Director of Accounting Systems

About the Role

The Director of Accounting Systems & Financial Data is responsible for leading the strategy, governance, and operation of all accounting-related data and financial systems. This role ensures the integrity, availability, and automation of financial data used for general ledger accounting, financial reporting, regulatory filings, and executive decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Accounting Data Strategy, Governance & Reporting
  • Set the vision and roadmap for accounting data architecture, reporting systems, and automation.
  • Establish and enforce accounting data governance standards, including data definitions, lineage, quality controls, and documentation.
  • Direct the creation of reusable reporting templates, data models, and analytics tools.
  • Ensure consistent data usage across Accounting, FP&A, Risk, Treasury, and other business areas.
• Accounting Systems & Technology Management
  • Lead accounting system modernization initiatives, including cloud migrations, reporting platforms, and automation technologies.
  • Oversee the general ledger system, consolidation tools, reporting platforms, and accounting-related data warehouse components.
  • Manage system upgrades, enhancements, and integrations with core banking applications.
  • Partner with IT on system architecture, cybersecurity, access controls, and infrastructure planning.
• Financial Reporting, Controls & Compliance
  • Ensure financial systems, accounting data structures, and reporting processes support U.S. GAAP compliance, statutory reporting requirements, and internal control objectives.
  • Design and maintain automated data validation processes to ensure reporting accuracy of financial results.
  • Strengthen ICFR/SOX compliance through effective financial controls, monitoring activities, audit trails, change management processes, and governance over financial data.
  • Partner with internal and external auditors, regulatory examiners, and cross-functional stakeholders by providing financial system documentation, accounting process narratives, data analysis, and control evidence.
• Process Improvement
  • Champion automation and process enhancements that reduce manual accounting activities, improve efficiency, accelerate close cycles, and improve the accuracy and reliability of financial data.
  • Lead the identification, investigation, and resolution of complex accounting and financial data issues, performing root cause analysis across financial processes, source systems, and business functions.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on financial reporting processes, account reconciliation quality, data integrity, and overall accounting operational effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with Accounting, Finance, Tax, Treasury, and business partners to optimize end-to-end financial processes and strengthen reporting capabilities.
• Leadership
  • Serve as the primary accounting liaison between cross-functional teams, including IT, Finance, Risk, and Operations to support financial reporting, compliance, and process improvement initiatives.
  • Lead and develop a team of accounting data analysts and financial report developers.
  • Build a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Provide coaching, training, and professional development to strengthen team capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or related field; CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in financial systems, accounting data management, or financial reporting.
• Banking or financial services experience required; experience with regulatory reporting strongly preferred.
• Prior leadership experience managing technical and analytical teams.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a highly regulated environment.
• Strategic thinker with strong execution discipline.
• Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to lead complex, multi-department initiatives.
• Comfortable operating under tight deadlines and regulatory scrutiny.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of general ledger systems (Oracle, SAP, Workday, Fiserv, Jack Henry).
• Strong SQL and data modeling skills; familiarity with ETL tools and data warehouses.
• Experience with reporting platforms (Power BI, Tableau, SSRS, Cognos).
• Understanding of U.S. GAAP, regulatory reporting, and financial statement structure.
• Strong grasp of system controls, change management, and audit requirements.