Chief Accounting Officer

NBT Bancorp • Albany, NY

1d

About The Position

The Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) reports to the Chief Financial Officer and leads, manages, and provides strategic direction for the Company's accounting function. The role oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, accounting policy, internal controls over financial reporting, regulatory reporting governance, technical accounting matters, external audit coordination, and accounting systems and processes.

The CAO ensures the integrity and accuracy of financial information; develops and maintains accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls; and ensures compliance with GAAP, applicable SEC disclosure requirements, and banking regulatory reporting requirements. The CAO advises Executive Management and the Board on accounting, financial reporting, and emerging accounting issues, and prepares the accounting organization to scale efficiently as the Company grows and faces increasing complexity.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, a CPA, at least 15 years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience, and at least 10 years of leadership experience in banking or financial services. An MBA or master's degree is preferred. The role also requires experience with external audits, regulatory examinations, SEC reporting, and technical accounting matters.

The role is listed with an annual salary range of $300,000–$350,000 plus bonus. NBT describes its culture as supportive and community-oriented, with opportunities for employee wellbeing, development, and impact. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available at this time.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA required.
• At least 15 years of progressive accounting and financial reporting experience.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience in banking or financial services.
• Experience with external audits, regulatory examinations, SEC reporting, and technical accounting matters.
• Expert knowledge of U.S. GAAP and banking accounting practices.
• Strong understanding of regulatory reporting requirements.
• Ability to interpret and implement new accounting standards.
• Executive communication and presentation skills.
• Leadership and talent development expertise.
• Strategic planning and process improvement experience.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of enterprise accounting operations, close processes, and financial statement integrity.
• Oversee external financial reporting, disclosures, and regulatory reporting governance.
• Direct accounting policy, technical accounting research, and implementation of new accounting standards.
• Maintain internal controls over financial reporting and accounting governance frameworks.
• Serve as liaison with external auditors, the Audit Committee, and regulators regarding accounting matters.
• Support strategic initiatives, acquisitions, capital actions, and significant business transactions.
• Develop, mentor, and retain accounting leadership and build strong succession pipelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Annual salary range of $300,000–$350,000 plus bonus.
• At least 22 days of paid time off annually for full-time employees, prorated in the year of hire.
• Six weeks of paid parental leave at 100% of salary.
• Medical coverage, including employer HSA contributions for eligible High Deductible Health Plan participants.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts.
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage, with an option to purchase additional long-term coverage.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance, with an option to purchase supplemental coverage.
• Voluntary hospital, accident, and critical illness coverage.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching, optional Roth 401(k), and a pension plan.
• Adoption assistance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Pet insurance.
• Banking services benefits and financial planning assistance.
• Wellness initiatives and flexible work arrangements.
• Employee development programs and tools.
• Paid sick and safe leave for part-time employees.
• Part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for specified medical, dental, vision, voluntary, and parental leave benefits.
• Part-time employees who work at least 1,000 hours in a calendar year are eligible for the pension plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive