Head of Accounting Policy & Technical Accounting

Job Description Summary

Under limited direction and with a high degree of autonomy, serves as the primary subject matter expert for accounting policy, technical accounting research, and accounting support for new products and business initiatives, as well as acquisitions. Oversees the team responsible for researching, interpreting, and applying accounting guidance to complex transactions and emerging business activities while ensuring consistent application of accounting standards across the organization.

Leads the development and maintenance of the Company's accounting policy framework, evaluates the accounting implications of new products and strategic initiatives, and provides guidance on the implementation of new accounting standards. Partners closely with Financial Reporting, Treasury, Legal, Tax, Risk, Product, and business leaders to support informed business decisions and appropriate accounting outcomes.

Acts as a key liaison with external auditors regarding technical accounting matters and serves as a trusted advisor to Finance leadership on complex accounting issues.

Job Description

Technical Accounting Research

• Research complex accounting issues and develop well-supported accounting conclusions.
• Interpret accounting guidance issued by FASB, SEC, and other regulatory bodies, as well as related accounting firm interpretations.
• Prepare and maintain technical accounting memoranda, accounting position papers, and supporting documentation.
• Provide accounting consultations for unusual, non-routine, or complex transactions.
• Analyze proposed transactions and contracts to determine appropriate accounting treatment.
• Monitor emerging accounting pronouncements and industry developments affecting the organization.

New Products & Business Initiatives

• Serve as Accounting's representative in new product approval and governance processes.
• Assess accounting implications of new products, business initiatives, strategic transactions, and changes in business practices.
• Partner with business leaders, Legal, Treasury, Risk, and Finance teams to identify accounting, reporting, operational, and control impacts of new offerings.
• Provide accounting guidance during product design and implementation to ensure appropriate accounting treatment and reporting.
• Identify and document accounting requirements for new products prior to launch.
• Support strategic growth initiatives by providing timely accounting analysis and recommendations.

Accounting Standards Implementation

• Monitor new accounting standards and evaluate organizational impacts.
• Lead technical accounting assessments related to new accounting guidance.
• Develop implementation plans and coordinate adoption activities.
• Communicate accounting and reporting implications to stakeholders and Finance leadership.
• Support operational implementation of accounting changes across affected business functions.

Accounting Policy

• Lead the development, maintenance, and governance of the Company's accounting policies and related guidance.
• Establish and maintain accounting policy documentation supporting consistent application of U.S. GAAP across the organization.
• Draft, update, and communicate accounting policies, interpretations, and implementation guidance.
• Evaluate existing policies and recommend enhancements based on regulatory developments, business changes, and industry practices.
• Develop training and educational materials supporting policy implementation and awareness.

Acquisitions

• Lead efforts to identify and engage third-party specialists to perform valuation of acquired assets and liabilities that result from acquisition activities.
• Lead documentation of the firm’s controls over acquisitions.
• Support firm due diligence procedures.

Auditor & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support external audit reviews of technical accounting positions and conclusions.
• Coordinate responses to auditor inquiries related to technical accounting matters.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to facilitate effective accounting consultations.
• Present accounting conclusions and recommendations to senior Finance leadership.
• Ensure technical accounting decisions are appropriately documented and governed.

Leadership

• Lead team responsible for technical accounting projects and initiatives.
• Mentor and develop accounting professionals.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, continuous learning, and collaboration.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Engage with and educate others throughout finance and RJF.

Knowledge of

• U.S. GAAP and FASB Accounting Standards Codification.
• SEC reporting and disclosure requirements.
• Accounting policy governance practices.
• Technical accounting research methodologies.
• Financial services products and transactions.
• Internal controls and corporate governance principles.
• Acquisition accounting.

Skill in

• Technical accounting research and analysis.
• Preparing accounting memoranda and position papers.
• Interpreting accounting standards and regulatory guidance.
• Evaluating new product and transaction accounting impacts.
• Presenting technical conclusions to executive leadership and auditors.
• Building partnerships across business and support functions.

Ability to

• Apply accounting guidance to complex business situations.
• Communicate technical concepts in a practical and understandable manner.
• Influence accounting decisions through sound analysis and recommendations.
• Manage multiple complex assignments simultaneously.
• Exercise sound professional judgment in areas requiring interpretation.
• Establish credibility with business leaders, auditors, and Finance leadership.

Education/Previous Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required.
• CPA required.
• Minimum 10 years of accounting experience.
• Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Significant experience in technical accounting research and accounting policy development.
• Experience with acquisition accounting preferred.
• Experience supporting new products, complex transactions, or strategic initiatives preferred.
• Financial services industry experience preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s: Accounting, Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Finance

Work Experience

General Experience - More than 15 years

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 

We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.