Lead Accountant - Reconciliations

KeyBank; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

KeyBank seeks Lead Accountant for Corporate Reconciliation in Cleveland/Brooklyn area to ensure timely completion of tasks and uphold internal controls. You will perform reconciliations, analyze exceptions, and support continuous improvement initiatives across lines of business.

You will design and execute test cases, mentor analysts, coordinate with IT, Operations, and Audit, and prepare regulatory reporting with strong attention to risk and accuracy. Hybrid work with in-office collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years accounting or finance audit.
• 1+ years of project experience (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Perform complex reconciliations, fundings or settlements with ability to design future requirements.
• Resolve complex reconciliation exceptions, and manage stales.
• Prepare, analyze, coordinate and complete secondary review/approval for regulatory reporting.
• Lead training sessions with multiple team members for new processes.
• Document new departmental procedures, update changes to existing procedures, and/or review procedures.
• Provide support for moderate to complex critical incidents or production issues.

Skills

Reconciliation expertise

ERP systems

Excel + Power BI

SOX / Internal controls

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Oracle

BlackLine

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Location

4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn Ohio

Job Summary

Perform Lead Accountant responsibilities for the Corporate Reconciliation function to ensure that all tasks are completed on time. Consider risks and internal controls when participating in projects or when implementing or enhancing operational processes. Provide support for process and production issues for Corporate Reconciliation. Complete general ledger and internal Demand Deposit Account (DDA) reconciliations for various Bank applications. Perform research and analysis on reconcilement exceptions. Work with various Lines of Business on exception resolution and help to identify root cause of issues. Participate in Continuous Improvement and process improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Perform complex reconciliations, fundings or settlements with ability to design future requirements
• Resolve complex reconciliation exceptions, and manage stales
• Prepare, analyze, coordinate and complete secondary review/approval for regulatory reporting
• Lead training sessions with multiple team members for new processes
• Document new departmental procedures, update changes to existing procedures, and/or review procedures
• Provide support for moderate to complex critical incidents or production issues
• Complete audit requests, while understanding the risks and controls that are being audited
• Process APA batch or funding (ACH, Wire, etc.) entries and complete 2nd level approvals
• Coordinate and participate in testing of corporate and departmental projects and communication of risks, issues or defects
• Write and execute test cases/scripts for corporate projects
• Serve as subject matter expert in multiple products/systems
• Support monitoring and testing of internal control including completing quality reviews for complex departmental functions/GRC testing and coordination
• Ensure proper accounting principles/mapping for reconciliations and settlements
• Analyze and elevate line of business (LOB) and stale reporting/scorecarding and analytics
• Manage large initiatives and projects involving Corporate Reconciliation and/or internal business partners (adherence with PLC standards)
• Proactively identify and implement areas of improvement in all aspects of current functions
• Mentor and provide in-depth knowledge transfer to analysts within the department
• Other duties as assigned by management
• Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice
• Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key's clients and Key.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience (preferred)

Work Experience

• 3+ years of Accounting or Finance Audit experience (required)
• 1+ years of Project Experience (preferred)

Licenses and Certifications

• Relevant certifications in accounting or finance (preferred)

Skills

• The ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, and forecast outcomes. This includes using data to support strategic decisions, solve reconciliation discrepancies, and assess the financial impact of operational changes.
• Expertise in financial systems (e.g., ERP platforms like SAP or Oracle), reconciliation tools (e.g., BlackLine), and data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Power BI). This skill ensures efficient processing, automation, and reporting of financial data.
• A deep understanding of regulatory requirements and internal control frameworks (e.g., SOX). This includes designing, testing, and monitoring controls to mitigate financial and operational risks and ensure compliance during audits.
• The ability to work effectively with stakeholders across departments such as Finance, Operations, IT, and Audit. This skill is critical for resolving exceptions, implementing process improvements, and aligning reconciliation practices with broader business goals.
• Leading by example, guiding junior team members, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning. This includes delegating tasks, providing feedback, and developing others' capabilities to build a high-performing team.
• Clear and persuasive communication tailored to different audiences-from analysts to executives. This includes writing audit responses, presenting findings, and influencing decisions through data-driven insights.
• Driving and adapting to change by identifying inefficiencies, proposing solutions, and leading initiatives that enhance reconciliation processes. This includes embracing new technologies and fostering a mindset of innovation and agility.

Core Competencies

• All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key's Values and abide by Key's Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands

• General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.

Travel

• Occasional travel to include overnight stay.

Work Location Category

• Hybrid (3+ days)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $57,000.00 - $87,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [e-mail].