new products. Contribute to special projects. May train staff.
Responsibilities: Compile, review, analyze, and record financial information to the general ledger. Complete monthly closings; Prepare balance sheet and profit and loss statements, consolidated financial statements, and other accounting schedules and reports; Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliations to ensure general ledger account information is accurate, consistent, traceable, and auditable; Execute and manage timely, accurate transactions; Identify control weaknesses, communicate to management, and participate in making remedial changes to tighten and enhance controls; Provide requested information to auditors, consultants, and others on significant matters requiring coordination; May design, modify, install, and/or maintain accounting systems to ensure adequate recognition of financial transactions; May perform moderately complex accounting projects or participate as a team member on highly complex projects; Understand and analyze partnership financial statements and Schedule K-1s.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent; CPA; 4-6 years or equivalent experience.
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: VP, Finance Activities Credit Review & Audit at BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is looking for someone to join their North America Audit Group as a VP for Finance Activities Credit Review & Audit.
An ideal candidate will have a blend of both credit review and audit experience.
The position requires a minimum of five years experience, MBA, CPA or CFA is required and French language skills are a plus. Some travel is required to offices in San Francisco, Chicago, and Dallas/Houston.
Get more details on the position, located in New York, after the jump.
Company: BNP Paribas
Title: VP, Finance Activities Credit Review & Audit
Location: New York
Experience Required: 5 – 10 years
Description: BNP Paribas is seeking a candidate for a VP position in its North America Audit Group as a member of the credit review team to perform credit reviews and traditional audit aspects of these reviews.
Responsibilities: responsible for the audit and credit review coverage of all banking groups and related support areas including: Corporate Banking, Energy & Commodities, Media & Telecom, Merchant Banking, Asset Securitization, Security Industry, Portfolio Management and Risk Management.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA, CPA (or equivalent), or CFA required; 5 – 10 years financial services work experience; Credit analysis skills with a solid understanding of the credit process and controls; French language skills a plus but not required
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: Bank of America Needs a CFO But Not Just Anyone Because This Is a Pretty Major Gig
Brian Moynihan is shopping around for a CFO and he needs a good one ASAP. The Post reports that Moynihan will go with someone from outside BofA so that means you’ve got a shot! Now before you get ahead of yourself and think you’re the BSD to turn this ship around, consider some of your responsibilities.
You’ve got to be the numbers jockey for the biggest bank in the known universe that is constantly being given the stink-eye by Tim Geithner, Barack Obama, Ken Feinberg, et al., plus an angry American populous that will not hesitate to call you names and picket your house. Oh, and you may or may not have to move to Charlotte. Maybe that’s not a sticking point for some of you but if you don’t like NASCAR then we’d suggest passing on this one.
See? Trying to come up with a good and willing candidate will not be an easy task. After all, getting someone to takeKen Lewis’ chair wasn’t exactly a piece of cake and CFO is actually a real job.
Naturally, soon-to-be former KPMG Chairman Tim Flynn comes to mind but Moynihan may want to go with some with a little less sweater vesty and he doesn’t really have the mane to match. Former Lehman CFO Erin Callan is busy hanging out with firefighters and Andy Fastow is still unavailable. Better put a call in to Robert Half.
Serious search party [NYP]
Earlier:
Ex-Bank of America CFO Is in Cuomo’s Crosshairs
Do CPAs Really Love Their Jobs?
A friend of GC pointed us to the image below from Focus.com (link to entire thing below) that shows the latest “Best Jobs in America”. This particular version ranks CPAs as having the 6th best job in all the land.
The methodology broke down like this:
• Top 260 – Jobs that have been projected to grow 10% in the decade and require a Bachelor’s degree; Median pay below $65k for experienced workers was excluded as were jobs that had less than 10,000 positions nationwide.
• Top 100 – Eliminated jobs that did poorly (based on growth in online wanted ads) during the recession and grouped jobs with similar responsibilities.
• Top 50 – 35,000-ish workers were surveyed to “rat their jobs on quality of life factors such as flexibility, stress, and personal satisfaction.” They were then ranked by “current employment, long-term growth, pay, and security; projected openings; and quality of life factors.”
• Top 10 – “Interviewed industry experts and people in each profession.” Rankings were made based on those interviews.
Our source has some questions for the group, “Why are CPAs always ranked so high? Job security? Pay if you stay in long enough?”
Important questions. It simply could be that the people that put these “Best Jobs Lists” interview the Exuberant Accountant every time. You can’t get that many consistent liars in these surveys can you? Or, maybe, just maybe, lots of CPAs really, honest-to-God — gasp — love their jobs. It’s not that we don’t believe that it’s possible but it’s difficult when you hear constant belly-aching.
So if you’re loving your life as a super hero CPA and you’ve got reasons you feel like sharing with the group, please do so. Or if you’re confused like us and have some wild-ass guesses that will be fine too.
