Advisor - Accounting Policy

Job Description

Job Description

The Advisor- Accounting Policy serves as Farmer Mac's lead technical accounting resource and is responsible for the development, maintenance, and governance of the Company's accounting policy framework. This role provides technical accounting leadership for the evaluation of new transactions, products, strategic initiatives, and emerging accounting guidance, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and regulatory requirements.

In addition to leading accounting policy and accounting research activities, the Advisor plays a key role in Farmer Mac's quarterly and annual financial reporting processes, supporting the preparation and review of SEC filings, technical accounting disclosures, accounting standard adoption analyses, and related reporting documentation. The position is responsible for assessing the accounting and reporting implications of complex transactions and ensuring their appropriate recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure in the Company's financial statements and external reports.

The position works closely with key stakeholders across the organization to provide accounting guidance on complex matters, support strategic initiatives, and help ensure consistent application of accounting policies and reporting requirements. There are no direct reports to this position.

The People You Will Work With

The position will report directly to the Senior Manager, Financial Reporting. The position will work closely with key stakeholders throughout the organization and regularly interact with external auditors, regulators, and third-party advisors as needed.

Where and When You Will Work

Work is to be conducted at Farmer Mac's headquarters at 2100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, or remotely for the exc. Business hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Work outside of these times may be required for planned and unplanned activities associated with significant transactions, implementation of new accounting standards, quarter-end and year-end reporting activities, or other time-sensitive projects. Travel outside of Washington, DC is generally not expected for this position.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as Farmer Mac's primary accounting policy resource for the interpretation and application of U.S. GAAP.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and governance of Farmer Mac's accounting policy codification and related accounting policy framework.
• Research, evaluate, and document the accounting treatment for new transactions, products, strategic initiatives, and business activities.
• Partner with key stakeholders to identify and address accounting implications of new initiatives, transactions, and business activities.
• Prepare technical accounting memoranda supporting accounting conclusions, including analyses of applicable accounting guidance, alternatives considered, and key judgments.
• Monitor emerging accounting standards, SEC developments, regulatory guidance, and industry practices, and assess their impact on Farmer Mac.
• Lead the implementation of newly issued accounting standards and disclosure requirements.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and implementation guidance to support consistent application of accounting principles across the organization.
• Provide technical accounting guidance for complex transactions, including, but not limited to, financial instruments, loan acquisitions and sales, securitizations, servicing arrangements, derivatives and hedging activities, structured financings, and credit risk transfer transactions.
• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and third-party advisors on technical accounting matters.
• Support quarterly and annual SEC reporting activities, including the preparation and review of accounting disclosures, critical accounting policies, accounting standard updates, disclosure checklists, and routine quarterly memoranda.
• Assist in the preparation and review of Forms 10-Q and 10-K and other external reporting documents, as needed.
• Develop accounting position papers, white papers, and educational materials for internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical accounting training and guidance to accounting personnel and business stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to enhance accounting governance, documentation, and research processes.
• Support special projects and other initiatives as assigned.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and understanding of U.S. GAAP, financial statement presentation, and disclosure requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to research and resolve complex accounting issues and communicate conclusions clearly and effectively.
• Strong technical writing skills with experience preparing accounting memoranda, policy documentation, and technical accounting analyses.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and thoroughness.
• Proven organizational skills with a focus on document management, project management, and governance.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work well in a collaborative team environment.
• Effective self-starter with a proactive attitude and the ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
• Exercise discretion/confidentiality and demonstrate sound business judgment when performing assigned duties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with peers and all levels of management.
• Advanced skills using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Experience and Education

• At least five (5) years of experience in public accounting, technical accounting, accounting policy, SEC reporting, or corporate accounting.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; MBA is considered an asset.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Experience researching and implementing U.S. GAAP accounting standards.
• Experience preparing technical accounting memoranda 
• Experience evaluating and documenting complex accounting transactions.
• Experience in the financial services industry is preferred.
• SEC reporting experience is preferred.

Our compensation philosophy is targeted pay positioning relative to peers, our industry, and external markets. Farmer Mac is committed to a compensation program that will enable the organization to attract, motivate, reward, and retain highly skilled and creative talent to maintain sustained long-term performance and achieve the organization’s strategic business objectives. The typical starting salary range for this position is between $125,000 -$160,000, although wages can vary based on experience and geography, plus performance-based bonus and equity-based awards. Individual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience.