Vice President, Head of Accounting Policy and Operational Standards
FidelityJob Description:
The Vice President, Head of Technical Accounting and Operational Policies will report directly to the Head of Corporate Accounting and Controllership, who in turn reports to Fidelity’s Chief Financial Officer. As a member of Corporate Accounting’s Leadership Team, the Vice President, Head of Technical Accounting and Operational Policies will work collaboratively across the organization and will be responsible for overseeing technical accounting policy for Fidelity’s corporate legal entities, as well as the operational accounting policies that support consistent and scalable execution.
In this role, you will lead a team of technical accounting professionals and play a critical role in evaluating the accounting implications of new strategic initiatives. You will also be responsible for monitoring accounting interpretations and financial reporting to ensure alignment with Fidelity’s core accounting policies.
Through oversight of operational accounting policies, the Vice President, Head of Technical Accounting and Operational Policies will have a significant impact on Fidelity’s accounting modernization efforts by guiding the standardization of core accounting processes. Overall, this is a highly strategic role that partners closely with the accounting organization and the broader business to ensure accounting considerations are proactively integrated in a disciplined, efficient, and forward-looking manner.
The Purpose of Your Role
Your purpose in this role is to ensure that technical accounting policy, interpretation, and operational accounting policies proactively support the firm’s strategic objectives while maintaining strong governance, consistency, and efficiency. You will partner closely with business leaders, finance, controllership, and other stakeholders to ensure accounting considerations are integrated early and effectively into business decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the technical accounting policy function, including oversight of accounting research and interpretation related to business transactions, new products, strategic initiatives, and other complex matters.
- Establish, maintain, and interpret accounting policies to ensure appropriate application of U.S. GAAP and other applicable accounting and regulatory standards, including IFRS where relevant.
- Monitor and assess the impact of new accounting standards and regulatory developments and proactively guide implementation and change management efforts.
- Provide thought leadership and guidance on accounting matters to senior leaders across Corporate Accounting, Finance, and the broader business.
- Oversee the development and governance of operational accounting policies in partnership with the central accounting team to drive standardization and consistency.
- Play a key leadership role in Fidelity’s accounting modernization efforts, including defining and influencing future-state processes and controls.
- Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team of technical accounting professionals, fostering strong engagement, accountability, and succession planning.
- Partner effectively with our internal controls team to ensure controls are appropriately designed to mitigate risks arising from policy changes.
- Partner effectively with external auditors and other advisors as needed on complex accounting matters.
- Partner effectively with Accounting’s Centers of Excellence (Investments and Digital Assets) on technical accounting considerations and modernization efforts.
- Partner with accounting transformation programs to ensure accounting policies are embedded in our systems, and are sustainable at scale
The Expertise You Bring
- 15+ years of accounting and financial reporting experience, including experience in a large, complex organization; financial services industry experience strongly preferred.
- Deep technical accounting expertise with strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP; experience with IFRS is a plus.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
- Advanced degree in Accounting or a related field; CPA strongly preferred.
- Experience with a top-tier public accounting firm strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to evaluate complex transactions, exercise sound judgment, and communicate accounting conclusions clearly to senior stakeholders.
- Strong collaboration, influence, and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively across functions and levels.
Note: Fidelity is not providing immigration sponsorship for this position
The Value You Deliver
- Ensure consistent, high-quality technical accounting policy and interpretation across the enterprise.
- Enable the business to move forward confidently by proactively addressing accounting implications of strategic initiatives.
- Strengthen governance and efficiency through standardized operational accounting policies.
- Advance Fidelity’s accounting modernization agenda through disciplined, forward-looking leadership.
Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate’s relevant experience, and other factors.
Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Depending on the position and eligibility requirements, the offer package may also include bonus or other variable compensation.
We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your evolving needs and help you live your best life at work and at home. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage and emotional well-being support, market-leading retirement, generous paid time off and parental leave, charitable giving employee match program, and educational assistance including student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and learning resources to develop your career. Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.
Please be advised that Fidelity’s business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.
Most roles at Fidelity are Hybrid, requiring associates to work onsite every other week (all business days, M-F) in a Fidelity office. This does not apply to Remote or fully Onsite roles. Please consult with your recruiter for the specific expectations for this position.