Director of Technical Accounting and Financial Reporting

About the role

We are seeking a Director of Technical Accounting and Financial Reporting to join the Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer’s financial reporting and controls group. This individual will lead impact in global accounting policy, external financial reporting, and compliance, with a strong executive presence coordinating across corporate finance, business platforms, and functions to drive financial success. This is a hybrid position based 3 days a week in North Bethesda, MD.

Responsibilities

• Technical Accounting
  • Perform technical accounting research and advise on complex accounting policy and issues across all areas of US GAAP, including debt/equity transactions, consolidation (analyzing VIEs and identifying Primary Beneficiaries), revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, business combinations, divestitures, leases, impairment, derivatives, foreign currency accounting, and cash flow presentation.
  • Prepare technical accounting memorandums documenting research performed and conclusions reached.
  • Support entity-wide implementation of technical accounting matters, including preparing journal entries and drafting accounting policies and procedures.
  • Leverage deep understanding of GAAP accounting principles and SEC Regulation S-X compliance to support financial accounting and reporting considerations related to transactions.
  • Keep informed of new and evolving accounting standards and lead entity-wide implementation of new accounting pronouncements.
  • Communicate and support technical accounting analyses and conclusions with the Controller, CFO, Audit Committee, and external auditors.
  • Provide periodic training for the global financial reporting group.
• Complex Transactions Support
  • Conduct research and provide guidance on proposed complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, carve-outs, and divestitures, to the Controller, CFO, business platforms, and Audit Committee.
  • Advise and support financial accounting and reporting considerations related to complex transactions, leveraging deep understanding of GAAP and SEC Regulation S-X compliance.
  • Lead the accounting approach and analysis of complex transactions and business combinations, including impacts on closing balance sheets and purchase accounting from mergers and acquisitions.
• Financial Reporting
  • Responsible for the Company’s external filings, including periodic SEC reports (Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K).
  • Lead all aspects of external financial reporting to deliver filings in a complete, accurate, and timely manner, including:
    • Delivery of primary financial statements and footnote disclosures.
    • Development and execution of the periodic financial reporting calendar.
    • Management of business platforms and executive leadership to ensure filing timelines are met.
    • Response to SEC comment letters, as appropriate.
  • Assist with operational accounting matters and financial reporting process improvements.
  • Work closely with the VP of Investor Relations to ensure external stakeholder presentations are complete, accurate, and consistent with the company’s strategic messaging.
  • Coordinate with external auditors in all aspects of financial reporting.
• Employee Benefit Plans
  • Lead the Employee Benefit Plan team and delivery of the company’s US 401k and defined benefit plan, serving as the main contact point internally and with service providers (actuary, trustee, auditors), including regulatory agency audits (IRS).
  • Support HR in ensuring approved amendments are properly implemented into the plan’s operations.
  • Participate in Retirement Plan Committee Meetings, including preparation of financial presentations and recommendations for the plan.
  • Ensure regulatory filings for plans are complete, accurate, and on time.
  • Ensure plans acquired through acquisitions continue to meet regulatory reporting requirements until plans are merged or closed; evaluate and administer the finance aspects of merger activities.
  • Prepare financial performance slides for the pension trustee group on a semi-annual basis.
• Stock Compensation
  • Lead the accounting, reporting, and maintenance of the company’s equity plan activity, including:
    • Review of stock grants and associated values.
    • Review of technical accounting determinations for modifications, new awards, etc.
    • Work within the Fidelity system to track expense, dilution, and outstanding awards.
• Team Leadership
  • Oversee direct reports and temporary resources.
  • Create career development plans for direct reports.
  • Actively coach and seek challenging opportunities for staff to develop the internal talent pool for future career growth.
  • Ensure completion of goals established at the beginning of the year.
• Process Improvement and AI Innovation
  • Leverage business system tools to lead continuous improvement initiatives within the financial reporting and control function.
  • Support transformation of finance and/or accounting functions, including accounting and operational process improvements, integration support, target operating model design, and RPA/data analytics initiatives.
  • Contribute to developing and implementing company-approved, AI-enabled solutions; stay informed about emerging AI tools and techniques and collaborate with firm leadership to identify compliant opportunities to enhance client solutions and internal processes.
• Work on special projects as they arise, identified by the CFO and Corporate Controller, which may include due diligence, system implementation, acquisition integration, and technical accounting presentations.

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in Accounting; a Master’s in Accounting is a plus.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), active.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting standards (US GAAP and/or IFRS).
• Hands-on experience—or significant exposure to—various ERP systems and tools, including SAP BPC, Fidelity PSW, and Workiva.
• 12+ years of extensive experience and a strong foundation at SEC registrants, built from a combination of professional services (public accounting) and hands-on controllership experience at public companies.

Skills

• Strategic thinker with excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reporting rules and regulations, technical guidance, and related industry publications.
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)—precise, clear, unambiguous, and comfortable communicating at all levels, from Board members to staff.
• Team player with demonstrated ability to lead and influence others inside and outside direct-reporting lines by developing strong relationships with legal, HR, and finance personnel at business units.
• Tough-minded commitment to results, including:
  • Multi-tasking personal workload and the workload of multiple direct reports.
  • Retaining ownership and accountability for team performance, whether directly or indirectly involved.
  • Improving team performance and addressing underperformance.
  • Prioritizing and driving results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to leverage AI and automation to optimize accounting processes, enhance reporting accuracy, and drive operational efficiency.

Schedule

This is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in the North Bethesda, MD office.

Travel

Travel may be required on an as-needed basis (domestic or international) but is not expected to be recurring or regular.

Pay

Pay range: $193,239.00–$225,401.00.