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. - 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 ideal candidate will have direct experience within the Non-QM mortgage lending industry, with a strong understanding of specialty finance, lending operations, and financial reporting requirements specific to mortgage lending environments. - 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: - Direct experience working within a Non-QM mortgage company is required. - Candidates must have industry experience in Non-QM mortgage lending, specialty mortgage finance, or a closely related mortgage lending environment. - Experience in financial services, lending, and mortgage accounting operations, including exposure to loan portfolios, servicing, and related accounting requirements. - 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. - CPA required; working knowledge of FAS 91 and CECL accounting rules and practices strongly preferred. - Familiarity with Sage 300 a plus.. Remote Work Requirements - Stable, reliable internet connection. - Professional and dedicated remote working setup. Required Industry Background: - Non-QM Mortgage Lending (required) - Specialty Mortgage Finance - Commercial Lending - Real Estate Finance - Portfolio Lending - Financial Services Preferred Additional Experience: - 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: - Mortgage Lending Accounting & Loan Portfolio Accounting - Loan Accounting (including FAS 91, CECL, and related lending standards) - 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 up to $250,000, depending on the candidate’s experience and background. - 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