Director, Accounting Policy

PayPal•San Jose, CA

24d

About The Position

Manage a team of financial controllers and ensure their effective performance Perform risk assessments and identify improvements in the control and risk management framework Develop and maintain accounting and reporting processes in compliance with laws and regulations Monitor Key Performance Indicators and Key Risk Indicators to drive operational performance Ensure regulatory compliance of outsourced activities Manage the month close process and present reports to senior leadership As a finance leader, you will help shape the strategy for CAO and finance, and influence decision making of stakeholders across the enterprise. Serve as the primary technical accounting authority, applying exceptional professional judgment, for complex and judgment-intensive transactions, including revenue recognition, financial instruments, business combinations, consolidations and equity investments, fair value and impairments, derivatives and hedging, and share-based compensation. Lead the evaluation, development, and maintenance of the company's accounting policies to ensure alignment with U.S. GAAP, SEC requirements, and industry practices. Monitor, interpret, and implement new accounting and regulatory standards (FASB, SEC, and IFRS), simplifying complex guidance into practical, scalable policies and implementation plans. Prepare clear, concise, and well-reasoned technical accounting memos, and present recommendations effectively to senior leadership and external auditors. Act as a trusted advisor to Finance, Legal, Treasury, Tax, FP&A, Investor Relations, and business partners, providing timely guidance on accounting implications of strategic initiatives and transactions and managing complexity and ambiguity by creating clarity and alignment across stakeholders. Partner closely with external auditors, leading technical discussions and resolving complex accounting matters efficiently. Mentor and coach team members to strengthen technical accounting expertise, professional judgment, and leadership capabilities. Encourage a proactive and creative mindset, promoting continuous improvement in processes and innovative thinking in how accounting challenges are addressed.

Requirements

10+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
15+ years of progressive experience in technical accounting, including public accounting and/or relevant industry experience.
Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SEC guidance with demonstrated ability to apply standards using exceptional professional judgment in complex, ambiguous situations, with specific emphasis on revenue recognition, derivatives and hedging, debt and equity investments, share-based compensation, and business combinations and divestitures.
Strong collaboration, relationship-building, and influencing skills across a matrixed organization with a proven ability to distill complexity into clear, practical guidance and influence decision-making.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with superior presentation abilities and experience presenting to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in coaching and developing teams, building both technical excellence and leadership capability.
Proactive, creative problem-solver with strong analytical skills and sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in technology, fintech, or financial services preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of financial controllers and ensure their effective performance
Perform risk assessments and identify improvements in the control and risk management framework
Develop and maintain accounting and reporting processes in compliance with laws and regulations
Monitor Key Performance Indicators and Key Risk Indicators to drive operational performance
Ensure regulatory compliance of outsourced activities
Manage the month close process and present reports to senior leadership
Shape the strategy for CAO and finance, and influence decision making of stakeholders across the enterprise
Serve as the primary technical accounting authority
Lead the evaluation, development, and maintenance of the company's accounting policies
Monitor, interpret, and implement new accounting and regulatory standards (FASB, SEC, and IFRS)
Prepare clear, concise, and well-reasoned technical accounting memos
Act as a trusted advisor to Finance, Legal, Treasury, Tax, FP&A, Investor Relations, and business partners
Partner closely with external auditors, leading technical discussions and resolving complex accounting matters efficiently
Mentor and coach team members to strengthen technical accounting expertise, professional judgment, and leadership capabilities
Encourage a proactive and creative mindset, promoting continuous improvement in processes and innovative thinking in how accounting challenges are addressed