Director of Accounting Policy and SEC Reporting

SUMMARY

The Director of Accounting Policy & SEC Reporting oversees the Firm’s external financial reporting function (SEC financial reporting and compliance) as well as internal quarterly and monthly reporting and is responsible for the technical accounting policy function for the Firm. This position will ensure the timely financial completeness of all periodic, annual, and other financial-related SEC filings.  The role is accountable for the timely identification and resolution of accounting issues associated with the Firm’s on-going business operations, as well as significant business transactions and acquisitions, and for determining the appropriate financial statement disclosure requirements of such events. 

The Director leads and works with a team of accounting personnel over two primary functions: Accounting Policy and SEC reporting. This is a senior leadership position within the Corporate Finance department and will be involved in team development.  This role will be expected to develop strong working relationship and demonstrate the ability to work in a cross functional team across Corporate Accounting, Fund Accounting and Analysis, Legal, Tax, Human Resources, Corporate Development, Investor Relations and FP&A.

This position will report directly to the Chief Accounting Officer, who is responsible for all firm accounting matters, and will also work closely with the Controller, Head of Tax and the CFO.  

RESPONSIBILITIES          

• Responsible for the periodic financial filings (10-K, 10-Qs), such as MD&A narratives and disclosures. Includes running a reporting calendar, gathering input from executive management to prepare such disclosure and, overseeing preparation of financial filings and reviewing the financial filings.
• Assist the investor relations team with the preparation of the quarterly earnings release and other analyst information needs (i.e., analyst calls and presentations)
• Prepare / oversee quarterly earnings per share calculations
• Responsible for certain aspects of monthly and quarterly internal reporting
• When SEC inquiries are received from their periodic review of Firm’s financial filings, work with Corporate Accounting and Legal as well as the auditors to prepare responses to such inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with Edgar and XBRL SEC filing requirements.
• Monitor industry peers for emerging trends related to financial reporting matters (disclosures, comparable non-GAAP financial measurements).
• Maintain internal control compliance (SOX 404) over Firm’s SEC reporting function and accounting policy.
• Oversee audits and reporting for foreign entities and other regulated entities.
• This position requires a deep understanding of the Firm’s financial statements and technical accounting standards, as it is seen as the primary internal accounting expertise at the Firm, responsible for identifying and resolving technical accounting issues that arise during Firm’s normal business operations as well as Firm’s non-recurring strategic business transactions.
• Serves as the GAAP accounting liaison for other business functions at the Firm, including but not limited to: Fund Accounting and Analysis (fund-level accounting function), Tax, Legal, Human Resources, Treasury, Investor Relations, and Corporate Development
• Typical accounting areas of focus include: consolidation accounting (ASC 810), fair value, stock-based compensation, other compensation, acquisition accounting, non-controlling interests, income taxes, revenue recognition, earnings per share, and non-GAAP / segment reporting
• In accounting areas where additional guidance or consensus is necessary from regulators, prepare a pre-clearance letter and work with the CFO, CAO and our auditors to coordinate filing and discussions with the SEC
• Uses the resources of the corporate accounting team to research guidance and prepare accounting analyses, and work with external auditors to gain concurrence on Firm’s accounting conclusions
• Participates in the due diligence process with the Firm’s Corporate Development group as Firm’s accounting representative to identify key accounting issues associated with potential acquisitions, including identification of accounting operational issues associated with integration of the accounting function.
• Directs the accounting policy function to monitor emerging accounting guidance from standard setters, to understand the implications of such guidance on Firm’s existing accounting and reporting, and to proactively communicate potential impacts to the CAO, CFO, and other financial reporting stakeholders (e.g., investor relations department).
• Coordinate with other Firm departments to ensure the effective adoption of new accounting pronouncements. Ensure that new accounting processes and procedures necessary for such adoption are put into place and contain the appropriate level of internal controls.
• Supervision the preparation of Firm accounting policies as needed, and supervise the communication and education of such policies to Firm’s accounting teams.
• Other duties as assigned by Firm’s Chief Accounting Officer.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal experience and critical competencies for the role include the following:

• BA/BS in Accounting with outstanding academic credentials; CPA required.
• 12+ years of professional experience in technical accounting policy function and/or SEC reporting; prior experience in Big 4 public accounting (manager-level or above) required.
• Background in the financial services industry desired; knowledge of the alternative asset management industry a plus
• Experience with applying accounting guidance related to the following topics: consolidation (ASC 810), fair value, stock-based compensation, acquisition accounting, income taxes.
• Knowledge of SEC financial reporting rules and regulations for periodic reporting (10-K, 10-Qs) and other areas.
• Experience with internal control compliance (SOX 404).
• Strong leadership and communication skills in order to establish trusted relationships across many Firm departments (Corporate Accounting, Fund Accounting and Analysis, Legal, Tax, Human Resources, Corporate Development, Investor Relations) to identify issues, analyze current processes, and implement future changes.
• Experience with Workiva a strong plus.
• In-depth knowledge of US GAAP and proficiency in technical accounting research, analysis, and documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and strong managerial skills, with the ability to supervise and develop a team.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively articulate accounting guidance and rules to Firm executives without accounting backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage organizational change and cross-collaborate with non-accounting functions.
• Highly organized and efficient – must be able to process a large volume of information and manage competing priorities with effective delegation.
• Ability to operate under pressure and manage to strict deadlines.

In terms of cultural fit, the successful candidate will be self-motivated and energized by working amongst a group of thoughtful, smart and successful colleagues. He or she will enjoy being part of an organization focused on excellence and will be a naturally collaborative person who enjoys interacting with individuals at all levels. Additionally, he or she will be a strong team player with a proactive approach and the ability to exercise discretion and judgment.

CULTURE

We are not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. Welcome change. We are a culture of empowerment, accountability, high performance, and trust. Successful team members are self-motivated and energized by working alongside thoughtful and smart colleagues in a fast-paced environment. Individuals who thrive on this team enjoy being a part of an organization focused on excellence. We look for naturally collaborative individuals who enjoy interacting at all levels of the organization. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

A diverse, engaged team is critical to our ability to successfully create and deliver value to our clients. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse professionals can thrive professionally, and we are dedicated to training, retaining, and promoting minorities, women, LGBTQ employees, veterans and individuals with disabilities. Over 55% of GCM Grosvenor employees and 43% of executive management are women and/or ethnically diverse individuals. In addition, we seek to drive a more diverse, inclusive industry through our partnership with diverse professionals organizations and by consciously working with subcontractors and vendors that are certified as minority-, women-, or persons with disabilities-owned businesses.