Senior Accounting Policy Analyst

Vanguard; Wayne (PA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Flexible work environment

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a Senior Accounting Policy Analyst in Wayne, PA. This role involves overseeing accounting policies and conducting complex analyses. Candidates should have at least eight years of experience, a CPA, and strong communication skills. The position allows for a hybrid work model, emphasizing collaboration and flexibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of experience in accounting and financial reporting.
• Must be located within commuting distance to Vanguard's Wayne, PA campus.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and document accounting policies and business issues.
• Conduct technical accounting research and communicate conclusions.
• Lead the development of accounting training courses for staff.

Skills

Technical accounting expertise

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Leadership influence

Education

Undergraduate degree in Finance or Accounting

Graduate degree

Active CPA or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Vanguard is seeking a strategic and consultative Senior Accounting Policy Analyst to own the development, implementation, and oversight of complex global accounting and disclosure policies. This high-impact role focuses on improving financial accounting operations across the enterprise by advising and guiding teams—not by performing operational tasks directly. While this is not a direct people leadership role, success in this position requires the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage projects, and influence partners. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical accounting expertise, strong analytical and communication skills, and a strategic approach that aligns accounting practices with broader business goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversees, establishes, and formally documents accounting policies and business issues, supports positions taken, and identifies differences between regulatory reporting regulation equivalents. Provides leadership on implementation of ambiguous and complex accounting and reporting policies.
• Conducts technical accounting research on complex accounting questions and topics. Communicates conclusions to accountants, management, and external auditors.
• Leads efforts to develop, update, and present accounting training courses to accounting staff and management.
• Provides subject matter expertise to internal business clients on the application of complex accounting policies, and oversees policy standards to ensure compliance.
• Maintains broad and consistent knowledge of accounting policy and awareness of current industry issues, incorporating changing business needs into support solutions. Monitors upcoming accounting standards and upcoming financial reporting regulations.
• Communicates new standards and rules, and provides insight into the impact on Vanguard, to accountants and management. Interfaces with external parties on assessing the impact of accounting and regulatory guidance through involvement in industry committees and industry discussions.
• Assists in drafting comment letters and preparing for attendance at industry events.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of experience in an accounting and financial reporting environment
• Undergraduate degree required; Finance or Accounting preferred. Graduate degree a plus
• Active CPA required (or equivalent international designation such as CGMA or Chartered Accountant)
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., SEC, SOX)
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence without direct authority
• Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills
• Experience advising on complex accounting issues and implementing policy changes
• Must be located within a commutable distance to Vanguard's Wayne, PA campus

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission. To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Location: Wayne, PA (commutable)