Principal Accountant, Lending

Vaco; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonuses

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is looking for a Senior Accounting Manager to lead technical and operational accounting for lending products in a hybrid role based in the South Bay Area. You will strengthen internal controls and advise senior stakeholders to ensure US GAAP compliance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of accounting experience with an active CPA, deep lending accounting knowledge, and a track record of partnering across functions to implement scalable processes and support audits.

Qualifications

• Active CPA certification.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP for lending.
• Experience in banking/fintech or consumer finance lending accounting.
• Strong communication with senior stakeholders and auditors.

Responsibilities

• Research complex accounting matters and prepare technical memoranda.
• Evaluate accounting implications of new lending products and funding structures.
• Establish policies and operational practices for lending products.
• Partner with Product, Legal, Capital Markets, Treasury, FP&A, Credit Risk and others.
• Design end-to-end lending processes and internal controls.
• Coordinate with auditors on financial statement audits and internal control testing.
• Present conclusions to senior management and stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to automate and improve processes.

Skills

CPA

US GAAP

Lending accounting

Cross-functional collaboration

Policy & controls

Education

CPA certification

Job description

Senior Accounting Manager

Our client, a global financial technology company, is seeking a Senior Accounting Manager to provide technical and operational accounting leadership for a growing lending business.

Location:

This role is hybrid, with on-site attendance expected approximately three days per week in the South Bay Area.

Job Description:

This highly visible role will establish accounting guidance, evaluate new financial products and funding structures, strengthen internal controls, and advise senior cross-functional stakeholders. The ideal candidate combines deep lending-accounting expertise with strong technical judgment and the ability to translate complex requirements into scalable business processes.

Responsibilities:

• Research complex accounting matters and prepare clear, well-supported technical memoranda and policy documentation
• Evaluate the accounting and reporting implications of new lending products, credit offerings, funding structures, and related transactions
• Establish and maintain accounting policies and operational practices for consumer and commercial lending products
• Partner with Product, Legal, Capital Markets, Treasury, FP&A, Credit Risk, and other stakeholders to address accounting requirements before new initiatives launch
• Assess financial reporting risks and apply sound judgment to protect the accuracy and integrity of accounting records
• Design and strengthen end-to-end accounting processes, internal controls, and compliance procedures for lending activities
• Review close activities related to lending products, including journal entries, reconciliations, account analyses, and supporting documentation
• Produce timely internal and external financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and applicable control requirements
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors on financial statement audits and internal control testing
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes through automation, systems enhancements, and emerging technology
• Present technical conclusions and accounting recommendations to senior management and other stakeholders
• Share subject-matter expertise and help strengthen the broader accounting team’s lending capabilities

Requirements:

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience and an active CPA or equivalent professional certification
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP applicable to lending, including credit losses, receivables, interest income, financial asset transfers, and consolidation
• Experience with operational accounting for term loans, revolving credit products, or comparable lending arrangements within banking, financial technology, or consumer finance
• Demonstrated ability to research complex accounting issues, prepare technical memoranda, and communicate conclusions to senior stakeholders and auditors
• Strong experience with financial reporting systems, close processes, internal controls, and audit requirements in a regulated or public-company environment

Compensation:

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors, including but not limited to:

• The individual’s skill sets, experience, and training;
• Licensure and certifications;
• Office location and other geographic considerations;
• Other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco by Highspring notes that the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.