Director, Accounting

Description

Summary

Responsible for the oversight, accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of accounting operations of the Credit Union. This role leads the monthly and annual close processes, ensures compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements, maintains strong internal controls, and oversees general ledger, accounts payable, fixed assets, and regulatory reporting functions.

This role contributes to departmental strategy and operational planning by identifying and prioritizing opportunities to strengthen processes, systems, and reporting. Partners closely with the SVP, Accounting/Controller and cross-functional partners to deliver accurate, timely financial insights that inform leadership and Board decision-making. Drives consistency, scalability, and efficiency across accounting operations while building a high-performing team and ensuring the function evolves to meet the changing needs of the Credit Union.  

Essential Functions

• Lead and develop the Accounting team, ensuring high performance, accountability, and consistent delivery of accurate and timely accounting outcomes. 
• Oversee audit readiness and regulatory examinations, ensuring documentation and processes meet all applicable GAAP, regulatory, and internal control requirements.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance of payroll accounting and related liabilities, including tax and benefit obligations).
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and submission of regulatory reports (i.e., quarterly NCUA Call Report) maintaining compliance with all governing requirements.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of balance sheet reconciliations, including oversight of general ledger reconciliation processes.
• Lead accounting operations to ensure accuracy, continuity, and effective internal controls, including appropriate process redundancy for critical functions.
• Maintain the integrity of financial data through oversight of general ledger structure, coding practices, and account accuracy.
• Partner with the SVP Accounting/Controller to deliver accurate and timely financial statements and reporting that support leadership and Board decision-making.
• Ensure appropriate accounting treatment and policy application for fixed assets, depreciation, and prepaid expenses in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee the effectiveness, maintenance, and enhancement of the accounting system, ensuring they support operational efficiency, scalability, and reporting needs.
• Maintain deep expertise in accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and industry practices, applying this knowledge to strengthen policies and processes.
• Build and sustain strong cross-functional partnerships to support operational alignment, issue resolution, and effective financial management.
• Lead continuous improvement of accounting processes, policies, and controls to enhance efficiency, service quality, and risk mitigation.
• Translate organizational vision and strategy into departmental execution, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and alignment with organizational values.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 8 years' experience, with 3-5 years in an accounting leadership role.
• Financial services or credit union experience preferred.
• Possesses strong technical accounting background.
• Demonstrated experience managing, hiring, and developing a talented, high-performing team.
• Advanced proficiency with MS Office applications, with an expert level of proficiency in Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new software programs as required.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field.
• CPA desirable

Leadership Competencies

Outcome & Results

Own your deliverables and KPIs-meet or exceed them by giving outcomes and overcoming obstacles.

Commitments

Treat W3s as promises – execute early, follow through consistently and renegotiate transparently when priorities shift. Reliability builds trust.

Business Maturity

Know your business – manage financials, operations and experiences with discipline and in full alignment with Sunward’s key results.

Growth Mindset

Be a learner not a knower – stay curious, ask questions, adapt quickly and embrace daily learning.

Preparation and Presence

Respect others by being early prepared and fully tuned in – never distracted or multitasking.

Feedback

Fuel growth by inviting, giving and acting on feedback – always candid, respectful and forward-focused.

Talent and Culture

Build culture through people – hire top talent, coach relentlessly, celebrate wins and manage performance though our Culture of Accountability. Model the culture and values of Sunward.

Experience and Craftsmanship

Set the bar at “the best” – deliver experiences that stand apart and never compromise on quality.

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles and standards (GAAP), including financial statement preparation, balance sheet management, and proper accounting treatment across key areas such as fixed assets and accruals.
• Broad understanding of how accounting operations support organizational performance, regulatory compliance, and leadership decision-making.
• Strong understanding of financial institution/credit union regulatory requirements, including NCUA reporting, audit expectations, and internal control frameworks preferred.
• Deep knowledge of general ledger structures, reconciliations, and accounting operations, including close processes, journal entries, and financial data integrity practices.
• Working knowledge of internal controls, risk management, and audit practices, with the ability to design, evaluate, and strengthen control environments.
• Knowledge of accounting and financial systems, including ERP platforms, reporting tools, and system integration concepts that support efficiency and scalability.
• Understanding of financial reporting and analysis, including the ability to interpret results, identify trends, and support leadership decision-making.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies and operational best practices, with the ability to identify inefficiencies and enhance workflows.
• Awareness of cross-functional impacts of accounting decisions, including how financial data supports business planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives.
• Basic knowledge of Credit Union products and services, features, and benefits.

Skills/Abilities

• Possesses superior interpersonal skills. Demonstrates daily the Credit Union’s commitment to maintaining a close and caring touch with its members.
• Able to professionally represent the Credit Union to auditors, examiners, strategic partners, management, and staff.
• Possesses strong leadership skills. Consistently models leadership, organizational values and service quality standards and principles. Able to motivate staff and maintain high morale.
• Functions well within cross-functional teams. Able to collaborate proactively with team members in developing and achieving a common goal.
• Possesses exceptional communication skills including both active listening and the ability to explain complex accounting functions.
• Skilled in communicating effectively with key stakeholders and leveraging critical relationships.
• Exhibits superior problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Possesses strong technical accounting skills.
• Able to deal with complex problems involving multiple facets and variables in non-standardized situations.
• Exceptional organizational skills. Able to prioritize multiple tasks and projects while maintaining deadlines and managing resources with little direction.
• Able to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing and scheduling work assignments.
• Able to read, analyze and interpret accounting periodicals, professional journals, and technical procedures.
• Able to measure performance through analytics and transform the results into actionable plans.
• Understands and applies team and department best practices and continually works for process and service improvements.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Work is performed in a professional office environment with minimal physical risk. 
• Role requires regular use of computer systems and financial software tools. 
• Position involves frequent interaction with internal teams, leadership, auditors, and external partners. 
• Environment may include periods of increased workload and deadlines, particularly during month-end, year-end close, and audit cycles. 
• May require flexibility in work hours to meet business needs and critical reporting deadlines.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer. 
• Frequently operates a computer and other standard office equipment (e.g., keyboard, mouse, phone). 
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, via video, and over the phone. 
• Occasionally moves about the office to attend meetings and collaborate with team members. 
• May occasionally lift or move items up to 10–15 pounds (e.g., files, office materials).