Best Jobs in America [Focus]
Earlier:
Three Signs That It Might Be Time to Get Out of Public Accounting
Three Signs That It Might Be Time to Get Out of Public Accounting
Busy season is rounding the corner and, if you look carefully, you might be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Squint. No I swear, it’s there.
My posts this week will shift from social media to the potential job market. As a public accountant, you should always be cognizant of the fact that you have the ability to continuously develop your strengths and mold your career path. Want to pursue of a career in hedge funds? Network within your firm to be staffed on the right engagements. Need to add tax experience to your resume? Seek out a rotation.
Here are three signs that you should get you thinking about exploring your options.
1. You’ve got your CPA – This might go without saying, but many people enter the public accounting industry with the “two years and done” mentality. Pass the CPA, earn some experience stripes, and get the *[email protected]% out. There’s nothing wrong with this, but don’t expect to $100K jobs to be jumping into your lap. The average salary bump for younger staff from public to the private sector can range from 5-10%, usually topping out around 15%. If this isn’t enough of a bump to seriously consider a private job, don’t lose sight of the quality of life improvement a new job can bring. No, not the smoke and mirrors your firm is promising you. The real deal.
2. Someone you know is interviewing – Believe it or not, the job market is actually improving. The hiring freezes on many financial firms is now limited largely to supporting roles (i.e. HR folks like myself). Hedge and private equity funds are picking up their hiring as the markets begin to thaw. Recruiters are not wasting their time with interviewing individuals for the sole purpose of interviewing. So take note next time your senior staff member has three doctor appointments in a week; perhaps you should be “coming down with a nasty bug,” too.
3. Recruiters call – and you listen – Speaking about recruiters, be prepared for an onslaught of calls. Their timing is no coincidence. The private sector has been shuffling around over the last few months (remember when your client contact suddenly went MIA?), and as the cycle goes, the newly opened private jobs will inevitably be filled by auditors and tax accountants from public. Listen to the cold, scripted calls; be open to a pay increase and better work hours; reclaim your weekends. It can’t hurt to listen to the (substantiated) claims that you’re undervalued in today’s market.
Newsflash: you are grossly undervalued.
Job of the Day: Global Wealth Manager Needs a Head of Financial Control
Ashton Lane Group has a global wealth manager client in need of a Head of Financial Control who can implement and maintain existing and new control frameworks.
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years experience and a CPA license. Knowledge of SAP is a plus.
Get more details on the position, located in New York, after the jump.
Recruiter: Ashton Lane Group
Title: VP Head of Financial Control
Location: New York
Minimum Experience: 7 years
Description: Build and lead the financial control team within a global wealth manager.
Responsibilities: Lead a team of up to five entity controllers; Responsible for the monthly general ledger control and account reconciliation processes, ensuring that a robust control framework is embedded and maintained; Represent team at monthly Letter of Representation meetings and escalate any material issues; Review existing end to end revenue processes and implement new controls as the business expands; Support the launch of a new Trust entity and set up the control framework and associated regulatory and statutory reporting;
Qualifications: 7+ years financial control experience within financial services; Understanding of Capital Management principles; Experience of finance process design and implementation; Knowledge and experience of SAP an advantage; Bachelors’ degree or equivalent. CPA/CA 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: Citi Needs a Planning & Analysis Manager
Citi needs an experienced accounting professional to join its Citi Capital Advisors Financial Control unit. This position will be responsible for maintaining and improving financial reporting processes for the unit’s management team.
Candidates should have a minimum of six years experience and a CPA license.
Get more details on the position, located in New York, after the jump.
Company: Citi
Title: P&A Manager
Location: New York
Description: Financial Control is responsible for a variety of activities related to the firm’s financial reporting and controls. The team is divided into different areas of specialization where each member is responsible for a unique set of responsibilities that include both analytical and accounting roles. This position will assist in the management reporting and legal vehicle reporting within the Citi Capital Advisors (CCA) Financial Control unit.
Responsibilities: The primary responsibility will be to drive the core processes and assist the CCA Finance management team to have a robust and controlled financial reporting process for both management and legal books. This will include the estimate process, regulatory reporting for corporate and external purposes and monthly deliverables to both the CCA business and Citigroup Corporate Reporting. Additionally, this role will be responsible for leading the entire CCA finance division (controller and planning and analysis departments) in the 2010 rated audit, as well as the ongoing quarterly monitoring performed by internal and external audit teams.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting degree required; CPA a requirement; 6 to 10 years of experience in financial control or related function required;
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
The Job Outlook Is Good for Accountants…But More Competitive
With one major deadline passed and two more coming up next week, some of you might be thinking about your employment options. It’s a common occurrence post-busy season to reflect on the past three-ish months, contact a recruiter and explore your options.
idea of what kinds of jobs might be attracting accountants in the year ahead so we got in touch with recruiter Adam Klitzke, Managing Partner of Emerson Search, LLC in Denver, Colorado.
Adam told us that he thinks that “2010 and…2011 are years where there is a “hot” background or skill set,” as opposed to a hot position (e.g. financial reporting, IFRS, or technical accounting). “[D]uring the previous 3 months, we haven’t seen the same job come up twice, but we have seen clients targeting the same type of candidate.“
So what does a hot “background or skill set” look like? Adam shared four primary characteristics that recruiters are currently looking for:
• 4-7 years of experience, the majority of which has been spent at a Big 4 firm.
• Experience with clients that comply with SEC regulation.
• Has experience supervising staff.
• Has obtained their CPA license.
“These candidates are not having any trouble landing interviews,” Adam told us. He added that in terms of your competition, there are far more bodies jockeying for a position, “in the current market we are seeing 5-10 candidates like this [with the ideal skill set] competing for the same job, whereas 3 years ago, a client would be lucky to see 2 candidates with this background.”
What if you don’t have the ideal skill set? Don’t worry, it’s not hopeless, “a second tier would look like someone with non-Big 4 public accounting experience coupled with industry experience (with a mid to large size public company – $200M+), supervisory experience, and a CPA license or an MBA,” Adam said.
Naturally, if your current background is lacking in these , it will be more difficult for a recruiter to help you land some interviews. Adam told us that while there are jobs out there for people with backgrounds that don’t fit the model above, those candidates typically find jobs without the services of a recruiter. If you’ve got bigger plans for yourself than that, it will be worth your time to pursue some or all of the points above.
The good news for those of you looking to make a move now is that you can expect to do well in terms of salary. As Adam told us, “Salary negotiations will be firm, but fair. Candidates will be able to negotiate an increase in pay and do NOT need to take a pay cut.”
Finally, another development he has seen has to do with the morale, “employee morale seems to be quite low and neither department heads or human resources are doing anything to combat that.” So, if you’re meeting with a recruiter it pays to be honest why your old employer didn’t give make you feel so good about yourself, “clients have asked us for ideas on how to improve morale and we have been able to help them as there are things a company can do other than increase salary to improve [that].”
Bottom line is that whatever your situation, it pays to be honest with recruiters about exactly what you are looking for. If you don’t like what you’re hearing from them, be honest and don’t settle for a position that you’re definitely not interested in pursuing. It may be a more competitive market but if you’ve got a strong background, you’ll have options.
Job of the Day: J.P. Morgan Needs a CFO/Vice President
J.P. Morgan is looking for a CFO to lead its Commercial Credit Card business. This is a product with the Company’s Treasury Services Card Products business unit.
The position is located in the Chicago with an alternate location in New York.
Get more details, after the jump.
Company: J.P. Morgan
Title: CFO Commercial Credit Card – TS Card Products – Vice President
Location: Chicago with an alternate location in New York
Description: Commercial Credit Card is a $300 million revenue product organization within the Treasury Services (TS) Card Products business unit ($700 million revenue). The CFO of Commercial Card reports directly to the CFO of TS Card Products.
Responsibilities: Work closely with the TS Card Products CFO as a critical member of the finance lead team; Partner with the Commercial Card Product management team to manage the product P&L and create transparency into business performanceEvaluate financial results and ensure they are communicated and understood and that the appropriate actions are identified and prioritized; develop and maintain key performance measures for revenue and expense; Development of annual business plan (revenue, expense, capital and project profile); Forecast, Analysis and Reporting of ongoing monthly results including Revenue, Headcount, Direct Expense and Indirect Expense (allocations); Work closely with Controllers team to manage month end close process; Lead meetings with product and operations partners to discuss product revenues, expense plans, and current issuesHelp maintain product pricing model; Develop, evolve, and automate processes to create reporting efficiencies
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: Morgan Stanley Needs a Merchant Banking Accounting VP
Morgan Stanley is looking for someone to join their Merchant Banking Accounting and Control Group to handle day-to-day operations and managing the processing and the financial reporting of several products including real estate, private equity and infrastructure.
The position requires three to five years experience. Get more details on this position in New York after the jump.
Company: Morgan Stanley
Title: Merchant Banking Accounting VP
Location: New York, NY
Description: This position within the Merchant Banking Accounting and Control Group includes responsibilities of handling the day-to-day operations and managing the process and deliverables involved in consolidated accounting and reporting of the various Merchant Banking products (Real Estate, Private Equity, Infrastructure, and other private placements) as related to Morgan Stanley’s interest, both as a General Partner and Limited Partner, in each of the underlying funds.
Responsibilities: Ongoing support to and liaison with the Business Unit/Senior Management/Corporate / External Reporting/Segment Group/Fund Controllers/Various Other Internal Divisions: Responsible for monthly close process (Firm’s books); Involvement in new product developments and meetings; Involvement in accounting policy development and implementation; Other areas of exposure include Maintaining the general ledger and Marking to market the Morgan Stanley LP and GP interests in various Merchant Banking funds, Various Disclosures Requirements (FIN 45, FN 46R, FAS 157, FAS 157 g, FAS 159, FAS 160, FAS 161, etc.), SOX /404 documentation, Balance Sheet Review & Reporting, Legal Entity Reporting, Process Control, Transfer Pricing, PBT Analysis, Expense Analysis & Billing, Due Diligence, Senior Management Reporting, Cost of Capital, and others
Qualifications: 3-5 years experience; Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance; Strong Accounting Skills
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: Thomson Reuters Needs a Finance Manager
Thomson Reuters needs a highly motivated and proactive with a strong bias toward action for a Finance Manager position. Responsibilities include contribute to the Company’s Operating Committee review and the quarterly financial reviews for presentation to senior management.
The position requires a minimum of seven years experience and a CPA and/or MBA.
Get more details on this position in New York after the jump.
Company: Thomson Reuters
Title: Finance Manager
Location: New York, NY
Description: The Finance Manager role will provide decision support at the TRM level helping to ensure that the business has full visibility into its financial performance so that it is able to achieve both its short term revenue and OI targets as well as the longer term strategic growth. The regular output will be to contribute to the Operating Committee review and the Qtly Financial reviews these reviews will then drive the ad hoc analysis required by senior management.
Responsibilities: Preparation of the Operating Committee review/Qtly finance review; both data preparation (requires financial systems & excel proficiency) and comprehension & analysis to explain underlying variances, trends and themes for presentation to management; other ad hoc analysis (e.g. deep dive into revenue by type/region driven by the financial results or competitive market factors); develop analyses to help understand key business drivers (e.g.profitability/resource allocation & the presentation of findings via Powerpoint); identification of financial process improvement initiatives; liaison with key members of the finance organization – SBU /functional areas & FPA/Controllership function for data validation
Qualifications: Undergraduate degree in finance, or accounting is preferred and CPA and/or MBA is a plus; proficiency in Excel and Powerpoint; experience of complex issues and able to exercise judgment in evaluating criteria and making decisions; prior management experience desirable; minimum 7 years commercial experience; working knowledge of the Financial Services & Information Solutions industry
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Thinking Career Change? Big 4 Probably Isn’t for You
A reader posed a question to one of Caleb’s posts last week with regards to, “how to get into one of the big four accounting firms as an entry-level auditor when you are a laid off baby boomer with many other experiences?”
My short answer — in so many polite words — is why would anyone want to do that? Even as a recently laid off baby boomer, I can only hope that your career, up until its unexpected termination, was fulfilling. Contacts, networks, referrals, and references; all of these resources should be tapped out before considering a complete career change.
On a more basic level of necessity, I doubt that an entry-level career (well below the average Big 4 salaries earlier discussed) starting between $48,000 and $60,000 is ideal for a baby boomer. This is before the return on investment is even discussed. If I was a recruiter and had to choose between hiring a green recent graduate with minimal zero family obligations versus a baby boomer, parent of three, coming off of a recent firing, the answer is simple. The young buck will complain less, cost less in insurance terms, and has a recent education that can be molded to fit the firm’s methodology.
The typical public accounting career path is set: graduate from school, start career with a Big 4, take your punches and roll up the ranks. Those still standing in 10-12 years make partner. Burnt out souls need not apply; there’s always the private sector.
There are a few exceptions to this rule of thumb. The experienced hiring departments of the Big 4 are consistently recruiting specialized talent from the private sector. Ten years ago this centered heavily around the IT departments, as firm security practices grew exponentially (gotta love those SAS 70’s). Tax specialists are always in need. Many of the firms poach experience from government work, which is about as plug-and-play of a situation as you could hope for.
More on the volatility side of things are the firms’ advisory practices. Through 2005-2008, experienced hiring for the forensic, corporate finance and M&A practices tried desperately to keep up with growth opportunities. Turn the page to 2009 and where do you think the axe fell the most? No question it was the advisory lines. But even now as the markets shed thousands of jobs, a supply of raw talent appeared on the horizon for the Big 4 to gobble up. It can oftentimes be a rollercoaster of both potential and risk, but generally the best opportunities for experienced employment can be found here.
Job of the Day: Duff & Phelps Needs a Staff Accountant
Duff & Phelps is looking for a staff accountant that has at least three years experience and is a CPA or a CPA candidate with Sarbanes-Oxley experience preferred.
Get more details on this position in Morristown, NJ after the jump.
Recruiter: Duff & Phelps
Title: Staff Accountant
Location: Morristown, NJ
Description: This Staff Accountant position reports directly to the Assistant Controller in the Accounting / Finance Organization in Morristown, New Jersey.
