AVP, Finance Transformation & Policy

Walker & Dunlop, LLC; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) + match

Paid leave and wellness programs

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Walker & Dunlop is hiring in Bethesda for a finance transformation and reporting leader who partners with senior finance to advance strategic initiatives and strengthen governance. The role focuses on technical accounting guidance, policy development, and scalable, tech-enabled solutions.

The ideal candidate will drive internal controls, data integrity, and efficient reporting using NetSuite, Alteryx, and AI tools, while mentoring accounting professionals and ensuring SOX compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or related field.
• Active CPA license required; MBA or other advanced qualifications preferred.
• 8+ years in accounting, finance transformation, advisory, or related field; Big4 experience preferred.
• Strong expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, policy development, and ERP systems.
• Experience with NetSuite, Alteryx, Solution7, and AI-enabled processes.

Responsibilities

• Partner with finance leadership to identify and execute strategic initiatives.
• Act as internal consultant to address complex accounting challenges with scalable solutions.
• Lead finance transformation projects from assessment to implementation and change management.
• Strengthen internal controls, automate processes, and improve data integrity.
• Develop business cases, plans, and metrics to measure transformation outcomes.

Skills

Strategic finance

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Analytical reasoning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/IS

CPA license

MBA or related advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

NetSuite

Alteryx

Solution7

AI-enabled tools

Job description

Department: Finance Transformation & Reporting

We are Walker & Dunlop. We are one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, enabling real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities — where people live, work, shop, and play — to life. We are committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in our communities.

Department Overview

The Finance Transformation and Reporting department serves as a strategic partner to Walker & Dunlop's business and finance teams, providing the financial insights, technical expertise, and tools needed to support informed business decisions. The department works collaboratively across accounting, treasury, and other finance functions to strengthen financial reporting, enhance operational efficiency, and support sound financial management. Our team brings together specialized expertise across five key areas: Accounting Policy, Financial Reporting, Risk and Controls, Finance Transformation, and Corporate Taxes. Together, these groups help ensure financial accuracy, strengthen processes and controls, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

The Impact You Will Have

This position partners with the Head of Finance Transformation and the Head of Financial Reporting to advance strategic finance initiatives, strengthen accounting governance, and enhance financial reporting operations. Serving as an internal consultant and technical accounting advisor, this role collaborates across accounting, finance, technology, and business teams to address complex challenges, modernize processes, strengthen internal controls, and implement scalable, technology-enabled solutions. Through technical accounting guidance, policy development, and process optimization, this position supports accurate financial reporting, operational efficiency, and the continued evolution of the Company's finance function.

Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with finance leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute strategic initiatives that improve accounting operations, financial reporting, and governance.
• Serve as an internal consultant to accounting, finance, and business leaders, evaluating complex challenges and recommending practical, scalable solutions.
• Lead finance transformation projects, including process assessments, gap analyses, solution design, implementation, and change management.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, improve data integrity, and reduce manual effort.
• Develop business cases, implementation plans, and performance metrics to support transformation initiatives and measure results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate accounting and business requirements into process improvements and technology solutions.
• Drive the implementation and optimization of finance technologies, including NetSuite, Alteryx, Solution 7, and AI-enabled tools, to enhance automation, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Provide technical accounting guidance on U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and complex or emerging accounting matters.
• Research technical accounting issues and prepare memoranda, position papers, and supporting documentation to communicate accounting conclusions.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to promote consistency, compliance, and effective financial reporting.
• Evaluate accounting implications of business transactions, process changes, and system implementations, incorporating appropriate accounting treatment and control requirements.
• Partner with Financial Reporting, Risk and Controls, and other stakeholders to identify and address accounting risks, control deficiencies, and SOX compliance requirements.
• Present recommendations, project updates, and technical findings to leadership while providing guidance, training, and mentorship to accounting and finance professionals.
• Support ongoing system governance, process documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain efficient, accurate, and well‑controlled accounting operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Attendance is generally required from 8:30am–5:30pm local time, Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or a related field required.
• Active CPA license required; MBA or other relevant advanced qualifications preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in accounting, finance transformation, advisory, or a related field; Big4 public accounting experience preferred.
• Strong technical accounting expertise, including U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, accounting research, and policy development.
• Experience with ERP systems, financial reporting technologies, and process automation tools; NetSuite, Alteryx, and Solution7 experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience implementing AI‑enabled solutions within accounting or finance processes.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional initiatives, influencing stakeholders, and mentoring accounting or finance professionals.

This position has an estimated base salary of $130,000 - $160,000 plus a discretionary bonus. #LI-NA1 #LI-Hybrid

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to evaluate complex accounting and operational challenges and develop practical, technology‑enabled solutions.
• Strong project management and leadership skills, with the ability to drive initiatives and influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and business judgment skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex accounting and technical concepts into clear, actionable information for non‑technical audiences.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word.
• Proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset with a commitment to process improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, delegate effectively, and support professional development.
• Ability to take on challenges and acknowledge growth opportunities, and demonstrate patience when learning new processes.
• Courtesy, respect, and thoughtfulness in teaming with colleagues and other stakeholders

What We Offer

The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine’s Great Places to Work winners Comprehensive benefit options* that have earned Walker & Dunlop the gold level of the 2025 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™, some of which include:

• Up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions
• Competitive dental and vision benefits
• 401(k) + match
• Pre‑tax transit and commuting benefits
• A robust health and wellness program – earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that promote health, engagement, and balance
• Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
• Company‑paid life, short and long‑term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Career development opportunities
• Empowerment and encouragement to give back – volunteer hours and donation matching
• *Eligibility may vary based on average number of hours worked

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to equity in all steps of the recruitment and employment experience. We believe in equal access to opportunities in our workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, veteran or military status, and genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to be a safe place to ask questions, build professional relationships, and develop careers.

Fair Chance Hiring

Background checks, including any questions related to infractions, arrests, or conviction records, will not be conducted until after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. We will consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of arrest and conviction records, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

Our Experience

Our experience is the combination of everything that’s unique about our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to success, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it’s our people. Our employees are self-disciplined, hardworking, curious, trustworthy, humble and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in our area.