Director of Technical Accounting

Job Summary 

The Director of Technical Accounting is responsible for leading the Bank’s technical accounting function, ensuring accurate interpretation and application of U.S. GAAP and banking regulatory requirements across complex transactions and financial reporting processes.

This role serves as a key advisor to Finance & Accounting leadership, supporting regulatory compliance, audit readiness, and strategic initiatives while maintaining a strong control environment aligned with the Bank’s risk and governance framework.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Accounting & Policy

• Lead technical accounting research and prepare formal memorandum to address the accounting, financial reporting and tax impact for new or complex transactions.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies in alignment with U.S. GAAP, regulatory guidance, and industry practices.
• Evaluate impact of new or proposed accounting standards and regulatory guidance (FASB updates, CECL, capital rules, etc.) and drive evaluation, preparation and implementation.
• Serve as the Bank’s internal expert on accounting interpretation and policy application, including business combinations (ASC 805), derivatives and hedge accounting (ASC 815), fair value measurement (ASC 820), consolidation/VIE analysis (ASC 810), lease accounting (ASC 842), and income tax accounting (ASC 740).

Financial Reporting & Regulatory Support

• Partner with Financial & Accounting teams to ensure accurate and complete external reporting for the audited financial statements, quarterly press releases, proxy statements, etc.
• Provide technical guidance on Call Reports, FR Y9C, and other regulatory filings.
• Review accounting conclusions supporting financial reporting and regulatory submissions
• Support regulatory capital rule considerations, where applicable.

Transaction Advisory & Strategic Initiatives

• Analyze accounting implications of new or complex transactions, including:
  • Lending and structured finance arrangements
  • Investment securities and capital markets activities
  • Strategic initiatives, including taxes, hedging, acquisitions, partnerships, or specialty finance structures
• Provide recommendations and accounting treatment guidance to CFO, Finance & Accounting leadership and other business leadership, if appropriate.

Audit & Controls

• Serve as primary technical liaison with external auditors.
• Support internal audit and RCSA/ICT processes.
• Automate, enhance and maintain internal controls over financial reporting and technical accounting areas.
• Ensure documentation is audit-ready and aligned with regulatory expectations.

Cross-functional Leadership

• Partner with Risk, Treasury, FP&A, and Legal teams on accounting matters.
• Translate technical accounting into clear business guidance.
• Support training and development of accounting staff.
• Present technical accounting matters and conclusions to the Audit Committee and/or Board, as needed.

Systems & Process Enhancement

• Support automation and improvements in accounting processes.
• Collaborate on financial systems initiatives (e.g., EPM, loan systems, reporting tools, customer profitability) to ensure accounting integrity and scalability.

Compliance Responsibilities 

Complies with all applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies related to, but not limited to, lending, operations, and deposit requirements, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements, financial elder abuse reporting laws, sexual harassment prevention policies, and information security and privacy requirements.

Required Knowledge 

• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP and technical accounting research
• Understanding of bank regulatory reporting (Call Reports, FR Y9C)
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks (SOX/RCSA)
• Familiarity with banking products, investments, and balance sheet dynamics
• System implementation or project management a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• System implementation or project management experience is a plus.

Equipment Operated 

• Operates standard electronic computers and customary office equipment required to perform essential job functions.
• Use of equipment is required, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Nothing in this description is intended to limit the availability of reasonable accommodation under applicable law.

• Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with office and computer-based work.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to manage, manipulate, or feel objects and operate standard office equipment.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with a controlled temperature and standard office conditions.

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, required.
• CPA, required.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 5+ years in technical accounting or accounting policy.
• Banking or financial services experience strongly, preferred.
• Big 4 or national accounting firm background, preferred.
• Familiarity with data analytics or accounting technology (e.g., RPA, AI-enabled close processes), a plus.

Minimum Absence Requirement

Some positions within the Bank have been designated as sensitive positions due to access to critical systems, records, or processes. In accordance with Bank policy and sound internal‑control practices, employees in sensitive positions are required to complete a mandatory consecutive absence from essential duties each calendar year to support segregation of duties and independent review.

The required absence will be scheduled in coordination with management to ensure continuity of operations. Administration of absence, including paid or unpaid status, will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour and leave laws, including California requirements.

Required Minimum Absence for This Position: Two (2) Consecutive Weeks

Officer Title Eligibility 

For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title based on the role’s job level, scope of responsibility, and alignment with established competency frameworks. Eligibility for an Officer Title designation is contingent upon the employee meeting defined competency, performance, and experience requirements and is governed by applicable Bank policies, governance standards, and required approval processes.

• This position is eligible for the following Officer Title(s): Vice President and First Vice President.

Compensation

The listed range represents the full compensation range for this position. Placement within the range will be determined based on factors including skills, relevant experience, job‑related qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, in accordance with Bank compensation policies.

• Exempt Salary Range: $143,416 - $266,344 per year

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserve the right to modify, amend, or discontinue job duties or requirements at any time. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment, either express or implied, or alters the at‑will nature of employment.