Assistant Manager, Operational Accounting

Overview

Assist in leading the operations of the Operational Accounting team which includes functions such as General Ledger operations, serve as accounting expert and business partner for our internal business units, lead the team to deliver process improvements and provide overall leadership to the team. Manage the development, periodic review and update and maintenance of risk, processes, controls, metrics residing within Operational Accounting function. Assist in developing talent strategy, including talent development, succession planning etc. and lead the execution of talent strategy within Operational Accounting. Partner with the Manager in managing ongoing operational strategy, and alignment with corporate and departmental strategic goals.

• Assist in overseeing and directing accounting activities required to ensure financial records reflecting the proper application of industry standards to include account reconciliations, analytics and variance analysis
• Collaborate across Enterprise to ensure timely and accurate recording of transactions and accounting activities; including analytical review to ensure completeness and accuracy of classes of transactions and account balances
• Partner and coordinate with Accounting Policy team to ensure continuing compliance with accounting (e.g., Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - GAAP) and regulatory requirements (e.g., NCUA)
• Supervise and ensure the proper classification of transactions, funds and the resolution of misapplied funds or outstanding items
• Interpret emerging accounting policies and make recommendations for in-house application and changes to internal practices to remain in compliance
• Supervise and lead in the conducting of in-depth analysis to identify, isolate and resolve discrepancies; contribute to quality control and process improvement
• Lead and manage the investigation and resolution of complex discrepancies, data entry errors and out of balance situations; prepare and present recommendations for immediate action or proposals for policy changes to prevent losses
• Maintain collaborative relationship with the Product Optimization team and facilitate and contribute to the implementation of new systems, applications and/or any process improvements
• Responds to inquiries from management and organization-wide contacts regarding financial results, special reporting requests, and complex accounting transactions; advises staff regarding the handling of non-routine reporting transactions and requests
• Stay abreast and ensure compliance with federal/state and industry standards/principles, company practices, policies and procedures
• Develop talent strategy to ensure expectations are understood, performance is measured and rewarded, feedback is provided timely to contribute to the team's development
• Collaborate with Enterprise Technology Solutions (ETS), Corporate Systems, Product Optimization team and other Business Unit system team to provide subject matter expertise on group process and procedures, reviews and assists with the writing business requirements, and provides recommendations for enhancements
• Act as manager in the incumbent's absence
• Perform supervisory/managerial responsibilities
  - Ensure adequate/skilled staffing; select employees
  - Establish performance goals and priorities
  - Prepare, conduct and review performance appraisals
  - Develop, mentor and counsel staff
  - Provide input and/or prepare budget requirements for Annual Financial Plan (AFP)
  - Ensure section/branch goals and objectives align with division/department strategy
  - Ensure efficiency of operations
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or the equivalent combination of experience, education and training
• Ability and desire to lead the team by developing talent strategy to help them get to next level in their career and help realize operational efficiency
• Significant experience in supervising, coaching and training team members in the application of complex accounting rules
• Experience in public or private accounting applying complex accounting treatments and resolving complex accounting issues
• Advanced knowledge working in SOX control environment to include documentation and testing of controls and the effectiveness over financial reporting
• Experience in researching technical accounting issues and making recommendations for the application and implementation of accounting principles
• Working knowledge of financial and accounting systems (e.g. PeopleSoft General Ledger)
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including demonstrated skill in presenting complex financial information clearly and concisely
• Highly proficient in resolving conflicting requests and meeting changing requirements; exercising initiative and using good judgment to make sound decisions; and maintaining accuracy with attention to detail and meeting deadlines
• Experience in initiating, managing and executing change
• Advanced analytical, organizational and decision-making skills
• Advanced organizational, planning and time management skills
• Advanced skill building effective relationships through rapport, trust, diplomacy and tact
• Advanced skill influencing and building consensus with business partners
• Advanced skill speaking and/or presenting in front of groups in a professional setting
• Advanced interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and the ability to effectively collaborate with various external and internal technical and functional contacts

• Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or the equivalent combination of experience, education and training
• CPA designation
• Previous experience in the financial services industry
• Working knowledge of Navy Federal products, services, policies and procedures