Tag: Careers

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

*Don’t judge.

Credentials for Accountants – Your Wheelbarrow Barrel Needs Tech Tools

Over the last couple months, GC has been profiling various accounting-related credentials. CPA, CFP, CMA, CIA, CFE, CVA, CFA… it’s a veritable alphabet soup of designations and employers are more and more likely to ask for a second helping these days. And you might want to pick up an MBA while you’re at it too. Y’know, in your spare time. In Canada, you can go ahead an//www.cga-canada.org/en-ca/Pages/default.aspx”>CGA, CA, and CBV to the mix as well.

Another day, another designation for yet another self-regulating body.

We’ve all heard of “grades inflation.” Well, in my view, we’re currently subject to “credentials inflation” at a rate that would make a Banana Republic cringe. In contrast, Zimbabwe Ben would likely nod in approval.


Beyond credentials though, there’s another critical piece in the employment puzzle that you would be well advised to consider as you venture into the field. Tools.

What are an accountant’s tools?

I’m not talking about the wheel barrel you’ll need to cart all those credentials to your job interview. I’m talking about the business software that more and more employers want pre-installed on their prospective employees.

At the entry level, it tends to be more of a ‘nice to have’ than a ‘must have’. But more and more, your progressive career path is affected by the type of tools you learn early in your career. There’s just no way to separate accounting and finance from the technology that facilitates accounting and finance work.

In the small business space, this is less of an issue. One small business accounting package is much like another. The “canned” reports (built in) will largely suffice, point and click. Just get yourself a healthy functional skill level with MS Excel and you’re ready to go.

Moving up into the enterprise, it’s a different story. The difference between having experience with Quickbooks versus SAP is akin to the difference between a degree from Eastern Michigan University and Princeton.

Think about that when you are venturing out into the job market for the first time. What are your aspirations? Where do you want your career to take you?

It’s difficult to blame employers for this predilection. Enterprise software is complex, subject to cryptic reporting languages, and training is expensive. The expertise is seldom institutionalized within the enterprise instead residing in the head’s of one or two key people. The “gurus.” Sometimes the expertise just walks right out the front door. It’s just way, way easier for everyone when “the new guy” can hit the ground running.

We may see this sad reality change in time.

Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce.com, is a key person leading the charge for change. He is an out-spoken advocate of the “consumerization” of enterprise software. In Benioff’s view, enterprise software should be as easy to use as Facebook and we’re seeing this manifest with every iteration of the Salesforce.com platform.

Unfortunately, Salesforce is the exception rather than the rule and the incumbent systems are deeply rooted in business. The technology “stack” as it’s called is built up over time and choices of enterprise systems are traditionally big, capex decisions. Change is rarely proactive and technology is normally kept well beyond the end of its useful life.

The complex enterprise systems will continue to be persistent for sometime to come. So be prepared to factor this into your career calculations. When you’re out there looking for work, ask the question of prospective employers. What systems do you use? Then, research that system to figure out its prevalence in the market: Are they using some niche software product built upon an ancient architecture? Is it a proprietary system that you’ll never see again? Is it a “legacy system”? Is it vertical specific?

Don’t underestimate the importance of these questions. No one has the bandwidth to learn all the tools currently offered. Examine your career aspirations carefully within the context of these technology tools because it can be difficult to backpedal. The tools you learn have just as much bearing on your career as the credentials you chose.

And inflation is a fact of life.

Geoff Devereux as been active in Vancouver’s technology start-up community for the past 5 years. Prior to getting lured into tech start-ups, Geoff worked in various fields including a 5 year stint in a tax accounting firm. You can see more of his posts for GC here.

So Your Firm Is Going to Pay For You to Take the CPA Exam: Four Things To Remember

Have a question on the CPA Exam? What section is easiest? How should I study for Regulation? Are pants mandatory at the testing site? Shoot us an email with your query.

Not only do you have a job (congrats!) but you have a job that is willing to pay for you to take the CPA exam. Awesome! But before you load up on review materials, be sure you know what your employer expects and understand that there are situations where you can be held liable for materials if you don’t live up to your employer’s expectations.


This is Business – First of all, though you can’t claim a deduction, reimbursement of your CPA exam expenses (education, exam fees, etc) is treated as a business expense, just like any other training. If you’re desperate to get someone to help out with review course or exam fees, try selling this point to your employer.

