Director, Compensation Accounting

Overview

A leading global financial institution is seeking a Director, Compensation Accounting to lead its accounting and reporting function for personnel-related expenses across a large, complex organization. This highly visible leadership role is responsible for compensation accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and governance related to payroll, bonuses, equity compensation, benefits, and deferred compensation programs.

Reporting within the Controller organization, the Director will partner closely with HR, Payroll, FP&A, and senior finance leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, strengthen internal controls, and drive process improvements. This role is ideal for an experienced accounting leader with deep expertise in compensation accounting, stock-based compensation (ASC 718), and financial reporting within a public company or financial services environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Compensation Accounting function, overseeing payroll, bonus, benefits, deferred compensation, and equity compensation accounting.
• Manage the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close process for all personnel-related expense accounts.
• Review and approve journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and financial reporting related to compensation.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and applicable accounting standards, including ASC 718.
• Prepare and review financial statement disclosures and support external reporting requirements.
• Oversee complex compensation accruals, bonus pools, deferred compensation, and stock-based compensation accounting.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment, including SOX compliance and audit readiness.
• Partner with FP&A to support forecasting and analysis of personnel costs.
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, and Finance leadership to improve accounting processes and reporting capabilities.
• Drive automation, systems enhancements, and process improvement initiatives across compensation accounting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA preferred.
• 10–15+ years of progressive accounting experience with leadership responsibility.
• Strong corporate accounting experience with expertise in stock-based compensation (ASC 718).
• Experience accounting for compensation, payroll, bonuses, benefits, and deferred compensation.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, IFRS, financial reporting, and month-end close.
• Experience preparing financial statements, footnotes, and supporting external audits.
• Strong knowledge of SOX controls and internal control frameworks.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; Oracle Cloud GL and Alteryx experience are a plus.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, communication, and project management skills.