Description
The Director of External Financial Reporting leads the preparation, review, and governance of all external financial disclosures, including SEC filings (Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K), regulatory reporting, and investor relations materials, ensuring full compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable banking regulations. This role serves as the primary liaison with external auditors, coordinating audit planning, execution, and issue resolution, and ensuring timely and effective communication of key accounting and reporting matters. The Director also oversees the design, documentation, and operating effectiveness of SOX controls over financial reporting, partnering with Internal Audit and process owners to maintain a strong control environment and drive continuous improvement. In addition, the role manages the end-to-end reporting process, including financial statement preparation, and footnote disclosures, while collaborating closely with Finance, Credit, and Compliance to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent financial information. The Director monitors emerging accounting standards and regulatory developments, leads implementation efforts, and provides technical accounting guidance to senior leadership, supporting capital markets activities, regulatory expectations, and enterprise-wide financial transparency.
Below is a list of essential job functions. Additional responsibilities may be assigned in the position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Oversee the preparation and filing of SEC reports (Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) and ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC regulations;
Direct the preparation of financial statements, footnotes, MD&A, and earnings release materials;
Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors, coordinating audit planning, scope, and timelines;
Lead resolution of any audit findings and accounting matters;
Ensure timely delivery of audit requests and support efficient audit execution;
Oversee the design, documentation, and execution of SOX controls over financial reporting;
Partner with Internal Audit and Chief Risk Officer to monitor control effectiveness, remediate deficiencies, and enhance processes;
Lead annual SOX scoping, risk assessment, and testing coordination;
Monitor and implement new accounting standards (e.g., FASB/ASU updates) and regulatory reporting changes;
Evaluate complex accounting matters and prepare technical accounting memos;
Maintain and enhance disclosure controls and procedures;
Ensure consistency across SEC filings, regulatory reports, and investor communications;
ATTITUDES
Builds and sustains strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders by demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and respect for diverse perspectives, while reinforcing a culture aligned to the Corporation's core value:
Respect - Maintains a professional, solutions-oriented approach while managing change, competing priorities, and deadlines.
Client Focus - Delivers accurate, timely results through effective prioritization, sound judgment, and ownership.
Inclusion - Encourages open dialogue, values diverse perspectives, and communicates proactively to drive clarity and alignment.
BEHAVIORS
Demonstrates strong business ethics and honest behaviors and the ability to positively influence and work with others to achieve excellent results by demonstrating:
Leadership - Leads finance and reporting initiatives, taking ownership of deliverables while supporting cross-functional objectives and team success.
Integrity - Ensures accuracy, completeness, and consistency across financial reporting, controls, and disclosures.
Collaboration - Partners effectively across Finance, Credit, and Compliance to deliver timely, well-controlled outcomes.
Volunteerism - Actively supports and engages in community initiatives aligned with the Corporation's values.
COMPETENCIES
Reflects skill, good judgement, positive conduct, and personal responsibility for assigned areas. Seeks to implement and leverage services and technologies that create efficiencies by demonstrating:
Accountability - Takes ownership of financial reporting and related processes, applying strong technical expertise to ensure accuracy and reliability of results.
Innovation - Drives continuous improvement in reporting, controls, and systems to enhance efficiency, automation, and data integrity.
Professionalism - Upholds high standards of accuracy, compliance, and control while consistently delivering reliable, well-supported outcomes.
POSITION LEVEL(S) EXPECTATIONS
Director, External Financial Reporting - Leads the Corporation's external financial reporting function, applying deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and regulatory requirements to oversee complex reporting and disclosure matters. Exercises independent judgment in resolving technical accounting matters, managing external audit relationships, and ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls, including SOX. Provides strategic direction, influences cross-functional initiatives, and ensures the delivery of accurate, timely, and transparent financial information to executive leadership, regulators, and investors.
SEEKS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Embraces training opportunities to advance knowledge of new accounting standards. Complete required online banking classes as assigned.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, & EXPERIENCE
To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to effectively execute each essential function with a high degree of technical expertise, judgment, and leadership. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; a CPA designation is strongly preferred. A minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in external financial reporting, public accounting, or a related field within the financial services industry is required, including experience with SEC reporting and regulatory requirements.
Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting standards, and internal controls over financial reporting (including SOX) is required, along with demonstrated experience managing external audits and complex accounting matters. Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills are essential.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of required background checks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inter
