Lead Accountant

California Coast Credit • San Diego, CA

21h • $86,887 - $108,608 • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Accountant serves as a senior accounting professional responsible for performing and coordinating complex accounting activities that support the credit union's financial reporting, operational accounting, and strategic initiatives. This position serves as a technical accounting resource with primary responsibility for general ledger management, account reconciliations, financial analysis, regulatory reporting support, fixed asset accounting, project accounting, and internal control compliance. The Lead Accountant works closely with the Controller and Accounting Managers to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information, maintain compliance with GAAP, NCUA requirements, and organizational policies, and support process improvement and automation initiatives. The position may provide guidance and subject matter expertise to accounting staff and business partners across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, CPA designation strongly preferred.
• 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Financial institution or credit union experience preferred.
• Experience supporting audits, financial reporting, and month-end close processes required.
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with NCUA Call Reports and credit union regulations.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and audit requirements.
• Advanced Excel and financial system proficiency.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to independently research and resolve complex accounting issues.
• Experience with process improvement and automation initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing; ability to tolerate periods of continuous sitting.

Nice To Haves

• CPA designation strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform and coordinate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Prepare and review complex journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Maintain responsibility for assigned general ledger accounts and timely resolution of outstanding reconciling items.
• Prepare financial statements, management reports, variance analyses, and supporting schedules.
• Assist in the preparation and filing of NCUA Call Reports and other regulatory filings.
• Serve as a backup for accounting personnel and cross-trains across all accounting functions.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial initiatives.
• Support system implementations, process automation, and finance transformation efforts.

What This Job Offers

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