Responsibilities: Process data using various computer applications; prepare balance sheet account reconciliations; prepare journal entries; assist with various information requests from management; assist with the preparation of analytic packages
Qualifications: BS in Accounting; minimum three years of experience in finance or accounting role; CPA certification or currently in pursuit of the CPA certification; knowledge of Lawson Financials applications; knowledge of Business Objects; knowledge of Sarbanes-Oxley.
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: Dell Needs an Audit Consultant
The description, qualifications and desired experience all sound familiar for an internal audit position but we’ll refrain from coming right out and calling it that.
Dell needs someone for this position that has at least four years of audit experience with CPA, CMA, CIA and APICS all highly desirable.
Get more details on this position in Austin, TX after the jump.
Recruiter: Dell
Title: Audit Consultant
Location: Austin, TX
Minimum experience: 4 years
Description: The consultant candidate will responsible for executing audit scopes formulated to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of activities/economic drivers that create enterprise market value. Specifically the consultant will test whether an Risk Management framework exists and is functioning effectively for each selected auditable entity.
Responsibilities: Audit against a set of defined control objectives; meet project schedules; interview appropriate personnel and document results; perform appropriate testing; understand root causes, risks and opportunities of individual areas; synthesize ideas within the project team; write portions of published reports; track the status of action items; perform evaluations relative to management assertions based on accounting information arising from business activities; utilize independent judgment and initiative in the recognition and resolution of problems and discrepancies; provide guidance to the Business on matters pertaining to internal controls and process improvements; carry out ad-hoc investigations
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree is required, MBA is a plus; four+ years of finance experience with a combination of the following would be preferred: Project management; Business controls; Audit experience
CPA, CMA, CIA and APICS certifications are all desirable; Language skills are 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: Morgan Stanley Needs an Internal Audit Senior Manager
Morgan Stanley needs a Internal Audit Senior Manager to join its Institutional Securities Group. This person will assist the Institutional Securities audit team in completing its annual audit plan, communicating to senior management and the Audit Committee those areas requiring control enhancements and improvements.
The position requires a minimum of seven years experience with a CPA license or equivalent strongly preferred.
Get more details on this position in New York, after the jump.
Recruiter: Morgan Stanley
Title: Internal Audit Senior Manager – Institutional Securities Group
Location: New York, NY
Minimum experience: 7 years
Description: The person in the role will assist the Internal Audit department’s Institutional Securities audit team in completing its annual audit plan, communicating to senior management and the Board Audit Committee those areas requiring control enhancements and providing recommendations for improvements.
Responsibilities: Preparing audit planning memorandum including identifying and evaluating key risks, setting audit scope, determining budgets and staff assignments; possessing considerable experience performing walkthroughs, assessing the internal control environment and performing controls and substantive testing; being able to supervise and mentor junior staff, and review work papers to ensure they meet internal standards; being able to manage audits to meet budgets and the time frame for completing audits; being able to properly assess potential findings for significance; drafting audit reports including writing clear and concise findings and recommendations; following up actions quarterly with clients through to completion.
Qualifications: 4 year college degree required, CPA or international equivalent strongly preferred; seven to ten years experience in financial services with a preference for those with at least five years auditing financial services; strong knowledge of financial instruments including derivatives (e.g. good understanding of option valuation, able to discuss trading strategies with the front office).
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: Ready to Be the Director of Finance?
After graciously making room for our advertisers yesterday, the Job of the Day returns with a Director of Finance position in New York City through MJ Boyd Consulting.
The position requires someone with a minimum of ten years experience and responsibilities include GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, along with overseeing the financial reporting process.
Get more details on this position after the jump.
Recruiter: MJ Boyd Consulting
Title: Director of Finance
Location: New York, NY
Description: Ensuring financial statements are in accordance with GAAP, reporting company performance, and identifying opportunities, risks, and cost cutting initiatives.
Responsibilities: Prepare annual budget, monthly forecast, and other financial reports as needed; define and analyze key areas of the business, including product profitability and student retention; provide financial advice and guidance to senior management; contribute to strategic planning and development as member of management team; ensure compliance with GAAP; ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley; support monthly financial close; balance sheet and P/L analysis, reconciliation; enhance financial analysis and reporting; interact with Corporate Accounting; develop cost reduction and cost management initiatives.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA qualified, Masters preferred; Strong understanding of GAAP and its application to business issues; 10+ years progressive accounting/finance experience, including strong operating unit experience; exceptional analytical and financial analysis skills; strong computer aptitude and proficiency, including expert Excel skills; reporting functions will require ability to quickly obtain Oracle General Ledger mastery, as well as proficiency querying a number of Oracle and proprietary databases using SQL.
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: Thomson Reuters Needs XBRL Accounting Consultants
Regardless of the sluggish pace of XBRL becoming the norm for SEC filers, Thomson Reuters has two positions available in the EDGARfilings division of Business WestLaw.
