Chief Accounting Officer

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 900 AM to 600 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). Requirements 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 Benefits What We Offer 💰 Compensation includes a base salary of $200000 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