Chief Accounting Officer

About World Business Lenders

World Business Lenders (WBL) is a privately held portfolio lender specializing in real estate-secured business loans and providing access to capital for under-served businesses that lack traditional funding options. Founded in 2011, WBL is majority institutionally owned and a best-in-class specialty finance servicer and default manager. WBL has a fully remote, multinational workforce of :200 and a proven, seasoned leadership team consisting of several USMA graduates and former Army Officers.

Position Overview

This role leads the accounting organization through a critical period of modernization and scale, with title and scope calibrated to the selected candidate's experience level (Chief Accounting Officer for seasoned executive leaders; Director of Accounting for high-potential leaders growing into executive scope). The individual will build, professionalize, and scale accounting operations, systems, and talent to support a growing organization, while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both technical accounting depth and organizational-building capability.

Role Purpose

To transform the accounting function from its current state into a scalable, well-controlled, modern organization capable of supporting the company's growth trajectory. This position drives the design and implementation of accounting processes, systems, and controls; builds and develops a high-performing accounting team; and partners with Finance, FP&A, and business leadership to ensure accounting operations enable rather than constrain business objectives.

What You'll Be Doing (Core Responsibilities)

• Organizational Building & Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, and develop a scalable accounting team structure (staff accountants through senior management) aligned with growth projections and complexity of the business
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and career paths within the accounting organization; build a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Conduct regular performance management, coaching, and professional development; identify and close skill gaps through training and hiring
• Build succession planning and cross-training practices to reduce key-person risk within the accounting function

• Process & Systems Modernization

• Assess current accounting processes, systems, and controls; develop and execute a roadmap to modernize the general ledger, close process, and supporting sub-ledgers
• Lead evaluation and implementation of modern accounting/ERP systems or system upgrades; reduce reliance on manual, spreadsheet-based processes
• Standardize and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements
• Drive automation of routine accounting tasks (reconciliations, journal entries, reporting) to improve efficiency and reduce error rates
• Shorten the monthly/quarterly close cycle while improving accuracy and control quality

• Financial Reporting & Controls

• Own the integrity and timeliness of financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and, if applicable, SEC reporting requirements
• Design and maintain a strong internal control environment; manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate annual audit process
• Own technical accounting matters including revenue recognition, FAS 91, CECL, and other complex areas relevant to the business
• Ensure accurate and timely tax provision, compliance filings, and coordination with external tax advisors

• Reporting Relationship & 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; working knowledge of FAS 91 and CECL accounting rules and practices strongly preferred

• Required Experience

• Mortgage, lending, or financial services industry experience strongly preferred
• CAO track: 12+ years progressive accounting experience with 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Controller, Assistant Controller, or CAO)
• Director track: 8-12 years progressive accounting experience with demonstrated team leadership and process improvement impact
• Experience in a growth-stage or scaling organization strongly preferred
• Familiarity with Sage 300 a plus

• Remote Work Requirements

• Stable, reliable internet connection
• Professional and dedicated remote working setup

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 Needed

• 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, plus incentive compensation eligibility (equity and deferred cash bonus), based on level and company policy.

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

• Work Environment: Fully remote work environment, with occasional travel for leadership offsites/corporate events.