Director of Accounting

The Director of Accounting provides direction and strategic leadership for all Accounting teams and is responsible for overseeing all payments received through the mail and will provide support to Senior Management on strategies related to new industry changes, products and services, compliance, project management and operational efficiencies, coordinating and maintaining, an accounting system that properly reflects the financial position of the Credit Union. Under the general direction of the CFO, monitors Department policies and procedures, recommends improvements, participates in establishing and implementing major goals and objectives, and serves as a resource in all aspects of accounting. Ensures accurate internal and external recording and reporting of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP. Through direct (hands-on) as well as delegated work, is integral in budgeting, general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll accounting oversight, fixed asset management, etc. Ensures accounting activities are in accordance with established legal, regulatory, and Company procedures. Assigns, directs, and appraises positions supervised.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Accounting Operations

• Lead planning and development, and responsible for the implementation of effective accounting strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Serve in a leadership capacity on internal project teams where accounting operations are impacted, which would include CU conversions, mergers, or any other designated by manager.
• Ensures accounting plans, goals, and policies are consistent with established Company-wide goals.
• Ensures policies are in accordance with evolving regulations, legal requirements, and industry trends.
• Supervises the development and implementation of financial information and control systems, including general ledger, budgeting, cost allocation, and other subsystems.
• Assumes responsibility for the effective preparation, maintenance, and reporting of internal and external financial records and analyses.
• Oversees the preparation of daily, monthly, annual, and other periodic financial statements and reports. Ensures external document submissions and filings are accurate and timely. Uses experience/knowledge to ensure financial information is accurate and in accordance with GAAP, regulations, internal policies and procedures.
• Assists with preparation and control of the Accounting Department budgeting process.
• Supports the annual audit. Ensures that accounting records and reports are in compliance with GAAP and government regulations. Cooperates with and assists external auditors as appropriate.
• Completes reports and analyses of departmental and area operations as requested by CFO or Senior Management.
• Assumes responsibility for overseeing daily operations and performing hands-on administrative functions for the Accounting department.
• Ensures effective financial internal controls for the Department and the Credit Union. Continually evaluates established policies and procedures and recommends updates or modifications as necessary.
• Coordinates accounting information systems which track specific operational and financial data. Works to implement and update systems including HR/payroll, fixed asset management, expense management, cash management, accounts payable etc.
• Completes financial analyses of Company cash flow, investments, banking relationships, debt management, etc. Develops and implements improvements as appropriate.
• Supports potential merger and acquisition opportunities.
• Advises accounting department staff regarding accounting entries, reports, and comparative analyses.
• Coordinates accounting functions with other departments. Interfaces with the I.S. Department in the development and implementation of efficient systems consistent with software applications.
• Ensures the timely completion of reports, records, and other documentation.
• Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective business relations with vendors, outside auditors and regulators, and other internal departments.
• May act as a liaison between the Credit Union and external auditors and regulatory authorities and/or as a Department liaison with other departments.
• Attends and participates in meetings and committees as appropriate.
• Stays informed of trends and changes in the accounting and finance fields.
• May assist with projects as needed.

Leadership

• Assumes responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with Company personnel, departments, and management.
• Ensures all employees are well informed of accounting policies, procedures, and regulations. Facilitates consistency at all levels of accounting operations within their area of responsibility.
• Ensures the Credit Union’s and Department’s professional reputation is maintained. Ensures appropriate levels of confidentiality regarding Company operations.
• Effectively supervises Accounting personnel, ensuring optimal performance.
• Provides leadership to accounting personnel through effective objective setting, delegation, and communication. Conducts meetings to ensure that personnel are well informed of changes in programs, policies, and procedures.
• Recruitment, hiring and retention of high-performing, qualified employees. Motivate and develop employees through coaching, training and assignment of challenging work. Responsible for employee performance appraisals and documenting employee concerns and/or disciplinary actions.
• Cultivate a team-oriented, problem solving culture focused on delivering quality solutions which facilitate business success
• Promote credit union and department strategic plans, goals, strategies, and projects

SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

The Leading the Function Success Profile is a set of competencies that are essential to leaders who are responsible for managing a function. These leaders are focused on longer-term functional planning, communicating upwards, sideways, and downward to ensure continuity of message and deployment vision and goals, measuring results of the function and ensuring that their areas are taking appropriate action to assure organizational goals are achieved. They are also responsible for leading a team, getting results through others and developing individuals to reach their full potential.

• Courage: Steps up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
• Cultivates Innovation: Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Manages Ambiguity: Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear
• Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problem
• Organizational Savvy: Maneuvers comfortably through complex policy, process, and people related organizational dynamics
• Resourcefulness: Secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently

ABOUT THIS JOB DESCRIPTION

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential functions and minimum qualifications for this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Job descriptions are not intended nor do they create an employment contract and are subject to change at any time to accommodate business necessity. The Credit Union maintains its status as an at-will employer where applicable. In support of Horizon CU’s goals employees may perform other duties as assigned and all employees are expected to:

• Exemplify our CORE Values
• Promote teamwork and collaboration
• Provide our members with the highest quality service

EXPERTISE YOU NEED

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or a related field; CPA required. Seven or more years of high-level accounting experience in a complex organization. Five or more years of supervisory experience and preferably supervision over other leaders.

Capabilities

• Strong ability to direct and motivate technical staff in the performance of their duties within the department and organization
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills
• Identifies and resolves accounting and operational problems, and provide solutions
• Communicates accounting information to non-accounting personnel
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to lead and work effectively with co-workers, members, and vendors
• Thorough knowledge of financial and accounting practices and procedures.
• Understanding of governmental regulations and reporting requirements.
• Understanding of related auditing, IT functions and internal controls.
• Understanding of accounting for an organization with multiple layers of complexity.
• Excellent leadership and human relations abilities.
• Able to use all related hardware and software.

ABLE TO…

To perform the essential functions of this position an employee must be able to meet the following work place demands: ability to converse with others, detect sound, identify and detect objects, count, read, write, operate a computer, handle and feel objects, reach with hands/arms and be stationary and/or stand and/or move for long periods of time. Occasionally an employee will lift/pull/push and carry up to 25 to 50 pounds, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb and be able to maintain balance doing these activities. Position requires sound reasoning, good judgement and ability to apply knowledge toward work activities. The noise level is moderate and typical of a normal office environment. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Horizon Credit Union will provide reasonable accommodation/s to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, unless such accommodations would cause the employer an undue hardship. To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.