Chief Accounting Officer

### **About** **[World Business Lenders](https://himalayas.app/companies/world-business-lenders)** * [World Business Lenders](https://himalayas.app/companies/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. * Typically, the work schedule is from **9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday**, though additional hours may be required based on business needs. ### 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. * Oversee 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.** ### **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 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** **What We Offer** **💰 **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.** ### **Ready to Apply?** **_If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you - submit your CV in English and hit_ _**Apply**_** Originally posted on [Himalayas](https://himalayas.app)