VP ACCOUNTING - CONTROLLER

Overall Job Purpose
At Sandia Area, every position plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission to deliver high-value banking and lending services that strengthen the financial well-being of our members and community. Each team member is expected to embody our core values of Service, Sustainability, Efficiency, Trust, Stewardship, and Growth, contributing to our vision of empowering lifelong achievement through better banking. While specific responsibilities vary by role, every position carries universal expectations aligned with its level of responsibility and authority across the organization.

As a Vice President at Sandia Area, you are responsible for driving organization-wide initiatives that align with the credit union’s mission, vision, and values. You play a pivotal role in fostering growth, sustainability, and innovation, ensuring that all departments work cohesively to achieve strategic goals. By leading with integrity and vision, you help shape the organization’s future while maintaining its commitment to exceptional member service and community impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the VP of Accounting/Controller is responsible for overseeing the Credit Union’s accounting operations and financial reporting.  Acts as a key partner to the CFO in ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, internal controls, and audit readiness.  Serves as the primary gatekeeper of the Credit Union’s financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements. Owns the performance and effectiveness of the Accounting function as a whole, ensuring processes, controls, and team execution operate as a cohesive and scalable system within internal policies and procedures.

Duties and responsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management
   •    Operate with full ownership of the Accounting function and its outcomes, not just individual responsibilities.
   •    Lead by example, reinforce, and consistently uphold Sandia Area’s Values: Service, Sustainability, Efficiency, Trust, Stewardship, and Growth.
   •    Provide strategic direction and drive organization-wide leadership initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
   •    Develop and implement policies and strategies that support the credit union’s mission and vision. 
   •    Build a scalable team through cross-training, documentation, process design, and development of staff to reduce key-person dependency.
   •    Establishes and maintains a high-performance Accounting function with clear accountability, defined processes, policies, and disciplined execution. 
   •    Ensure departmental collaboration and alignment across all areas of the organization.
   •    Provide mentorship and guidance to directors and managers, fostering leadership development, growth, and succession planning at all levels. 
   •    Delegate effectively while maintaining accountability for final outputs and department performance. 
   •    Identify and eliminate workflow bottlenecks to improve efficiency. 
   •    Lead employees within the Accounting department. This includes hiring, training, evaluating, delegating, recommending wage adjustments, controlling quality and costs, setting clear expectations and ensuring accountability within the team.
   •    Oversee the completion, updates, and organization of departmental process documentation and process improvements.
   •    Monitor organization-wide performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and leading correct actions.
   •    Represent the credit union at external events and industry forums, fostering partnerships and community engagement.

Reporting & Analytics    
   •    Own the preparation, presentation, and integrity of the Credit Union’s financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery to management and the Board.
   •    Ensure all balance sheet and income statement accounts are accurate, supported, and appropriately reviewed.
   •    Own and enforce a disciplined month-end close process, including timelines, review standards, and continuous improvement.
   •    Accountable for projecting, managing, and reporting of Operating Expenses to support the company budgeting process. Prepares and manages the Accounting Department budget; and assists in the creation and review process of all budget reports for the credit union prior to presentation to senior management.
   •    Accountable for the production of various monthly, quarterly, and annual reports (i.e. monthly board reports, unclaimed property report, ad hoc reports and studies, etc.) and review for accuracy.
   •    Translate financial results into clear and concise insights.
   •    Serve as the primary accounting liaison for audits and regulatory examinations, supporting the CFO in coordination with external auditors and examiners, and ensuring timely and effective resolution of findings.

Internal Controls
   •    Own and maintain the Credit Union’s internal control framework, ensuring controls are properly designed, documented, and operating effectively. 
   •    Ensure strong segregation of duties, fraud prevention controls, and adherence to policies. 
   •    Ensure the organization is audit-ready at all times through strong documentation and process discipline. 
   •    Own the identification, tracking, and remediation of audit findings and control deficiencies. 
   •    Apply professional skepticism in evaluating financial data, reconciliations, and control effectiveness.
   •    Ensure controls are aligned with financial reporting risks and materiality.

Technical Oversight & Review
   •    Serve as the subject matter expert on GAAP and credit union accounting, including financial reporting, investments, and regulatory reporting.
   •    Own and maintain the accounting policy framework, ensuring consistent application of GAAP across the organization.
   •    Demonstrate strong data fluency, including the ability to validate, interpret, and challenge financial data outputs.
   •    Apply professional judgment with a focus on materiality and economic substance when evaluating financial results and reporting.

Expectations of all Sandia Area employees
   •    Demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding the organization’s mission, vision, and values in all interactions and responsibilities.
   •    Represent the credit union with professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct at all times.
   •    Maintain a thorough understanding and strict adherence to credit union regulations, compliance requirements, policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
   •    Consistently meet deadlines as assigned while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to quality standards.
   •    Foster a positive and supportive environment for both members and employees, ensuring interactions align with the credit union’s mission and service philosophy.
   •    Adhere to all regulatory and compliance policies, upholding the highest standards of security, confidentiality, and ethical financial practices in all interactions.
   •    Maintain the confidentiality and security of information, records, and sensitive data, in compliance with credit union policies and regulatory requirements.
   •    Adapt to evolving responsibilities, taking on additional duties as assigned to support the success of the organization.
   •    Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and staying informed on industry trends and best practices.
   •    Willing to undergo background and credit checks as required by federal and state regulations.
   •    Understand and comply with all policies, procedures, and legal guidelines, including adherence to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and other applicable financial regulations.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
   •    Expertise in GAAP is required. This includes knowledge of accounting standards, principles, and procedures, and applying GAAP in financial reporting and compliance, with a requisite understanding of financial institution operations.
   •    Strong understanding of internal control frameworks and audit processes.
   •    Demonstrated ability to apply materiality and professional judgment in financial reporting.
   •    Experience leading accounting functions with disciplined close and reconciliation processes.
   •    Strong systems and data skills, with the ability to improve and automate accounting processes.
   •    Ability to review and challenge financial data with a high degree of accuracy and skepticism.
   •    Understanding of investments and investment issues.
   •    Knowledge of laws and regulations related to retention of various types of financial records.
   •    High degree of success in accepting responsibility and accountability for department and personnel achievements and failures.
   •    Visionary leadership and strategic planning skills to align departmental initiatives with organizational objectives. 
   •    Strong ability to lead and inspire diverse teams and departments; exhibit collaborative skills to foster cross-departmental partnerships. 
   •    Ability to oversee large-scale projects and manage resources effectively. 
   •    Advanced communication skills to engage with stakeholders and present ideas clearly.
   •    Analytical skills to assess departmental performance and implement improvements. 
   •    Proven managerial experience and ability to lead and mentor teams.
   •    Willingness to engage in difficult situations using outstanding interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. 
   •    Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to a fast-paced environment.
   •    Passionate about teamwork and having a positive influence on others; ability to work independently and demonstrate attention to detail.
   •    Proactive in seeking professional growth, embracing both formal and informal development opportunities, and demonstrating adaptability to new responsibilities.
   •    Team-oriented with a strong collaborative mindset, actively supporting team members and contributing to a positive and high-performing environment.
   •    Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
   •    Ability to perform essential functions, including the ability to lift up to 10 lbs. as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
   •    Bachelor’s degree in related field.
                       o    Directly related experience, in addition to minimum years required, may be considered as a substitution. 
   •    Ten (10) years of applicable experience required with at least five (5) years in a management/leadership capacity.
   •    CPA certification desired.

*** Please submit an employment application to www.sandia.org/careers ***

Sandia Area Federal Credit Union (SAFCU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SAFCU provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.