Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer (CAO)

The Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is the senior executive responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and governance of all accounting and financial reporting across Card Works, Inc., with enterprise-wide impact and strategic oversight that includes supporting Merrick Bank, our banking subsidiary and two other servicing subsidiaries. Reporting directly to the EVP & Chief Financial Officer, this role provides executive leadership over accounting operations, technical accounting, financial reporting, consolidation, accounting policy governance, and internal control frameworks including SOX compliance responsibilities.

Ideally, the qualified candidate will work at the Woodbury, Long Island or NYC office. A hybrid work model or fully remote model can be considered based on hiring manager decision and priorities of the role.

The CAO plays a critical leadership role in advising senior executives, guiding the financial control environment, and ensuring readiness for increasing regulatory, audit, and governance expectations. The role is directly responsible for future SEC reporting (including Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K, as applicable) and the establishment of scalable disclosure processes and controls.

• Accounting & Financial Reporting Leadership
• Technical Accounting, and Controls Governance
• External Auditor Management
• Enterprise Leadership, Strategy, and Governance
• Systems, Automation, and Future-State Transformation
• People Leadership & Organizational Development
• Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Perform other duties as assigned and appropriately complete all directives issued by Senior Management.
• Maintain the highest ethical standards, professional judgment, and confidentiality in all matters.

• Master's in accounting or related field required
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including experience leading accounting, reporting, and controls for complex, multi-entity organizations
• Demonstrated experience leading IPO readiness and/or public-company financial reporting, including SEC reporting, audit readiness, and SOX/ICFR program maturity.
• Working knowledge of SEC rules and financial reporting requirements (e.g., Regulation S-X / S-K concepts), including ability to partner effectively with Legal and external advisors on disclosure matters.
• Prior leadership of technical accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls functions in complex organizations required.
• Big Four public accounting experience, strongly preferred
• Experience with in financial services or banking environments preferred

• Deep expertise in US GAAP, accounting policy, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong executive leadership presence with the ability to influence and partner effectively at all levels, including CFO, CEO, and Audit Committee.
• Experienced in managing external auditors and advising Audit Committee leadership on accounting judgments, audit status, emerging issues, and remediation plans.
• Proven ability to build and scale SEC reporting and disclosure processes, including coordination across Accounting, Legal, FP&A, Tax, Internal Audit, and external advisors.
• Track record of executing against aggressive timelines in high-accountability environments (e.g., IPO readiness, complex audits, control remediation, and major reporting milestones).
• Proven ability to lead large, complex accounting organizations with operational excellence and strategic foresight.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage risk, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions in high-stakes, time-sensitive environments.
• Skilled in organizational transformation, modernization, and system-driven improvements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Commitment to integrity, transparency, and high ethical standards.

The salary range for this position, if located in NY Metro/NY State is $270,000 to $320,000. However, please note that the salary range will vary for other geographic areas.

Our Employee Value Proposition

• Competitive Pay, including a Bonus Target or Variable Pay Incentive Program
• Benefits Package - Medical, Dental, and Vision (plus much more)
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Programs
• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days and bank Holidays
• Employee Engagement Activities including Employee Appreciation Day, DEI Employee Resource Groups, Corporate Social Responsibility, Service Recognition

We offer a total rewards package comprised of a competitive base rate of pay, variable pay incentive programs based on the role, and a comprehensive benefit suite. Offered rates of pay are determined based on job-related knowledge, relevant experience, skills,…