Accounting Policy Manager

Purpose

Contributes to the overall success of the GBM US Finance ensuring specific individual goals, plans, initiatives are executed /delivered in support of the team’s business strategies and objectives.  Ensures all activities conducted are in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures.

The Accounting Policy Manager reports to the Director of U.S. Accounting Policy and is responsible to assist in the further development, maintenance and implementation of policies, procedures and methodologies under U.S. GAAP, interacting with head office IFRS accounting policy professionals. 

The individual will assist in ensuring that the combined U.S. operations of the Bank has the relevant methodologies and processes to report financial and regulatory information according in accordance with the guidelines, quality standards and timelines demanded by the U.S. regulators.  The incumbent is responsible for the development and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures and processes in order to improve the quality, integrity, relevance, security and ownership of Scotiabank’s financial and regulatory information.

The incumbent is expected to establish credible relationships with business partners in providing perspective on finance and accounting matters pertaining to business activities. The incumbent also provides input to new product development and implementation and reviews the integrity of accounting for existing financial reporting.

Accountabilities

• Champions a customer focused culture to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge.

• Support the implementation of accounting policy matters for the combined U.S. operations of the bank

1. Develop, maintain and implement accounting policies, procedures and support process implementation
2. Develop and administer training on accounting standards on U.S. GAAP and on IFRS/U.S. GAAP differences and changes or developments in accounting standards
3. Identify and facilitate the involvement of key stakeholders
4. Direct, coordinate and integrate activities

• Provide support to stakeholders on financial and regulatory reporting issues and/or changes.
  1. Maintain an expert knowledge of U.S. GAAP and ensure alignment with regulatory reporting policies and procedures.
  2. Initiate problem resolution for discrepancies and contributes to quality control and process
  3. Serves as a point of contact for inquiries and problem resolution with business partners
  4. Participate in periodic meetings/change management for finance and regulatory reporting matters at the Bank

• Understand how the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in day-to-day activities and decisions.

• Actively pursues effective and efficient operations of his/her respective areas, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational risk, regulatory compliance risk, AML/ATF risk and conduct risk, including but not limited to responsibilities under the Operational Risk Management Framework, Regulatory Compliance Risk Management Framework, AML/ATF Global Handbook and the Guidelines for Business Conduct.

• CPA, CA, MBA or MS in accounting preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP
• At least 7-10 years of financial reporting experience, accounting policy or technical accounting advisory services in the Banking or Financial Services industries. 

SKILLS

• This position is strategic and complex requiring a results oriented individual who has a high degree of understanding of banking business knowledge of U.S.GAAP and IFRS, balanced by an intrinsic understanding of the business lines. Must be able to engender trust and confidence across the company based upon an ability to deliver services on target and on time.  The accounting policy services must provide highly quality information for strategic and business decision making.
• Excellent people skills are required in order to influence teamwork and to deliver results under tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
• A strong communicator is a must for this role. Advanced written and verbal communications skills are essential to effectively drive change management across culturally diverse workforce.
• Requires researching technical accounting standards and monitoring the development of new accounting standards
• Ability to develop and present training materials on new or proposed changes to accounting standards
• Coordinate and lead the implementation new U.S. GAAP standards

Functional competencies

• Thorough understanding of  U.S. GAAP accounting standards
• Understanding of IFRS and U.S. GAAP differences
• Strong people and interpersonal skills
• Strong influencing skills to apply within U.S. Finance
• Capability to establish credibility and value added with business partners
• Effective listener and communicator, verbally and in writing
• Sound organizational abilities with the capacity to be innovative and think creatively
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to react quickly, under adverse operating conditions