Senior Accountant – Community Banking

Chesapeake Search Partners; Maryland; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Chesapeake Search Partners represents a well-established community financial institution seeking a Senior Accountant to join the Finance & Accounting team and drive accounting operations, financial reporting, regulatory reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.

Reporting to the Controller, this role collaborates with the Controller, CFO, and teams across the organization, with potential for advancement into senior roles within a community banking setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in banking or financial services.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and regulatory reporting.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits and/or regulatory examinations.
• CPA or MBA preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to work independently and with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Execute day-to-day accounting functions including general ledger management and reconciliations.
• Prepare and review general ledger entries and bank-wide reconciliations.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Assist with regulatory reporting and audits including FDIC and other regulators.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and ALM materials for reporting.
• Process investment portfolio transactions and treasury accounting tasks as needed.
• Collaborate with departments on analyses and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and controls.

Skills

Banking knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication

Independent work

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

GAAP software

Job description

Our client, a well-established, community-focused financial institution is seeking a Senior Accountant to join their Finance & Accounting team and play a key role in the organization's accounting operations, financial reporting, regulatory reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

Reporting directly to the Controller, the Senior Accountant will have broad exposure across the Finance function and work closely with the Controller, CFO, and other areas of the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced banking accountant who is looking to expand their responsibilities, develop deeper expertise across the Finance function, and position themselves for future advancement into an Assistant Controller/Controller-level role.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, analytical accounting professional who enjoys working across multiple areas of Finance and is interested in building a long-term career within a community banking environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute day-to-day accounting functions, including general ledger management, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and accounting analysis.
• Prepare and review general ledger entries, including payroll, investments, and other assigned transactions.
• Review general ledger activity and account balances for accuracy, reasonableness, and appropriate posting.
• Maintain and update the General Ledger Chart of Accounts.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Maintain accrued expenses, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, depreciation, and other assigned accounts.
• Prepare and review bank-wide reconciliations for assigned general ledger accounts.
• Assist with the preparation of quarterly and year-end financial statements, including related footnote disclosures and Management's Discussion & Analysis (MD&A).
• Assist with annual tax return preparation and quarterly tax payments.

Regulatory Reporting & Audit

• Assist with the preparation of periodic regulatory reports and financial information required by federal and state regulatory agencies.
• Support quarterly and year-end regulatory filings, including FDIC and other applicable regulatory reporting.
• Prepare and maintain collateral and borrowing-related reports associated with Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank facilities.
• Gather, analyze, and validate financial data used in regulatory reporting.
• Assist with internal and external audits and regulatory examinations.
• Ensure supporting documentation is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with applicable accounting and regulatory requirements.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Asset/Liability Management

• Partner with the Controller to develop proficiency in the organization's ALM, budgeting, and forecasting models.
• Assist with maintaining and updating financial models and related assumptions.
• Support the preparation of quarterly Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) materials and reporting.
• Assist with the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting.
• Analyze financial information and provide support to management on financial and operational matters.

Investment & Treasury Accounting

• Process investment portfolio transactions and maintain appropriate supporting documentation.
• Complete internal trade tickets, checklists, and related documentation associated with investment activity.
• Assist with accounting and reporting related to the investment portfolio.
• Support public funds reporting, daily reconciliations, and other treasury-related accounting functions as needed.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Support

• Provide accounting and financial analysis, guidance, and problem-solving support to departments across the organization.
• Work collaboratively with the Controller and CFO on special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in bank-wide meetings and initiatives as appropriate.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, controls, reporting, and overall efficiency.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 3+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a community bank, regional bank, or financial services organization.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and regulatory reporting.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, month-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits and/or regulatory examinations.
• Familiarity with FDIC, Federal Reserve, or other financial institution regulatory reporting is highly preferred.
• Exposure to ALM, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling is a plus.
• Banking investment accounting or treasury experience is a plus.
• CPA or MBA is preferred but not required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across the organization.
• Strong sense of accountability, accuracy, and professionalism.