Overview:

Supports all accounting-related activities, projects, analysis and/or conversions for an assigned area outside Finance.  Responsible for development and management of operational accounting control functions in support of the Bank's accounting systems, including maintaining accounting entry flow process to support accurate and timely reconciliation of all general ledger accounts and internal and/or external reporting of financial information and regulatory reporting.  Independently leads projects within or across the division and/or represents the division in enterprise-wide projects involving business partners outside the department.  Conducts technical, highly complex and critical accounting-based research and analysis projects to provide management with definitive financial data and advice.  Serves as mentor to less experienced staff.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the monthly closing of the general ledger for an assigned area outside Finance, including analyzing and interpreting account fluctuations and monthly/quarterly reporting (could include manual processing).
• Champion monthly variance analysis, reconciliations, tests of accounting data integrity, and work paper reviews.
• Review accounting transaction documentation for completeness and accuracy; identify and work to resolve accounting issues and variances.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced personnel; provide input to the annual review process for them.
• Champion the improvement and implementation of existing processes and new processes related to the accounting for various products that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.
• Support the integration of acquired portfolios to the Bank's general ledger.
• Support creation of business requirements documents and functional requirements as well as test and implement these new requirements.
• Provide significant accounting and operational support throughout the department, ensuring appropriate levels of internal control.
• Complete, and at times direct, related projects and highly specialized assignments in support of department initiatives.
• Conduct highly technical and complex accounting-based research and analysis projects to provide management with definitive financial data and advice for their use.
• Participate in and/or lead special projects related to accounting, financial reporting, regulatory reporting and/or policy and procedure review.
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports diversity and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

The position works independently under general supervision as well as a member/leader of a project team.  This position has interaction with internal Bank business partners as well as internal and external auditors and assists less experienced personnel on more complex issues.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:

Not Applicable

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or related field with significant Accounting coursework and a minimum of 3 years accounting, audit and/or financial institution experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 7 years higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 3 years accounting, audit and/or financial institution experience

Excellent personal computer skills with a thorough knowledge of pertinent spreadsheet, word processing and database software as required by assigned area

Excellent knowledge and application of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting) Principles with experience leading or teaching others

Strong interpersonal skills

Experience setting an example for others

Experience directing others

Some knowledge of process improvement methodology and business process management techniques

Education and Experience Preferred:

Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA)

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Minimum of 3 years bank operations accounting experience

Physical Requirements:

M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for th