VP of Accounting and Controller

About Gulf Winds

Gulf Winds Credit Union offers innovative financial tools that give our members freedom to live life with their finances under control. Since our founding in 1954, we have grown from a single branch in Pensacola, Florida, to a regional institution with over $1 billion in assets and 83,000+ members across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. From daily banking needs to investment services, our members aren't treated like an account number, but as part of the family.

Our Values

We are guided by our core values of Integrity, Care, Growth, and Innovation and are dedicated to our members, our community and each other.

Integrity
We own our decisions and actions by doing the right thing, learning from our mistakes, and taking responsibility.

Care
We help members meet their goals by listening to understand and offering the best solutions, placing kindness above all else.

Growth
We set ambitious goals, provide personal development opportunities, and encourage results.

Innovation
We challenge the status quo to enhance the member's experience and solve tomorrow's challenges today.

Working at Gulf Winds

Working at Gulf Winds is not just a job, it's a career. We're hiring collaborative, motivated people who want to love what they do. We are forward-thinking and family oriented. We recognize and reward excellent member service and have fun while working hard. When you join the team, you can expect:

• Open and transparent communication with your leaders
• Consistent coaching and opportunities to improve performance.
• Collaborative and team-focused environments
• Short and long-term professional development
• Opportunity to participate in cross-functional projects.

With you on our team we can achieve our vision of becoming the leading and most trusted credit union on the Gulf Coast.

Job Description

Role:

Oversees Accounting functions and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of Gulf Winds Credit Union (GWCU). Compiles and analyzes the financial performance of GWCU relative to budget and historical benchmarks. Through careful analysis, this position provides recommendations to management for achieving strategic objectives. This position leads the Accounting Department to ensure the accounting system is designed to operate in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all applicable regulations. Responsible for the operation of the Financial Information System, including the Core Accounting System and process automation workflows. Interfaces with auditors and regulators.

Role:
Oversees Accounting functions and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team of Gulf Winds Credit Union (GWCU). Compiles and analyzes the financial performance of GWCU relative to budget and historical benchmarks. Through careful analysis, this position provides recommendations to management for achieving strategic objectives. This position leads the Accounting Department to ensure the accounting system is designed to operate in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and all applicable regulations. Responsible for the operation of the Financial Information System, including the Core Accounting System and process automation workflows. Interfaces with auditors and regulators.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
Oversees the preparation of accurate financial statements in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAP) and regulatory requirements.

Ensure the integrity of the general ledger and oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing process.

Maintain compliance with NCUA regulations, state laws and other financial regulatory bodies.

Assists in the development and management of annual budgets and long-term financial planning.

Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring proper internal controls are in place to mitigate financial risks.

Manage and develop the accounting team, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.

Collaborate with senior leadership to provide financial initiatives and support strategic decision making.

Identify and implement improvements to accounting systems, automation, and financial reporting tools.

Ensure accurate and timely filing of tax returns and compliance with tax regulations.

Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

1. Accounting Department is a cohesive, highly trained, high-performing team sufficient to meet daily department demands. Team lives out the Gulf Winds Core Values of Integrity, Care, Growth, and Innovation. Direct reports receive leadership, and coaching and evaluations provide value, hold the team accountable, and help the Credit Union become a high-performing Institution.

2. Internal procedures are documented accurately.

3. Generation of a positive relationship with external/internal auditors and examiners in the spirit of bettering the Credit Union for the benefit of the members.

4. Complies with all applicable rules, regulations, and policies, including but not limited to GAAP, BSA, OFAC, and Physical Security.

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience: Minimum 7 years of experience in financial institutions' accounting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Working knowledge of GAAP and NCUA regulations and reporting is required. Experience with auditors and/or examiners is required. Experience with Axiom financial suite preferred.

Education: Minimum of bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics. CPA or Master's degree preferred.

Interpersonal Skills: Work involves extensive personal contact with others and is of a personal or sensitive nature. Motivating, influencing, and/or training others is vital at this level. Outside contacts become important, fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.

Other Skills: Leadership skills; In-depth knowledge of the structure of the credit union's balance sheet and income statements; intermediate computer skills including spreadsheet creation, word processing, database management, and other financial computer applications; ability to create and deliver financial presentations; working knowledge of GAAP; ability to implement and maintain computerized general accounting, budgeting, cost accounting and related accounting and record-keeping systems; ability to perform financial analyses.

Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English clearly.

Physical Requirements: This role requires sitting at a computer for most of the day. This role would also require the ability to file files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.

Work Environment: The position is based in-office in our Pensacola, Florida market, operates primarily in an office setting, and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones. This position requires consistent presence in the office to collaborate with team members and fulfill job responsibilities effectively. It requires the ability to actively participate in conference calls and meetings with other Credit Union team members and vendors.

The normal expected work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Afterhours work or travel required to meet project deadlines or attend conferences, seminars, or client meetings.

Must adhere to safety rules and regulations.

This Job Description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.

Gulf Winds is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Drug Free Workplace.