The Senior Consultant position requires a minimum of 7 years experience and the Junior Consultant position requires a minimum of 3 years experience.
Get more details on these positions, located in Houston, after the jump.
Company: Thomson Reuters
Title: XBRL Accounting Consultant; Senior XBRL Accounting Consultant
Location: Houston, TX
Description: EDGARfilings, a division of Westlaw Business, a Thomson Reuters Company, seeks an XBRL Accounting Consultant to work with a team of professionals to assist public companies file in XBRL using cutting-edge technology. This role will involve the creation of a customized taxonomy mapping document for a client’s financial statements, footnotes, and financial statement schedules by mapping each item to an element from the US GAAP Taxonomy (UGT) developed by XBRL US, the national consortium for XML business reporting standards
Responsibilities: Create a customized taxonomy document using a client’s recent filing with the SEC (10-Q or 10-K) as well as the US GAAP Taxonomy (UGT); consult with clients in a timely manner to determine and confirm which of their reported financial statement items appear to map directly to the UGT or which ones may require the creation of customized extension elements in order to create an XBRL instance document; use information provided by the SEC, in addition to whatever additional material is required, to understand evolving XBRL compliance requirements and address client questions related to their specific compliance requirements.
Qualifications: For Senior XBRL Accounting Consultant: Must have an Accounting or Finance Degree
CPA or Financial Reporting experience preferred with 7-10 years of experience
XBRL Accounting Consultant: Must have an Accounting or Finance Degree; CPA or Financial Reporting experience preferred with 3-5 years of experience
See both descriptions over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.
Job of the Day: Dell Needs an Accounting Manager
Dell has an Accounting Manager III position that will oversee the financial reporting for business operating units (i.e., sales, marketing, service), treasury, cost and corporate areas.
The position requires a minimum of 6 years experience and a CPA is preferred.
Get more details on this position, located in Austin, TX after the jump.
Company: Dell, Inc.
Title: Accounting Manager III
Location: Austin, TX
Minimum experience: 6 years
Description: Responsible for developing and maintaining financial accounting systems and preparation of financial statements and management reports in one or more of the following areas: Business operating units (i.e., sales, marketing, service), Treasury, Cost and Corporate. Applies knowledge of accounting principles, practices and processes to activities associated with maintaining ledger accounts and developing financial statements and reports.
Responsibilities: Manage the maintenance of the accounting system to ensure that it accurately reflects the financial status of the business unit; review journal entries and supporting documentation to ensure accurate reporting; review monthly account reconciliations; determine cost center requirements and rollup structures and coordinate update requirements with the Financial Control Group within determined deadlines; implement system improvements to increase department efficiency and accuracy; review internal and/or external audit process and documentation for completeness and accuracy; manage accounting staff and prioritize activities to meet close deadlines as assigned; coordinate communications with and support provided to business unit finance group; coordinate, develop, issue, review and update business unit financial accounting and operating policies; ensure that the internal financial reporting requirements of the company are met; advise, consult and present to executive management on financial and/or accounting issues involving business activities for a business unit to ensure proper compliance with laws and GAAP; recruit, retain and develop accounting staff.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in or Accounting with 6-8 years experience or equivalent training and experience. CPA 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: VP of Financial Reporting and Fund Admin. at J.P. Morgan
The Vice President of Financial Reporting/Fund Administration postion requires someone with extensive experience with funds that are subject to the Securities Act of 1940.
This individual will oversee the preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders and to the SEC.
Get more details on this position, located in Boston, after the jump.
Company: J.P. Morgan
Title: Vice President – Financial Reporting/Fund Administration
Location: Boston, MA
Responsibilities: Oversee the production of the Fund’s quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders and file with the SEC; Coordinate shareholder report mailings with transfer agent or distributor; Ensure the timely completion and review of all financial statements prior to production; oversee the preparation and review of filing; Form N-SAR and N-Q; oversee the preparation and filing of Form N-CSR for all funds with SECWork with the Fund’s legal counsel and outside auditors with regard to filings, examinations, and reporting; provide Fund’s Board of Directors and Fund Management with timely, essential and accurate reporting of Fund operations; prepare correspondence for distribution to Fund management and Board of Directors when deemed appropriate; manage all financial reporting responsibilities as appropriate.
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: BlackRock Needs a Hedge Fund Accountant in Seattle
BlackRock’s Emerald City locale needs someone that’s ready to dive head first into the world of alternative investments.
They are looking for a hedge fund accountant who will be responsible for several duties including preparing financial statements and acting as the liaison for the external auditors and the fund administrator.
Get more details after the jump.
