Lead Accountant

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

Plays an active role in preparation of financial statements, including Federal Reserve Board (FRB) and other regulatory filings. Provides technical accounting oversight, including interpreting, applying FRB guidance, and evaluating the impact on the Company's financial statements. Documents FRB form conclusions and creates procedures to effectively process quarterly FRB filings.

Essential Functions

• Performs account analysis to assist with ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Interfaces with multiple subject matter experts to comply with the different form requirements.
• Performs complex FRB research and analysis to ensure reporting is compliant with guidance.  This includes reviewing all relevant Company FRB accounting filings for accurate reporting.
• Research, as necessary, new pronouncements for reporting.  Review and identify trends or issues and the related sources to make recommendation for change.
• Identifies and implements new FRB forms or items within a form.  This includes development of desktop procedures and training material for Staff.
• Creates an automated process for preparing the supporting schedules, disclosures, and tie out of quarterly filings.
• Prepares monthly and quarterly checklists for FRB filings.
• Interfacea and assists with internal and external audits.
• Leads special projects including process improvement initiatives.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking by calling out assumptions and identifying root cause.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at the senior management level across functional groups and business units.

Job Complexities

• Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of industry practices and established policies and procedures.
• Troubleshoots a wide variety of complex problems and identifies solutions within broad application of functional expertise.
• Exercises judgment to determine appropriate actions.
• Unidentified errors could have a business and/or financial impact.
• Complexities associated with large company, multiple locations in a global environment.

Supervision Received or Extended

• Works independently under broad supervision relying on experience and judgment to perform the functions of the job.
• No formal responsibility for the supervision of others but may provide functional advice or training to less-experienced team members.

Knowledge and Skills/Technology Used

• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills.  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, respond quickly to emergent problems, and focus both on long-range projects and immediate tasks.
• Ability to interpret FRB rules and apply them to the Company’s Financial Statements.
• Advanced knowledge in the interpretation and application of accounting principles and practices.
• Complex problem-solving skills including reviewing information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office.  Ability to query data using data extraction tools
• Large ERP Software experience, Hyperion and Smartview experience preferred.

Typical Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.

Typical Range of Experience

• 6+ years of experience in the field or in a related area

License or Certification

• CPA desired

*This is a Hybrid role (3 days in office from Santa Ana, Ca).

The pay range for this role is $95,350.00 - $127,125.00

This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting.  Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours and/or responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.

Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.