Chief Accounting Officer - Little Rock, AR

Who We Are:

Southern Bancorp is more than a bank. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a special certification designated for institutions that serve predominantly underserved communities, Southern Bancorp combines traditional banking and lending services with financial development tools and public policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger. Inspired by the principle that building net worth drives economic opportunity, our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone in the communities we serve, with a focus on low-wealth and un(der)banked populations, as well as an emphasis on Black and Brown individuals.

Job Summary:

The Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the bank's overall accounting function, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting strategy. The CAO provides leadership and direction to ensure the integrity of financial reporting, develops accounting policies, and manages compliance with industry regulations. The CAO works closely with the CFO and senior leadership to align accounting practices with the bank's strategic objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Set the strategic direction for the accounting function, ensuring alignment with the bank's goals and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as advisor to the CFO and executive team on accounting issues, financial risks, and compliance matters.
• In partnership with the CFO, serve as the technical accounting decision-maker for the organization; develop and implement accounting policies and procedures in line with GAAP, IFRS, and other regulatory frameworks.
• Lead all areas of accounting, both technical and transactional, including closings, financial reporting, technical accounting, revenue recognition, consolidations, operational accounting, and internal controls.
• Lead the preparation and review of financial statements and regulatory filings to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the accounting function, including automation, efficiency, and reporting enhancements.
• Oversee the development and implementation of accounting policies, procedures, and systems to scale with growth.
• Build and lead a high-performance accounting team, serving as a strong positive leader, mentor, and advisor. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth.
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent to ensure the team meets the evolving needs of the organization.
• Monitor changes in banking regulations, accounting standards, and financial reporting requirements, implementing necessary updates.
• Certify compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Partner with internal and external auditors to address findings and improve financial controls.
• Establish and maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard the bank's assets and ensure financial integrity.
• Conduct risk assessments related to financial reporting and implement mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with the finance, risk management, and operations teams to support the bank's strategic initiatives.
• Work with technology teams to optimize accounting systems and reporting tools.
• Participate in strategic planning, mergers/acquisitions, and other high-impact projects requiring accounting expertise.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field (required).
• CPA certification (required); MBA or advanced degree in Finance or Accounting (preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the banking or financial services industry.
• Mission-aligned and enthusiastic about community banking and impact
• Strong expertise in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and internal controls.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, banking regulations, and regulatory reporting.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage teams through change and growth.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with executive leadership, auditors, and regulators.
• Strong systems orientation; experience with modern financial systems, core banking platforms, and accounting software.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

#LI-Onsite

What we offer our employees:

A positive impact on Your Future:

• 401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and employer match up to 6%
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Discounted rate on primary home mortgage
• Credit and housing counseling as well as free financial education tools available to customers and employees

Benefits to improve your health:

• No deductible medical insurance plan
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts

The opportunity to nurture your well-being:

• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Bonus plan
• Opportunity for merit raises
• Employee reward and recognition programs
• Community service opportunities

Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As a Community Development Financial Institution, Southern Bancorp desires its workforce to reflect the diversity of the customers and communities that we serve. Racial and ethnic minorities, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people are often underrepresented in many financial service industry professions. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.