Chief Accounting Officer

About World Business Lenders World Business Lenders (WBL) is a privately held portfolio lender specializing in real estate-secured business loans and providing access to capital for under-served businesses that lack traditional funding options. Founded in 2011, WBL is majority institutionally owned and a best-in-class specialty finance servicer and default manager. WBL has a fully remote, multinational workforce of ~200 and a proven, seasoned leadership team consisting of several USMA graduates and former Army Officers. Typically, the work schedule is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday , though additional hours may be required based on business needs. Position Overview This role leads the accounting organization through a critical period of modernization and scale, with title and scope calibrated to the selected candidate's experience level (Chief Accounting Officer for seasoned executive leaders; Director of Accounting for high-potential leaders growing into executive scope). The ideal candidate will have direct experience within the Non-QM mortgage lending industry, with a strong understanding of specialty finance, lending operations, and financial reporting requirements specific to mortgage lending environments. The individual will build, professionalize, and scale accounting operations, systems, and talent to support a growing organization, while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both technical accounting depth and organizational-building capability. Role Purpose To transform the accounting function from its current state into a scalable, well-controlled, modern organization capable of supporting the company's growth trajectory. This position drives the design and implementation of accounting processes, systems, and controls; builds and develops a high-performing accounting team; and partners with Finance, FP&A, and business leadership to ensure accounting operations enable rather than constrain business objectives. What You'll Be Doing (Core Responsibilities) Organizational Building & Team Leadership Recruit, hire, and develop a scalable accounting team structure (staff accountants through senior management) aligned with growth projections and complexity of the business. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and career paths within the accounting organization; build a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. Conduct regular performance management, coaching, and professional development; identify and close skill gaps through training and hiring. Build succession planning and cross-training practices to reduce key-person risk within the accounting function. Process & Systems Modernization Assess current accounting processes, systems, and controls; develop and execute a roadmap to modernize the general ledger, close process, and supporting sub-ledgers. Lead evaluation and implementation of modern accounting/ERP systems or system upgrades; reduce reliance on manual, spreadsheet-based processes. Standardize and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements. Drive automation of routine accounting tasks (reconciliations, journal entries, reporting) to improve efficiency and reduce error rates. Shorten the monthly/quarterly close cycle while improving accuracy and control quality Financial Reporting & Controls Own the integrity and timeliness of financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and, if applicable, SEC reporting requirements. Design and maintain a strong internal control environment; manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate annual audit process. Oversee technical accounting matters including revenue recognition, FAS 91, CECL , and other complex areas relevant to the business. Ensure accurate and timely tax provision, compliance filings, and coordination with external tax advisors. Reporting Relationship & Team Structure Reports to: Chief Executive Officer Direct Reports: Finance and Treasury Manager, Accounting manager, staff accountants, Accounts Payable/Receivable teams, Treasury/Bank Reconciliation teams, Tax department, Loan Administration department (structure scales with organizational growth). Education Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA required; working knowledge of FAS 91 and CECL accounting rules and practices strongly preferred. Required Experience: Direct experience working within a Non-QM mortgage company is required. Candidates must have industry experience in Non-QM mortgage lending, specialty mortgage finance, or a closely related mortgage lending environment. Experience in f inancial services, lending, and mortgage accounting operations , including exposure to loan portfolios, servicing, and related accounting requirements. CAO track: 12+ years progressive accounting experience with 5+ years in a senior leadership role (Controller, Assistant Controller, or CAO). Director track: 8–12 years progressive accounting experience with demonstrated team leadership and process improvement impact. Experience in a growth-stage or scaling organization strongly preferred. CPA required; working knowledge of FAS 91 and CECL accounting rules and practices strongly preferred. Familiarity with Sage 300 a plus.. Remote Work Requirements Stable, reliable internet connection. Professional and dedicated remote working setup. Required Industry Background: Non-QM Mortgage Lending (required) Specialty Mortgage Finance Commercial Lending Real Estate Finance Portfolio Lending Financial Services Preferred Additional Experience: Banking FinTech / Financial Technology Growth-stage or scaling companies Key Soft Skills: Executive Leadership Team Building & Development Process Improvement Mindset Strategic Problem Solving Change Management Cross-Functional Collaboration Strong Communication & Stakeholder Management Specific Technical Skills Needed: Mortgage Lending Accounting & Loan Portfolio Accounting Loan Accounting (including FAS 91, CECL, and related lending standards) US GAAP Accounting Financial Reporting & Close Management SOX & Internal Controls Technical Accounting (CECL, FAS 91, Revenue Recognition) ERP & Accounting Systems Implementation Process Automation & Optimization Audit Management Advanced Excel & Financial Systems What We Offer 💰 Compensation includes a base salary of $250,000 , plus incentive compensation eligibility (equity and deferred cash bonus), based on level and company policy. 🏖️ Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a 401(k) with company match; and paid holidays and paid time off (PTO). 🌍 Work Environment: Fully remote work environment, with occasional travel for leadership offsites/corporate events. 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