Company: BlackRock
Title: Hedge Fund Accountant
Location: Seattle, WA
Responsibilities: Accounting (GAAP) for several of the firm’s Hedge Fund Products, including monthly valuation procedures; Preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual Financial Statements with supporting documentation (tie outs); Continuous cash reconciliation procedures for Fund investment purposes; Liaise with Funds’ independent auditors and offshore administrator; Communicating performance results to investors and resolving investor’s questions; Custom reporting and projects for investor specific needs; Partnering and Communicating with various internal business units regarding ARS Fund Products and performance data; Group project opportunities related to implementation of new product accounting and operational procedures.
Qualifications: Bachelors Degree in Accounting or Finance or commensurate experience; 1-3 years of relevant accounting work experience. Investment or fund accounting experience is desirable, as is public accounting experience.
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: The Association for Financial Professionals Needs a Controller
After taking President’s Day off, the Job of the Day returns with another opportunity with a non-profit organization, this time at the Association for Financial Professionals in Bethesda, Maryland.
They are looking for a Controller that is a CPA with staff management experience.
Get more details after the jump.
Company: Association for Financial Professionals
Title: Controller
Location: Bethesda, MD
Responsibilities: Internal and external financial reporting, making recommendations to existing accounting procedures and the internal control environment, and overseeing the annual audit to include AFP’s international subsidiary organizations.
Qualifications: Along with a demonstrated proficiency in GAAP/SOX/tax knowledge, successful candidates will have prior experience in preparing monthly consolidated financial statements for a multi entity international operation, accounting for foreign currency and intercompany transactions and managing organizational risk programs and initiatives. Proficiency with Great Plains Accounting systems preferred. Staff management experience and a current CPA is required.
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: Non-profit Org Needs a Director of Finance
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers was founded in 1911 and serves people in need in 27 countries.
They need a Director of Finance that has a CPA/MBA with a minimum of eight years experience.
Get more details after the jump.
Company: Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers
Title: Director of Finance
Location: New York, NY
Experience: 8 – 10 years
Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, directs and oversees the operations of Maryknoll’s Controller and Treasury Departments and is accountable for budgetary oversight, managing accounting/financial practices, policies, systems and processes, tax and regulatory requirements and Maryknoll’s internal control environment. On a strategic basis, under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, managing and implementing the strategic plans for Maryknoll and its affiliated charitable trusts.
Qualifications: Requirements include a CPA and/or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance; 8-10 years of experience in senior level financial management of a non-profit organization, preferably faith based, with increasing responsibilities for direction and planning; strong knowledge of general laws and administrative policies governing non-profit organizations and G.A.A.P.; familiar with tax codes, trust management and investments strategies; familiar with health care systems 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: Deutsche Bank Needs Your GAAP and IFRS Knowledge
Deutsche Babk need someone to join their Finance Division; preferably someone that has knowledge of both U.S. GAAP, IFRS and bonus points for you if you know anything about German HGB accounting.
The position requires at least four years experience and a CPA/MBA is desirable.
Get more details after the jump.
Company: Deutsche Bank
Title: Finance Manager – VP
Location: New York, NY
Experience: 4 – 8 years
Selected responsibilities: All DB legal entity financial reporting for a number of subsidiaries supported in DE. This includes all general ledger balances, and reporting oversight for risk, intercompany reconciliation, regulatory and management purposes; Requires compliance with corporate and regulatory policies. Must be able to identify when a transaction may impact certain key policies, and know when to refer issues to key contacts in treasury, accounting policy, legal, tax and regulatory areas; Work with Accounting Policy and DB Advisory to properly apply GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) to transactions initiated by business lines that will be recorded on legal entities.
Qualifications: BS/BA Accounting and 4-8 years work experience in financial accounting; CPA or MBA is desirable, but equivalent experience acceptable; Experience with SAP, Essbase and or BCS (Business Consolidation System) a plus; Good knowledge in IFRS GAAP and/or US GAAP needed. Any knowledge of German HGB accounting standards a big 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: Genworth Financial Needs an Assistant Controller
Genworth Financial needs an assistant controller that can manage a variety of responsibilities including overseeing the SEC reporting process, staying cognizant of technical accounting issues, and engage with external auditors.
Qualified candidates need a CPA and a minimum of 8 years experience with a Big 4 or public company experience; preference to those with insurance and international experience.
Get more details after the jump.
Company: Genworth Financial
Title: Assistant Controller
Location: Raleigh, NC
Experience: 8 – 12 years
Description: Reports to the International Controller in the International Headquarters in Raleigh, NC. The role has oversight of 3 reports across the globe.
