Head of Accounting Policy & Technical Accounting

Raymond James•Saint Petersburg, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under limited direction and with a high degree of autonomy, serves as the primary subject matter expert for accounting policy, technical accounting research, and accounting support for new products and business initiatives, as well as acquisitions. Oversees the team responsible for researching, interpreting, and applying accounting guidance to complex transactions and emerging business activities while ensuring consistent application of accounting standards across the organization. Leads the development and maintenance of the Company's accounting policy framework, evaluates the accounting implications of new products and strategic initiatives, and provides guidance on the implementation of new accounting standards. Partners closely with Financial Reporting, Treasury, Legal, Tax, Risk, Product, and business leaders to support informed business decisions and appropriate accounting outcomes. Acts as a key liaison with external auditors regarding technical accounting matters and serves as a trusted advisor to Finance leadership on complex accounting issues.

Requirements

Knowledge of U.S. GAAP and FASB Accounting Standards Codification.
Knowledge of SEC reporting and disclosure requirements.
Knowledge of Accounting policy governance practices.
Knowledge of Technical accounting research methodologies.
Knowledge of Financial services products and transactions.
Knowledge of Internal controls and corporate governance principles.
Knowledge of Acquisition accounting.
Skill in Technical accounting research and analysis.
Skill in Preparing accounting memoranda and position papers.
Skill in Interpreting accounting standards and regulatory guidance.
Skill in Evaluating new product and transaction accounting impacts.
Skill in Presenting technical conclusions to executive leadership and auditors.
Skill in Building partnerships across business and support functions.
Ability to Apply accounting guidance to complex business situations.
Ability to Communicate technical concepts in a practical and understandable manner.
Ability to Influence accounting decisions through sound analysis and recommendations.
Ability to Manage multiple complex assignments simultaneously.
Ability to Exercise sound professional judgment in areas requiring interpretation.
Ability to Establish credibility with business leaders, auditors, and Finance leadership.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.
CPA required.
Minimum 10 years of accounting experience.
Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
Significant experience in technical accounting research and accounting policy development.
Experience with acquisition accounting preferred.
Experience supporting new products, complex transactions, or strategic initiatives preferred.
Financial services industry experience preferred.

Nice To Haves

Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
Experience with acquisition accounting preferred.
Experience supporting new products, complex transactions, or strategic initiatives preferred.
Financial services industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Research complex accounting issues and develop well-supported accounting conclusions.
Interpret accounting guidance issued by FASB, SEC, and other regulatory bodies, as well as related accounting firm interpretations.
Prepare and maintain technical accounting memoranda, accounting position papers, and supporting documentation.
Provide accounting consultations for unusual, non-routine, or complex transactions.
Analyze proposed transactions and contracts to determine appropriate accounting treatment.
Monitor emerging accounting pronouncements and industry developments affecting the organization.
Serve as Accounting's representative in new product approval and governance processes.
Assess accounting implications of new products, business initiatives, strategic transactions, and changes in business practices.
Partner with business leaders, Legal, Treasury, Risk, and Finance teams to identify accounting, reporting, operational, and control impacts of new offerings.
Provide accounting guidance during product design and implementation to ensure appropriate accounting treatment and reporting.
Identify and document accounting requirements for new products prior to launch.
Support strategic growth initiatives by providing timely accounting analysis and recommendations.
Monitor new accounting standards and evaluate organizational impacts.
Lead technical accounting assessments related to new accounting guidance.
Develop implementation plans and coordinate adoption activities.
Communicate accounting and reporting implications to stakeholders and Finance leadership.
Support operational implementation of accounting changes across affected business functions.
Lead the development, maintenance, and governance of the Company's accounting policies and related guidance.
Establish and maintain accounting policy documentation supporting consistent application of U.S. GAAP across the organization.
Draft, update, and communicate accounting policies, interpretations, and implementation guidance.
Evaluate existing policies and recommend enhancements based on regulatory developments, business changes, and industry practices.
Develop training and educational materials supporting policy implementation and awareness.
Lead efforts to identify and engage third-party specialists to perform valuation of acquired assets and liabilities that result from acquisition activities.
Lead documentation of the firm’s controls over acquisitions.
Support firm due diligence procedures.
Support external audit reviews of technical accounting positions and conclusions.
Coordinate responses to auditor inquiries related to technical accounting matters.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to facilitate effective accounting consultations.
Present accounting conclusions and recommendations to senior Finance leadership.
Ensure technical accounting decisions are appropriately documented and governed.
Lead team responsible for technical accounting projects and initiatives.
Mentor and develop accounting professionals.
Promote a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and collaboration.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Engage with and educate others throughout finance and RJF.