Head of Accounting Policy

Mechanics Bank is currently searching for an Head of Accounting Policy. Here at Mechanics Bank, we value connection, partnership, long term relationships and working together in person. This role will be working onsite at our Walnut Creek HQ.

The Head of Accounting Policy is a critical role responsible for establishing, maintaining, and communicating the bank’s accounting policies in accordance with regulatory guidance and industry best practices. This role serves as the bank’s internal technical accounting expert, with significant focus on documenting accounting positions and leading the bank’s technical accounting framework, including the creating and maintenance of the CECL technical memos and related documentation.

What you will do:

Technical Accounting & Policy Development

• Lead the development, implementation, and governance of the bank’s accounting policies in alignment with regulatory expectations and industry standards.

• Prepare and maintain technical accounting memos, including complex assessments related to CECL, fair value, leases, consolidations, and other specialized banking functions.

• Serve as the bank’s subject matter expert on CECL, providing guidance on methodology, assumptions, modeling documentation, disclosures, and ongoing monitoring.

• Document account positions for new or unusual transactions, business initiatives, product launches, or corporate actions.

CECL Ownership & Governance

• Collaborate with Credit and Risk teams to ensure appropriate CECL application, governance, and documentation.

• Own all CECL technical documentation, including rationale for key assumptions, model changes, overlays, qualitative factors, and model validation findings.

• Review CECL results, ensuring consistency with accounting standards and regulatory expectations.

• Partner with internal and external auditors to support CECL audit readiness and respond to requests.

Leadership & Advisory

• Advise executive management on new accounting standards, emerging guidance, and industry developments.

• Evaluate the financial reporting implications of new products, contract structures, and strategic initiatives.

• Support the SEC Reporting team on complex disclosures, footnotes, and regulatory findings (10-K, 10-Q).

Monitoring & Compliance

• Monitor FASB, SEC, and banking regulatory developments; assess the impact to the bank and lead any necessary implementation efforts.

• Maintain a repository of accounting policies and technical memos, ensuring accuracy and audit-readiness.

• Strengthen internal controls for accounting policy and documentation and technical accounting conclusions.

Who you are:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field preferred.

• CPA required.

• 10 years of relevant experience in technical accounting, accounting policy, public accounting, or SEC reporting required. Ideally within financial services or banking.

• 5 years of leadership experience required.

• Deep and current knowledge of U.S. GAAP, CECL, financial instruments, and SEC reporting requirements.

• Prior experience drafting technical accounting memos and interpreting complex accounting standards.

• Experience working closely with CECL modeling teams or credit risk teams.

• Optimizes Work Process - Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Financial Acumen - Interpreting and applying understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.

• Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

• Travel required: 0-10%

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Pay Range: $160,000 - 220,000 annually

AIP/Bonus: Up to 25%

Our comprehensive employee benefits program is designed for you to live your best life at work, home, and everywhere in between. Employees working 25 hours or more per week are eligible for health benefits effective the first day of the month following or coinciding with their date of hire.
Benefits package includes[1]:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible family members

• Employer paid Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability benefits

• Health Savings Account with employer contribution

• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter/Parking Benefit