Director of Accounting

Our client, a well-established regional financial institution, is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead and modernize the accounting function.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, driving process transformation, team effectiveness, and operational excellence across a legacy accounting environment.

Location:

Seattle, WA or Bremerton, WA - Hybrid
Duration: 3-6 month Contract to hire
Compensation: $55.00 - $80.00 per hour
Additional Compensation:
This position is not eligible for bonus or incentive compensation.
Benefits:
Benefits available to eligible employees or consultants may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave, retirement savings plans, and other employer sponsored programs.

US citizens and those authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply.
Work sponsorship is not available currently.

Summary:

• Lead all accounting functions within a regulated financial institution environment

• Drive modernization of processes, systems, and workflows that are currently outdated or manual

• Provide steady, confident leadership to a team navigating change and capacity constraints

• Partner with executive leadership to align accounting operations with broader organizational goals

• Act as a cultural and operational change leader, balancing respect for legacy practices with forward-looking improvements

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all aspects of accounting including financial reporting, regulatory reporting, loan accounting, investments, and general ledger oversight

• Oversee monthly close, financial statement preparation, and management reporting

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements

• Assess current accounting processes and implement practical, right-sized improvements to increase efficiency and scalability

• Drive process standardization, documentation, and operational discipline across the function

• Partner cross-functionally with lending, operations, risk, and IT to align financial processes and data flows

• Lead implementation of new accounting standards and ensure regulatory compliance

• Identify and execute opportunities for automation and system improvements

• Provide clear leadership, direction, and accountability across the accounting team

• Coach, mentor, and develop team members while setting clear expectations and performance standards

• Navigate team dynamics thoughtfully, building trust while confidently leading through change

• Establish succession planning and support long-term team development

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• CPA required

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibility

• Experience with in a financial institution such as a bank or credit union strongly preferred

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, regulatory reporting, and internal control frameworks

• Demonstrated experience leading teams through process improvement and organizational change

• Ability to balance hands-on execution with strategic leadership

• Strong communication skills with ability to influence and align stakeholders across the organization

• Proven ability to lead in environments with legacy processes and evolving expectations

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to team development

Nice to Have:

• Experience modernizing accounting functions within financial institutions

• Experience implementing automation, system upgrades, or process redesign initiatives

• Experience supporting audits, regulatory exams, and complex reporting environments

• Experience building or reshaping accounting teams during periods of growth or change

About Hansell Tierney:
Hansell Tierney is one of the premier staffing and recruiting companies in the Pacific Northwest. Launched in 2001, we are a woman-owned business that serves and staffs Northwest organizations by doing things the right way, not just the easiest way. Hansell Tierney partners with candidates and clients to match the best candidates with interesting local opportunities. We navigate every relationship with the highest level of discretion and service while holding ourselves…