Make the Most of Time You Have Now – If you’re in the Big 4 or anywhere down to the middle, chances are your review course fees are covered and your performance on the exam might be rewarded with a bonus. Don’t blow this! It’s easier for you to study and pass exams before you are loaded down with responsibilities and managers are much more lenient with first years looking for time off than they are if you’re in your 4th consecutive year of failing FAR. Take this seriously and realize that your firm will probably only pay once; blow it and you’re going to have to come up with retake fees on your own.

This Isn’t 2006 – Several years ago, firms would happily pay $3,000 and up for overpriced review courses with all the bells and whistles but since belts have been tightened, some are reluctant to cough up a chunk of cash without a guaranteed return on their investment. Look at this subsidy not as a gift but as additional income. Would you blow $3,000 of your own income on something and then never use it?

Ask Your Firms Lots of Questions – If your firm does not already have an agreement with a review course but is willing to pay your fees, ask lots of questions upfront and find out if you can invoice for repeats or supplemental products if you need them. One of the larger firms has a “we’ll pay for anything once” rule meaning they will only cut one check, regardless of whether it’s for $2 or $2,000. Other firms have strict rules about what you can order and when you can start (think government agencies). Regardless of how your firm works, ask about what is covered and what is expected in return.

In this economy, you can’t afford to blow a free review course and discounted or all-expense-paid trips to Prometric.

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 and all posts on the CPA Exam here.

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.

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!

Three Things You Need to Remember Now That You’re Promoted

Weekends worked: check. CPA passed: (hopefully) check. Blood, sweat, and tears: check, check, annnnd check.

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off – you’re a newly crowned senior associate or manager. The question is, though: are you ready?


Both promotions<into unpopular clubs. After all, it’s no secret that senior staff members are in a very difficult position. There are budgets to learn, manage, and finagle. Speaking of managing, there’s the staff below and the managers and partners above. Senior staff members may be at the crossroads of the team, but new managers are now forced to the bottom rung of the upper ladder. The track to partner is narrowing down to the final few years; if you thought things were political before being manager, you need to wake up and smell the shifty maneuvering. Here are some tips to help with your newly acquired responsibility: 1. Remember where you came from – This is very much one of those “easier said than done” situations:

Seniors: Chances are you were once a clueless intern, hungry to learn about the fascinating world of public accounting. Sure, interns are overpaid and carry a sense of entitlement – but do you remember what it was like to earn that first intern paycheck?! You bought drinks for all of your Marketing major friends the following semester. And come on – you were definitely a first year, balancing life in a new town, your first “real” job, and moody bosses as old as your parents.

Managers: Simply put, you worked for some awful managers in your day. Remember the nightmares and learn from them. Don’t. Be. One. Of. Those. Managers. Respect your staff; value your senior-in-charge. They keep the wheels turning, after all.

The point I’m trying to hit home is that it is important to remember what your subordinates are going through. This will help you better manage their expectations and mold them into a reliable and loyal workforce. Organize a happy hour or weekday evening event and learn about their interests outside of work. The more you know, the better you can manage expectations, the more your staff will respect you, and the easier your job of handholding will be.

2. Build off your mentor’s lessons – We all have mentors that we look up to. Make an effort to realize what it is about their mentorship that you admire. Embrace those traits, make them your own, and build off of them. Constant improvement should be a daily challenge; a challenge that you accept head on. Seek out feedback from your mentees and staff members. Constant improvement – make it your purpose.

3. This is what you signed up for – There’s not getting around the fact that you’re stepping into a more demanding role in the firm:

Seniors: Managers will expect you to stretch a dime of budget time into a twenty dollar bill. Clients will be up your back and first years will want to know where the bathroom is located. Fact of the matter is this role will really test your personal ambitions of a career in public accounting. But that’s the point, right?

Managers: You’ve reached a very critical plateau in the firm’s hierarchy. Question leadership and thought processes. Get involved with your firm’s committees and organizations. But above all else, set an example for your staff members to respect. People work harder for those that they respect. Earn your staff’s respect.

Daniel Braddock is a former Big 4 human resources professional and auditor. You can read more of his posts for Going Concern here.

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: 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: 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.