Responsibilities: Manage monthly close process facilitating with our Corporate headquarters and our platform level controllership teams within the various countries; individually perform and oversee aspects of GAAP reporting, maintaining strong communications between our countries and our Corporate partners (Analytics, Financial Statement Review); provide technical guidance on US GAAP treatment to our in-country Controllers in conjunction with our Corporate TAG (Technical Accounting Guidance) group; develop and lead change process internationally to ensure continuing compliance with technical developments; responsible for Controllership aspects of New Country and New Product Launch, Acquisitions, and Divestitures in conjunction with our Corporate partners; provide analysis and business input on quarterly SEC reporting and necessary audit support; responsible for participating in Genworth wide finance and non-finance initiatives as required by the business; oversee and manage the account reconciliation process; follow-through and execution of all identified audit findings, as necessary; proactively identify and facilitate global resolution of issues; participate in policy review and implementation.
Qualifications: CPA; BA/BS in Accounting; Strong understanding of ERP Ledger systems (Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft); Public Company Experience; Big 4 Accounting Experience; Strong Project Management and Process Skills; 8 – 12 years Experience.
Preferred Qualifications: Insurance Industry Experience; international experience; MBA
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: Morgan Stanley Needs a Stock Option Guru
With all the outrage around big bonuses more executives (read: Jamie, Lloyd) will be getting larger portions of their payouts in the form of equity. This is good news for those of you that can’t get enough of FAS 123(R) or Topic blah blah blah in the codification.
Morgan Stanley is looking for an associate or senior associate to join their financial controllers group that will specialize in compensation reporting, preferably a CPA or CPA candidate with proficiency in equity-based compensation plans.
Get the details after the jump.
Company: Morgan Stanley
Title: Associate/Sr Associate – Financial Controllers (Compensation Accounting)
Location: New York, NY
Experience: 2 – 5 years
Description: Compensation Accounting Team within HR Controllers is seeking to fill a newly created position at the Associate or Sr. Associate level. This position will be responsible for functions related to compensation reporting and will work on the accounting related to the firm’s equity-based compensation plans.
Responsibilities: Managing the reporting of actual and estimated earnings per share information for external reporting purposes and monthly forecasting to senior management; Monthly, quarterly and year-end financial close activities: general ledger maintenance, journal entries and account reconciliations; Booking amortization for stock-based compensation performance awards and cash-settled equity awards; Maintaining a strong control environment and audit documentation over various share reporting & earnings per share related areas; Improving the reporting and analytics related to equity-based compensation plans.
Skills: B.A./B.S. Accounting or Finance; CPA or CPA-candidate preferred; approximately two to five years related work experience in financial accounting and/or financial reporting preferred; financial services industry and stock-based compensation experience preferred; proficiency in technical accounting research skills related to earnings per share and stock-based compensation preferred (e.g., FAS 128, FAS 123R, ASC 718, ASC 260).
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: Help Jamie Dimon Celebrate His $16 Million Bonus
Probably not but now that Jamie Dimon’s bonus is out, don’t you wish you could be him? Right. We all do. For starters, you could at least get a gig at the same company.
J.P. Morgan is looking to fill an AVP Senior Financial Associate role in their Worldwide Security Services group in the division of Treasury & Securities Services. Get the details after the jump.
Title: Senior Financial Associate – AVP
Location: New York, NY
Description: The Worldwide Securities Services Planning, Reporting and Analysis team is responsible for providing Business and Finance Executives standardized, meaningful and timely MIS to facilitate management decision making in support of performance analysis, forecasting and planning.
Responsibilities: Coordinate the weekly/monthly revenue and expense forecast process; deliver consolidated analysis, inclusive of the consolidated monthly and quarterly executive reviews; monitor the month-end close; support the annual planning processLiaise with product and function CFOs to understand the drivers of business variancePlay a proactive role in enhancing the current BAU processes.
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: Investment Management Firm Needs a Senior Financial Reporting Accountant
A SEC registered investment management firm that manages approximately $9.6 billion in total assets with a staff of 65 employees needs a Senior Financial Reporting Accountant with SEC and internal reporting experience in Rosemont, IL.
Qualified candidates include a CPA or CPA candidates with three years experience, preferably in public accounting.
Get more details for this position after the jump.
Title: Senior Financial Reporting Accountant (SEC & Internal Reporting)
Location: Rosemont, IL
Minimum Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities: Coordination of quarterly SEC financial report preparation (10-K, 10-Q), including the drafting of initial updates to financial statements, footnotes and management discussion and analysis; Processing management, legal and auditors changes and maintaining blackline versions and distributions to reviewers as well as the coordination of the EDGARization process with outside vendor; Assisting with preparation of monthly internal financial reporting package, including the preparation of comparative analysis as well as the preparation and tie-out of information used to prepare supporting schedules.
Qualifications: CPA or CPA Candidate with at least 3 years of experience with SEC reporting; Public accounting experience preferred; Knowledge of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles to prepare, reconcile, and analyze financial statements (e.g., earnings statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, supporting footnotes, etc.); Knowledge of applicable regulatory rules (e.g., Security and Exchange Commission, Financial Accounting Standards Board, etc.) for external reporting.
See the entire description over at the GC Career Center and visit the main page for all your job search needs.