Chief Accounting Officer at World Business Lenders, LLC

United States

About World Business Lenders <ul><li>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.</li><li>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.<br /> </li></ul>Position Overview<ul><li>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). </li><li>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. </li><li>This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both technical accounting depth and organizational-building capability.<br /></li></ul>Role Purpose<ul><li>To transform the accounting function from its current state into a scalable, well-controlled, modern organization capable of supporting the company's growth trajectory. </li><li>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&amp;A, and business leadership to ensure accounting operations enable rather than constrain business objectives.</li></ul><p><br />What You'll Be Doing (Core Responsibilities)</p><ul><li>Organizational Building &amp; Team Leadership</li></ul><ul><ul><li>Recruit, hire, and develop a scalable accounting team structure (staff accountants through senior management) aligned with growth projections and complexity of the business.</li><li>Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and career paths within the accounting organization; build a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.</li><li>Conduct regular performance management, coaching, and professional development; identify and close skill gaps through training and hiring.</li><li>Build succession planning and cross-training practices to reduce key-person risk within the accounting function.</li></ul><li>Process &amp; Systems Modernization</li><ul><li>Assess current accounting processes, systems, and controls; develop and execute a roadmap to modernize the general ledger, close process, and supporting sub-ledgers.</li><li>Lead evaluation and implementation of modern accounting/ERP systems or system upgrades; reduce reliance on manual, spreadsheet-based processes.</li><li>Standardize and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.</li><li>Drive automation of routine accounting tasks (reconciliations, journal entries, reporting) to improve efficiency and reduce error rates.</li><li>Shorten the monthly/quarterly close cycle while improving accuracy and control quality</li></ul><li>Financial Reporting &amp; Controls</li><ul><li>Own the integrity and timeliness of financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and, if applicable, SEC reporting requirements.</li><li>Design and maintain a strong internal control environment; manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate annual audit process.</li><li>Oversee technical accounting matters including revenue recognition, FAS 91, CECL , and other complex areas relevant to the business.</li><li>Ensure accurate and timely tax provision, compliance filings, and coordination with external tax advisors.</li></ul><li>Reporting Relationship &amp; Team Structure</li><ul><li>Reports to: Chief Executive Officer</li><li>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).</li></ul></ul> <p>Education</p><ul><li>Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. </li><li>CPA required; working knowledge of FAS 91 and CECL accounting rules and practices strongly preferred.<br /></li></ul><p>Required Experience:</p><ul><li>Mortgage, lending, or financial services industry experience strongly preferred.</li><li>CAO track: 12+ years progressive accounting experience with 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Controller, Assistant Controller, or CAO).</li><li>Director track: 8–12 years progressive accounting experience with demonstrated team leadership and process improvement impact</li><li>Experience in a growth-stage or scaling organization strongly preferred.</li><li>Familiarity with Sage 300 a plus.<br /></li></ul><p>Remote Work Requirements</p><ul><li>Stable, reliable internet connection.</li><li>Professional and dedicated remote working setup.</li></ul><p></p><p>Preferred Background / Industry Experience:</p><ul><li>Financial Services</li><li>Specialty Finance</li><li>Commercial Lending</li><li>Mortgage Lending</li><li>Real Estate Finance</li><li>Portfolio Lending</li><li>Banking</li><li>FinTech / Financial Technology</li><li>Growth-stage or scaling companies<br /></li></ul><p>Key Soft Skills:</p><ul><li>Executive Leadership</li><li>Team Building &amp; Development</li><li>Process Improvement Mindset</li><li>Strategic Problem Solving</li><li>Change Management</li><li>Cross-Functional Collaboration</li><li>Strong Communication &amp; Stakeholder Management</li></ul><p></p><p>Specific Technical Skills Needed:</p><ul><li>US GAAP Accounting</li><li>Financial Reporting &amp; Close Management</li><li>SOX &amp; Internal Controls</li><li>Technical Accounting (CECL, FAS 91, Revenue Recognition)</li><li>ERP &amp; Accounting Systems Implementation</li><li>Process Automation &amp; Optimization</li><li>Audit Management</li><li>Advanced Excel &amp; Financial Systems</li></ul> <p>What We Offer</p><p>💰 Compensation includes a base salary of $200,000, plus incentive compensation eligibility (equity and deferred cash bonus), based on level and company policy.</p><p>🏖️ Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a 401(k) with company match; and paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).</p><p>🌍 Work Environment: Fully remote work environment, with occasional travel for leadership offsites/corporate events.</p><p></p><p>Ready to Apply?</p><p>If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you - submit your CV in English and hit Apply</p>