Chief Accounting Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Organizational Development & Team Leadership

• - Recruit, hire, and cultivate a scalable accounting team structure (from staff accountants to senior management) that aligns with growth forecasts and the complexity of the business.

• - Define clear roles, responsibilities, and career pathways within the accounting organization; foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• - Conduct regular performance evaluations, coaching, and professional development; identify and address skill gaps through training and recruitment.

• - Implement succession planning and cross-training strategies to mitigate key-person risk within the accounting function.

• Process & Systems Modernization

• - Evaluate current accounting processes, systems, and controls; create and execute a roadmap to modernize the general ledger, close process, and associated sub-ledgers.

• - Lead the assessment and deployment of modern accounting/ERP systems or system enhancements; decrease dependence on manual, spreadsheet-driven processes.

• - Standardize and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in compliance with GAAP and relevant regulatory standards.

• - Propel automation of routine accounting activities (reconciliations, journal entries, reporting) to enhance efficiency and minimize error rates.

• - Reduce the monthly/quarterly close cycle while boosting accuracy and control quality.

• Financial Reporting & Controls

• - Maintain the integrity and punctuality of financial statements, ensuring adherence to GAAP and, if applicable, SEC reporting standards.

• - Design and uphold a robust internal control framework; manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate the annual audit process.

• - Oversee technical accounting issues including revenue recognition, FAS 91, CECL, and other complex areas pertinent to the business.

• - Ensure timely and accurate tax provisions, compliance filings, and collaboration with external tax advisors.

• Reporting Relationships & Team Structure

• - Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

• - Direct Reports: Finance and Treasury Manager, Accounting Manager, staff accountants, Accounts Payable/Receivable teams, Treasury/Bank Reconciliation teams, Tax department, Loan Administration department (structure scales with organizational growth).

⛳️ Requirements

• Education

• - Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.

• - CPA required; a working knowledge of FAS 91 and CECL accounting rules and practices is highly preferred.

• Required Experience:

• - Experience in the mortgage, lending, or financial services sector is strongly preferred.

• - CAO track: 12+ years of progressive accounting experience with 5+ years in a senior leadership position (Controller, Assistant Controller, or CAO).

• - Director track: 8–12 years of progressive accounting experience demonstrating team leadership and process improvement impact.

• - Experience in a growth-stage or scaling organization is strongly preferred.

• - Familiarity with Sage 300 is a plus.

• Remote Work Requirements

• - Stable and reliable internet connection.

• - Professional and dedicated remote working environment.

• Preferred Background / Industry Experience:

• - Financial Services

• - Specialty Finance

• - Commercial Lending

• - Mortgage Lending

• - Real Estate Finance

• - Portfolio Lending

• - Banking

• - FinTech / Financial Technology

• - Growth-stage or scaling companies

• Key Soft Skills:

• - Executive Leadership

• - Team Building & Development

• - Process Improvement Mindset

• - Strategic Problem Solving

• - Change Management

• - Cross-Functional Collaboration

• - Strong Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Specific Technical Skills Required:

• - US GAAP Accounting

• - Financial Reporting & Close Management

• - SOX & Internal Controls

• - Technical Accounting (CECL, FAS 91, Revenue Recognition)

• - ERP & Accounting Systems Implementation

• - Process Automation & Optimization

• - Audit Management

• - Advanced Excel & Financial Systems

🏝️ Benefits

• 💰 Compensation includes a base salary of $200,000, along with eligibility for incentive compensation (equity and deferred cash bonus), based on level and company policy.

• 🏖️ Benefits encompass medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) plan with company match; and paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

• 🌍 Work Environment: Fully remote work setting, with occasional travel for leadership off-sites/corporate events.