Head of Accounting Policy

ABOUT US

Coastal is at the forefront of modern banking, combining strong financial infrastructure with cutting-edge Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and fintech enablement strategies. We support not only individuals with their personal banking needs; we also empower businesses by integrating modern banking technology that drives growth, flexibility, and innovation.

At Coastal, we think and move like entrepreneurs; focused on impact, speed, and continuous improvement. We believe in working smart, collaborating deeply, and building solutions that unlock real potential. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, loves solving complex problems, and wants to help shape the future of banking, we’d love to meet you.

Check out our video here!

OVERVIEW

The Head of Accounting Policy will be responsible for writing technical accounting memos for the community bank and CCBX fintech division. The role will provide interpretation and application of US GAAP, interagency agreements, regulatory guidance, FASB accounting standards updates, and other items as applicable. This position is responsible for creating and maintaining quarterly and annual accounting memos that are part of SOX and key controls. The role will evaluate new products with an accounting impact to determine the proper accounting treatment and financial statement impact. This position will develop corporate policies and procedures partnering closely with Accounting, Financial Reporting, FP&A, Credit, Treasury, SOX and CCBX teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE

• Review and interpret fintech partner agreements, amendments, side letters, asset sale agreements, and other documents to interpret the proper accounting treatment, write technical accounting memos, and develop general ledger entries for the Accounting and CCBX Operations teams.

• Provide interpretation and application of US GAAP, interagency agreements, regulatory guidance, FASB accounting standards updates, and other items as applicable both as they apply to the Bank and CCBX.

• Create and maintain quarterly and annual accounting memos that are part of SOX and key controls, including partner memos, quarterly tax provision controls, going concern, balance sheet pricing and fair value, intangible assets, loan purchases and sales, and others.

• Evaluate new fintech partners, new products, new investments, and new processes to determine the accounting and financial statement impact and the proper accounting treatment, as well as ongoing monitoring required.

• Document accounting positions for new or unusual transactions, new products, business initiatives, partner program and products, and bank product launches.

• Develop corporate policies and procedures partnering closely with Accounting, Financial Reporting, FP&A, Credit, Treasury, and CCBX teams, ensuring the Bank’s accounting policies are in alignment with industry standards and regulatory expectations.

• Technical accounting topics include revenue recognition, receivables, contingencies, CECL, fair value, business combinations, transfers and servicing, income taxes, stock compensation, equity method securities, equity securities, and other specialized banking functions.

• Lead monthly accounting update meetings, monitoring FASB, SEC, and banking regulatory developments as well as new products, determining applicability, writing or reviewing memos, and assessing new products or processes that will have an accounting impact (i.e. loan sales and purchases, derivatives, etc.).

• Update management on new accounting standards, emerging guidance, and industry developments, accompanying with technical memos as necessary.

• Collaborate with third party industry experts as necessary to work through new and complex accounting concepts.

• Support the Financial Reporting team on complex disclosures and footnotes in regulatory filings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep and current knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including CECL, financial instruments, and revenue recognition, as well as financial reporting, consolidations, mergers and acquisitions, and SEC reporting requirements.

• Ample experience drafting technical accounting memos, accounting standard update memos, interagency guidance memos, and interpreting complex accounting standards.

• Experience working closely with CECL modeling teams, corporate tax teams, compensation teams, financial reporting teams, and credit risk teams.

• Experience reviewing, interpreting, analyzing contracts/legal agreements.

• Interpreting and applying understanding of key financial concepts that help drive business decisions and facilitate the Bank’s ability to drive business.

• Strong technical accounting skills to assess and incorporate new products, accounting pronouncements, and complex accounting concepts.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.

• Ability to resolve complex problems with minimal guidance.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from board of directors, senior management, employees and stockholders.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Thorough knowledge of spreadsheet software, banking systems software, AI software, and ability to learn and utilize new software.

• May be remote in any time zone, but must be willing to work some PST evenings as needed.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Degree from four-year College or university.

• 5-7 years of relevant experience in technical accounting, accounting policy, public accounting, or SEC reporting required. Ideally within financial services or banking.

• 3+ years of leadership experience preferred.

• Active CPA designation strongly preferred.

• Public accounting (Big 4 or national firm) experience strongly preferred.

• Strong written communication and documentation skills.

• Experience in public, regulated banking environments a plus.

• 5+ years of experience in consolidation, technical accounting research, and complex GAAP compliance.

   

HOW YOU’LL THRIVE AT COASTAL

• Be the Best – Communicate effectively, pay close attention to detail, and prioritize your personal development.

• Be Relentless – Thrive in a goal-oriented environment exercising both patience and persistence. Advocate for our customers and team members and strive to promote the Coastal Difference.

• Be Un-Bankey – Be a forward thinker with a creative mindset. Build long-lasting relationships promoting the Coastal Difference, built on a foundation of integrity, honesty, and trust.

• Embrace Gray Thinking – Use sound judgment while decision-making and problem-solving. Think outside the box.

• Stay Flexible – Organize and strategize effectively while always being prepared to adapt on the fly. Seek efficiencies for Coastal to work smarter, not harder.

• Take Care of Each Other – Understand what it means to be a true team player and have your teammate's back. Practice self-awareness and build your emotional intelligence.

BEING YOU AT COASTAL

Coastal is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our offerings include:

• Medical Coverage: Choose from three competitive medical plans to find the coverage that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with eligible medical plans, offering tax advantages and employer contributions.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for healthcare and dependent care expenses to help you save on out-of-pocket costs.

• Dental and Vision Insurance: Plans to keep you and your family smiling and seeing clearly.

• Life Insurance: Company-paid basic life insurance with options to purchase additional coverage for yourself and your dependents.

• Long-Term /Short-Term Disability (LTD): Income protection in the event of a long-term illness or injury.

• Supplemental Benefits: Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness coverage to provide extra financial support when you need it most.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: A competitive retirement savings plan with company matching to help you plan for the future.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave policies to support your time away from work.

• Holidays: Enjoy 11 paid holidays throughout the year.

Check out our benefits on our careers site!!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:

• Sit for extended periods of time.

• Stand for extended periods of time.

• Perform repetitive finger, hand, and arm movement.

• Use electronic office equipment such as a computer keyboard, mouse, ten key, telephone, etc.

• View and read computer screens for extended periods.

• Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.