Chief Accounting Officer

About World Business Lenders

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World Business Lenders (WBL) is a privately held portfolio lender specializing in real estate-secured business loans and providing access to capital for under-served businesses that lack traditional funding options. Founded in 2011, WBL is majority institutionally owned and a best-in-class specialty finance servicer and default manager. WBL has a fully remote, multinational workforce of ~200 and a proven, seasoned leadership team consisting of several USMA graduates and former Army Officers.

- Typically, the work schedule is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday , though additional hours may be required based on business needs.

Position Overview

- This role leads the accounting organization through a critical period of modernization and scale, with title and scope calibrated to the selected candidate's experience level (Chief Accounting Officer for seasoned executive leaders; Director of Accounting for high-potential leaders growing into executive scope).

- The individual will build, professionalize, and scale accounting operations, systems, and talent to support a growing organization, while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting.

- This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both technical accounting depth and organizational-building capability.

Role Purpose

- To transform the accounting function from its current state into a scalable, well-controlled, modern organization capable of supporting the company's growth trajectory.

- This position drives the design and implementation of accounting processes, systems, and controls; builds and develops a high-performing accounting team; and partners with Finance, FP&A, and business leadership to ensure accounting operations enable rather than constrain business objectives.

What You'll Be Doing (Core Responsibilities)
- Organizational Building & Team Leadership

- Recruit, hire, and develop a scalable accounting team structure (staff accountants through senior management) aligned with growth projections and complexity of the business.

- Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and career paths within the accounting organization; build a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

- Conduct regular performance management, coaching, and professional development; identify and close skill gaps through training and hiring.

- Build succession planning and cross-training practices to reduce key-person risk within the accounting function.

- Process & Systems Modernization

- Assess current accounting processes, systems, and controls; develop and execute a roadmap to modernize the general ledger, close process, and supporting sub-ledgers.

- Lead evaluation and implementation of modern accounting/ERP systems or system upgrades; reduce reliance on manual, spreadsheet-based processes.

- Standardize and document accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.

- Drive automation of routine accounting tasks (reconciliations, journal entries, reporting) to improve efficiency and reduce error rates.

- Shorten the monthly/quarterly close cycle while improving accuracy and control quality

- Financial Reporting & Controls

- Own the integrity and timeliness of financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP and, if applicable, SEC reporting requirements.

- Design and maintain a strong internal control environment; manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate annual audit process.

- Oversee technical accounting matters including revenue recognition, FAS 91, CECL , and other complex areas relevant to the business.

- Ensure accurate and timely tax provision, compliance filings, and coordination with external tax advisors.

- Reporting Relationship & Team Structure

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Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

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Direct Reports: Finance and Treasury Manager, Accounting manager, sta