Controller - Director of Product Accounting

Overview :

Group Director of three Product Controllers and their support staff for M&T’s major business lines : Commercial Bank, Retail Bank and Institutional Services and Wealth Management. Product Controller teams are responsible for oversight of financial / regulatory accounting and reporting for all segment products and activities. Group Director will interact with Segment CFOs and Business Line Executive Management to drive business strategy and outcomes as well as establish accurate accounting / reporting with supporting internal controls. Reports directly to Corporate Controller / Chief Accounting Officer.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Direct report of Controller / Chief Accounting Officer. Member of high-performing Controllership organization focused on delivery of best-in-class accounting / reporting capabilities for a well-respected super-regional banking franchise. Must thrive in a change-based environment of continual improvement in pursuit of excellence.
• Directs managers and associate directors responsible for multiple business units to drive accounting and reporting capabilities and support business operations and initiatives.
• Function independently to develop strategic direction for the organization, segments, or large initiatives to counsel executive management.
• Administration of day-to-day operations and activities for department responsibilities.
• Coach and develop senior managers for a sustainable bench-strength and resource planning.
• Advise executive management on the development and implementation of Controllership goals, contributing to strategic decisions with an in-depth knowledge of multiple divisions as well as industry / competitor strategies.
• Aggressively execute on agreed upon strategy and plans and provide team direction to achieve targets and goals of Controllership and Finance division and well as the broader organization.
• Drive culture of transparency and accountability for those people carrying out the company’s strategy.
• Organize and oversee new projects / initiatives within department or across the bank when issues or opportunities arise. Build consensus within department and across bank for important projects and issues. Projects may involve new business strategies, products or services as well as full bank acquisitions.
• Establish, maintain and oversee appropriate application of M&T’s accounting policies in accordance with GAAP.
• Ensure relevant financial, operational, regulatory, and reputational risks are well controlled.
• Leverage combination of strategic vision, analytical and problem solving, financial acumen, leadership, and communication skills to deliver maximum performance for M&T Bank.
• Exercise usual authority of a manager concerning staffing, performance appraisals, promotions, salary recommendations, performance management and terminations.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. Design, implement, maintain and enhance internal controls to mitigate risk on an ongoing basis. Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory / Managerial Responsibilities :

Manages three Product Controllers and their support staff. Full supervisory, development of team through professional leadership. Possess ability to direct / persuade / influence across division and peers throughout the bank. Opportunities for role expansion during evolution of Controllership target operating model.

Education and Experience Required :

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum 13 years’ experience with 4 years’ managerial experience or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 15 years’ higher education and / or work experience with 6 years’ managerial experience

Strong analytical ability and creative problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities

Strong interpersonal skills and maturity to build relationships, collaborate to obtain consensus and desired outcome, and interact from a business as well as a technical standpoint

In-depth knowledge of the banking industry and related generally accepted accounting principles

Education and Experience Preferred :

Advanced degree in Accounting (Preferred), Finance or Business Administration

Big 4 public accounting or equivalent experience at a major financial institution at senior manager / director level

CPA / CFA certifications

Experience in financial reporting and application of technical accounting rules related to financial services industry.

FASB / SEC / Regulatory accounting / reporting

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M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $157,500.00 - $292,500.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location

Buffalo, New York, United States of America