Senior Manager, Accounting Policy

Sallie Mae • Sterling, VA

97d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Accounting Policy will support broader accounting policy initiatives, including accounting for new products, initiatives, or transactions. The candidate will also own the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) allowance methodology, including monitoring monthly results, evaluating model assumptions, and ensuring consistency with regulatory and accounting standards. The candidate will provide insightful analysis of CECL outputs and present findings to senior management, translating complex technical details into clear, actionable insights. The candidate should demonstrate advanced expertise in loan accounting and CECL frameworks, with a strong understanding of financial instruments and risk modeling. The candidate will serve as a subject matter expert on CECL-related matters.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting/Finance with a Certified Public Accountant license or equivalent experience.
• Technical accounting expertise in U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements; experience with CECL accounting standards and requirements.
• Proficiency in discounted cash flow modeling.
• Effective project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in financial analysis tools and software, such as SAS and SQL, or related database language.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information in a clear and compelling manner.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and provide insights and recommendations to senior executives.
• Effective leadership skills and the ability to manage a team.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the financial services industry.
• At least 6 years of experience in accounting, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience with Workday, Power BI or Tableau preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the CFO organization in interpreting and applying relevant accounting rules and guidance, by conducting accounting research and documenting findings.
• Collaborate with internal business partners to understand new transactions and/or products to advise on appropriate accounting treatment, including accounting scenario analysis of key decision points.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with new accounting regulations and standards, updating and maintaining related accounting policies and procedures.
• Lead the monthly CECL process, including analysis of the CECL methodology and associated reporting packages, communicating findings and implications.
• Complete the quarterly Allowance for Credit Losses update report for Audit Committee meeting, and documentation for the annual CECL methodology review.
• Evaluate the impacts of default and prepayment models on the allowance for credit losses, the impact of macroeconomic trends, new strategies, and changes to underlying models.
• Identify, analyze, and support significant assumptions used in credit loss models and methodologies.
• Perform analysis of the discounted cash flow approach and the impact on the CECL reserve process.
• Prepare and interpret analysis of loan portfolio composition and performance, including trend and migration analysis.
• Conduct scenario analysis to estimate the effects of changes in forecasts and assumptions.
• Support capital planning processes by modeling credit losses under stress scenarios.
• Ensure documentation, testing, and reporting of internal controls for the CECL process is properly maintained and tested timely; provide issue identification and resolution.
• Work with internal and external auditors to assist in understanding new accounting policies and the ACL methodology and quarterly results.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Credit, Accounting, FP&A, and Enterprise Risk Management to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more
• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs
• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware)
• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives
• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs
• Career development and training opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree