Accounting Manager

Who We AreJoin a team that puts its People First! Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for nine consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We DoMaintains integrity of accounting information and systems, in accordance with standards and rules under GAAP, as well as other regulating bodies. Reconciles, analyzes and synthesizes financial data from business operations. Plays an active role in the preparation of public financial statements, including balance sheet, income statements, SEC filings, DOI reports and other regulatory reports. May evaluate or support the evaluation of company and regional profitability, efficiency and product performance. May evaluate the effects of changes in accounting regulations on Company's financial statements and accounting controls. Executes accounting policy and procedures and participates in internal and external audits. Responsible for managing and setting priorities on the daily operations of a large General Ledger ensuring compliance with GAAP, SOX and other regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

• Perform account analysis to assist with ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Perform high level review of account balances.
• Performs the most complex accounting activities to maintain complete and accurate general ledger. This includes researching, as necessary, new pronouncements for reporting. Review and identify trends or issues and the related sources to make recommendations for change.
• Prepares and analyzes monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports; ensures financial information has been recorded accurately.
• Prepares integrated revenue/expense analyses.
• Interface and assistance with internal and external audits.
• Leads special projects including process improvement initiatives.
• Plays key role in monthly and quarterly close process.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking by calling out assumptions and identifying root causes.
• Identify errors and risks that could have a significant financial impact on the company’s financial statements and compliance with Sarbanes Oxley.
• Communicate with multiple levels, including the senior levels in the organization and escalate issues to appropriate management.
• Leads the development of desktop procedures and training material as well as training staff.
• Analyzes offshore production against Service Level Agreements (SLA) to identify issues with substandard quality, turn-around time and productivity and suggest solutions to management team.
• Evaluate financial reporting and other SOX or Operational risk and make process recommendations to the leadership team for the business to mitigate these risks to acceptable levels.

Job Complexities

• Act as strong business partner to the supporting business to inform on accounting matter as appropriate to enhance controls and support integrity in financial reporting.
• Leads and performs complex analysis projects.
• Assignments are broad and complex in nature, usually requiring significant originality and ingenuity. Has significant latitude for un- reviewed actions or decisions.
• Uses professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways.
• Exercises judgment to determine appropriate action.
• Identify errors that could have a business and/or financial impact.
• Accommodates complexities associated with large companies, multiple locations in a global environment.
• Leads and develops department processes and procedures.
• Makes recommendations which have an important bearing on the conduct of the organization’s business.

Supervision Received or Extended

• Reports to Director – Financial Service Center (General Ledger).
• Works under general direction relying on experience and judgment to perform the functions of the job.
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.
• May direct and coordinate the work of a group or team.
• Provides functional advice or training to less- experienced team members.
• May lead and direct the work of others but is not a supervisor.
• Provides direction, coordination and control for the effective operation of the team and provides feedback to the Director or Vice President in relation to staffing, performance, discipline etc.

Impact
Knowledge and Skills/Technology Used

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Advanced knowledge in the interpretation and application of accounting principles and practices.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Large ERP Software experience, Oracle preferred.
• Hyperion experience preferred
• Warehouse Lending Accounting Experience a plus.

Typical Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Typical Range of Experience

• 6+ years of experience in the field or in a related area
• Big 4 Accounting/Auditing Experience preferred.
• Forensic Accounting Experience preferred.

License or Certification

• CPA required

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours and/or responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

What We OfferBy choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.