Head of Accounting

Role Overview

The Head of Accounting will lead the firm’s technical accounting and policy function, ensuring high-quality financial reporting under US GAAP and IFRS and strong US regulatory accounting outcomes. This role partners closely with Finance leadership, Risk, Legal/Compliance, and the business to translate complex transactions into clear accounting conclusions, scalable policies, and audit-ready execution. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong judgment, speed, and the ability to lead through ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Accounting & Policy Leadership

• Own the firm’s technical accounting agenda, including research, interpretation, and application of US GAAP and IFRS to complex transactions and new products.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and governance of global accounting policies, memos, and position papers; ensure conclusions are well-supported and practical to operate.
• Advise on accounting impacts of business initiatives (new products, legal entity changes, intercompany arrangements), including P&L and balance sheet implications.

Financial Reporting & GAAP/IFRS Compliance

• Ensure the firm’s financial statements, disclosures, and management reporting are prepared in accordance with US GAAP and/or IFRS, with consistent application across entities and regions.
• Drive accounting judgments related to financial instruments, consolidation, revenue recognition, leases, share-based payments, and impairments (as applicable to the firm’s activity).
• Partner with external auditors on technical positions, emerging issues, and audit requests; manage discussions to timely resolution.

US Regulatory Accounting & Oversight

• Own accounting support for US regulatory reporting (e.g., broker-dealer and other regulated-entity reporting requirements), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Interpret and implement regulatory accounting guidance that affects statutory capital, net capital, and regulated entity financial statements (as applicable).
• Coordinate with Compliance and Legal on regulatory inquiries, examinations, and ongoing reporting obligations.

Controls, Governance & Process Excellence

• Establish and maintain a strong accounting control framework, including documentation, review standards, segregation of duties, and evidence retention.
• Drive continuous improvement of close and reporting processes, including automation and systems enhancements that improve accuracy and speed.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team; set clear expectations, develop talent, and create durable operating rhythms.

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Serve as the senior accounting advisor to Finance leadership and key stakeholders.
• Communicate complex accounting topics clearly to non-accountants and senior executives; drive decisions with a bias toward timely execution.
• Monitor and prepare for changes in accounting standards and regulatory guidance; lead implementation and change management.

Qualifications

• 12–15+ years of progressive experience in technical accounting, financial reporting, accounting advisory, or controllership within financial services or other complex environments.
• Deep expertise in US GAAP; strong working knowledge of IFRS (or vice versa), with demonstrated ability to operate in multi-reporting frameworks.
• Experience with US regulatory accounting/reporting in a regulated environment (e.g., broker-dealer, bank, asset manager, fintech with regulatory reporting), including interaction with regulators or examinations.
• Proven track record leading technical accounting projects across multiple stakeholders and driving issues to resolution.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred (Master’s/MBA a plus).

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional technical depth with practical, business-oriented judgment.
• Strong leadership presence; able to influence across levels and functions.
• Execution-focused and decisive; comfortable operating in ambiguity and under tight deadlines.
• Clear communicator with strong writing skills (policy memos, position papers, audit-ready documentation).
• High ownership mindset with a strong control orientation and commitment to quality.