Supervising Senior Compensation Accountant
December 29, 2021
About the Role
The Supervising Senior Compensation Accountant will support the management of a team of accounting professionals who perform Service Level Agreement (SLA) backed centralized compensation accounting operations in support of corporate departments and multiple business segments. This position will support the management of day-to-day operations of the Corporate Compensation Accounting Team, as well as drive (1) timely recording of compensation entries for monthly closings, (2) compensation accounting issue resolution and (3) recommend best practice in the areas of compensation accounting operations. This position will also act as a liaison with the Technical Accounting team in writing white papers on nonstandard compensation arrangements and the related accounting impact. (e.g. share-based compensation, etc.). This position will work closely with corporate accounting, HR executive compensation team and segment finance leadership. Additionally, this position will participate in key finance projects related to compensation matters and ensure that accounting staff are properly accounting for transactions under US GAAP, as well as ensure that SOX controls are documented, in place and operating effectively. What You'll Do
Monthly, Quarterly Segment Accounting and Reporting:
• Support management of the corporate compensation team and activities including accounting for share-based compensation, forgivable loan accounting, multiple variable compensation programs, severance and other compensation related accounting as well as monthly closing entries and account reconciliations.
• Coordinate monthly close activities related to compensation in unison with firm-wide monthly close calendar; enhance timeliness of closing process by understanding critical path deliverables and developing the proper automation and best practice processes.
• Support development of key metrics and communication tools to communicate status of key deliverables.
• Ensure proper accounting standards and controls are documented, tested and operating effectively - journal entry reviews, general ledger account reconciliations, analytic review of monthly results including detailed analysis and understanding of compensation issues.
• Ensure account reconciliations are timely, properly prepared and reviewed.
• Support the administration of share-based awards, including grants, vesting, exercises and cancellations, liaising with HR, Legal and outsource provider to ensure timely reporting. Work with technical accounting to research and provide guidance on new awards and requirements related to accounting for share-based compensation.
• Support the preparation of budgets and forecasts for compensation related items, including bonus and share-based compensation expense.
• Assess corporate departments' preliminary results against forecast, budget and prior year expectations; ensure all proper accounting entries have been recorded.
• Support Legal in the preparation of the annual Proxy Statement
• Provide customer support to Segment accounting personnel as needed on compensation related matters.
• Ensure appropriate procedures are documented and in place to analytically review key account fluctuations within the balance sheet and follow up as appropriate.
• Promote process improvements and automation related to Elite or other financial systems in concert with Corporate Financial Information Systems teams and in support of Corporate Department information needs. Controls, Processes & Procedures:
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP.
• Oversee the design and effectiveness of both operational and financial internal controls in areas of responsibility. Ensure that all SOX requirements are met.
• Liaise with external auditors on compensation accounting matters, document preparation (PBC's), supporting document requests from auditors, audit process, coordination of audit requests with team resources.
Employee development:
• Assess accounting staffing model and evaluate staff performance to maximize productivity and ensure skills appropriately fit responsibilities.
• Recruit, coach and mentor direct reports - develop appropriate training opportunities.
• Assist in providing accountants the experience and training to effectively carry out required responsibilities including access to training to keep current on new pronouncements and accounting trends.
• Measure staff satisfaction and performance.
• Direct reports include senior and staff accountants How You'll Grow
In this role, candidates will have the opportunity to provide leadership and promote a professional customer service environment. There is also exposure to developing/implementing internal best practices to create more efficient and accurate compensation accounting operations to include share-based compensation, forgivable loan accounting, variable compensation and other related compensation accounting. This position will create close working relationship with segment finance leads in all phases of proper accounting and control management.
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in accounting and CPA, CPP or other relevant certification required.
• Minimum 6 years' experience with public accounting and/or US public companies preferred (experience with a services company preferred).
• Able to communicate effectively with segment finance leadership on daily operations and continuous best practice improvements.
• Supervisory experience - best practice implementation, employee development, departmental reorganizations, controls and procedures focus. Ability to do this over several mediums (i.e. face-to-face, skype, telephone, written/email) and with all layers within the organization. Exposure to senior leaders in corporate departments and segment finance leadership (in a multi-national environment a plus).
• Strong analytical skills. Focused on mastering concepts rather than replication of work.
• Able to identify, understand and apply technical accounting concepts (thorough knowledge of GAAP).
• The ability to multi-task and willingness to learn new skills.
• Able to work well in a matrix environment.
• The ability to work effectively in a high growth environment and a rapidly changing organization.
• Good working knowledge of PC and network environment, word processing, database and spreadsheet software. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point required.
• Experience with financial systems development and implementations.
• Experience working with both domestic and international operating units preferred.
Our Benefits
Apart from the well-structured career path and excellent team environment, our employees enjoy a variety of perks and benefits. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
About FTI Consulting
What makes us unique? With more than 5,000 employees located in offices in every corner of the globe, we are the firm our clients call when their most important issues are at stake. Regardless of what level you are, you will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from top experts in your field on high-profile engagements that impact history. Our culture is collaborative, and we value diversity, recognition, development and making a difference in our communities.
FTI Consulting is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and has been recognized as a Best Firm to Work For by Consulting magazine and one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn.
FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
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The Supervising Senior Compensation Accountant will support the management of a team of accounting professionals who perform Service Level Agreement (SLA) backed centralized compensation accounting operations in support of corporate departments and multiple business segments. This position will support the management of day-to-day operations of the Corporate Compensation Accounting Team, as well as drive (1) timely recording of compensation entries for monthly closings, (2) compensation accounting issue resolution and (3) recommend best practice in the areas of compensation accounting operations. This position will also act as a liaison with the Technical Accounting team in writing white papers on nonstandard compensation arrangements and the related accounting impact. (e.g. share-based compensation, etc.). This position will work closely with corporate accounting, HR executive compensation team and segment finance leadership. Additionally, this position will participate in key finance projects related to compensation matters and ensure that accounting staff are properly accounting for transactions under US GAAP, as well as ensure that SOX controls are documented, in place and operating effectively. What You'll Do
Monthly, Quarterly Segment Accounting and Reporting:
• Support management of the corporate compensation team and activities including accounting for share-based compensation, forgivable loan accounting, multiple variable compensation programs, severance and other compensation related accounting as well as monthly closing entries and account reconciliations.
• Coordinate monthly close activities related to compensation in unison with firm-wide monthly close calendar; enhance timeliness of closing process by understanding critical path deliverables and developing the proper automation and best practice processes.
• Support development of key metrics and communication tools to communicate status of key deliverables.
• Ensure proper accounting standards and controls are documented, tested and operating effectively - journal entry reviews, general ledger account reconciliations, analytic review of monthly results including detailed analysis and understanding of compensation issues.
• Ensure account reconciliations are timely, properly prepared and reviewed.
• Support the administration of share-based awards, including grants, vesting, exercises and cancellations, liaising with HR, Legal and outsource provider to ensure timely reporting. Work with technical accounting to research and provide guidance on new awards and requirements related to accounting for share-based compensation.
• Support the preparation of budgets and forecasts for compensation related items, including bonus and share-based compensation expense.
• Assess corporate departments' preliminary results against forecast, budget and prior year expectations; ensure all proper accounting entries have been recorded.
• Support Legal in the preparation of the annual Proxy Statement
• Provide customer support to Segment accounting personnel as needed on compensation related matters.
• Ensure appropriate procedures are documented and in place to analytically review key account fluctuations within the balance sheet and follow up as appropriate.
• Promote process improvements and automation related to Elite or other financial systems in concert with Corporate Financial Information Systems teams and in support of Corporate Department information needs. Controls, Processes & Procedures:
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP.
• Oversee the design and effectiveness of both operational and financial internal controls in areas of responsibility. Ensure that all SOX requirements are met.
• Liaise with external auditors on compensation accounting matters, document preparation (PBC's), supporting document requests from auditors, audit process, coordination of audit requests with team resources.
Employee development:
• Assess accounting staffing model and evaluate staff performance to maximize productivity and ensure skills appropriately fit responsibilities.
• Recruit, coach and mentor direct reports - develop appropriate training opportunities.
• Assist in providing accountants the experience and training to effectively carry out required responsibilities including access to training to keep current on new pronouncements and accounting trends.
• Measure staff satisfaction and performance.
• Direct reports include senior and staff accountants How You'll Grow
In this role, candidates will have the opportunity to provide leadership and promote a professional customer service environment. There is also exposure to developing/implementing internal best practices to create more efficient and accurate compensation accounting operations to include share-based compensation, forgivable loan accounting, variable compensation and other related compensation accounting. This position will create close working relationship with segment finance leads in all phases of proper accounting and control management.
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in accounting and CPA, CPP or other relevant certification required.
• Minimum 6 years' experience with public accounting and/or US public companies preferred (experience with a services company preferred).
• Able to communicate effectively with segment finance leadership on daily operations and continuous best practice improvements.
• Supervisory experience - best practice implementation, employee development, departmental reorganizations, controls and procedures focus. Ability to do this over several mediums (i.e. face-to-face, skype, telephone, written/email) and with all layers within the organization. Exposure to senior leaders in corporate departments and segment finance leadership (in a multi-national environment a plus).
• Strong analytical skills. Focused on mastering concepts rather than replication of work.
• Able to identify, understand and apply technical accounting concepts (thorough knowledge of GAAP).
• The ability to multi-task and willingness to learn new skills.
• Able to work well in a matrix environment.
• The ability to work effectively in a high growth environment and a rapidly changing organization.
• Good working knowledge of PC and network environment, word processing, database and spreadsheet software. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point required.
• Experience with financial systems development and implementations.
• Experience working with both domestic and international operating units preferred.
Our Benefits
Apart from the well-structured career path and excellent team environment, our employees enjoy a variety of perks and benefits. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Competitive salary and bonus plans
- Generous paid holidays, time off and parental leave
- Full package of benefits plans
- Company matched 401K
- Annual paid volunteer hours
- Corporate matching for charitable donations
- Potential for flexible working arrangements
- Free snacks and drinks
- Upscale offices close to public transportation
- Pet insurance
About FTI Consulting
What makes us unique? With more than 5,000 employees located in offices in every corner of the globe, we are the firm our clients call when their most important issues are at stake. Regardless of what level you are, you will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from top experts in your field on high-profile engagements that impact history. Our culture is collaborative, and we value diversity, recognition, development and making a difference in our communities.
FTI Consulting is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and has been recognized as a Best Firm to Work For by Consulting magazine and one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn.
FTI Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.
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