World Business Lenders, LLC

World Business Lenders, LLC

·14 days ago

Chief accounting officer

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Location

remote, Jersey City, NJ, United States

Salary

$200k/yr

Commitment

Full Time

Level

VP / C-level

Required skills

Executive leadershipTeam buildingProcess improvementStrategic problem solvingChange managementCross-functional collaborationUS GAAPFinancial reportingClose managementSOX complianceInternal controlsTechnical accountingERP implementationProcess automationAudit managementAdvanced Excel

Job Description

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 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).

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:

  • Mortgage, lending, or financial services industry experience strongly preferred.
  • 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.
  • Familiarity with Sage 300 a plus.

Remote Work Requirements

  • Stable, reliable internet connection.
  • Professional and dedicated remote working setup.

Preferred Background / Industry Experience:

  • Financial Services
  • Specialty Finance
  • Commercial Lending
  • Mortgage Lending
  • Real Estate Finance
  • Portfolio Lending
  • 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:

  • 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

What We Offer

  • 💰 Compensation includes a base salary of $200,000, 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.

Ready to join the team?

Apply now

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