CAO - Chief Accounting Officer

Description We are looking for an experienced Chief Accounting Officer to provide senior-level accounting leadership for a long-term contract engagement based in Walnut Creek, California. This role will guide core accounting operations within a banking environment, with oversight across financial reporting, controllership, and critical accounting functions. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in regulated financial services and can ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong governance across the organization.

Responsibilities:

- Direct day-to-day accounting leadership across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, loan accounting, and related financial operations.

- Oversee the preparation and review of internal and external financial reports, including support for regulatory and SEC-related reporting requirements where applicable.

- Establish, maintain, and strengthen internal control frameworks to promote compliance, accuracy, and sound financial governance.

- Lead annual close activities and ensure timely completion of month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounting processes.

- Provide technical accounting guidance on complex matters, including revenue recognition and other policy-driven accounting considerations.

- Partner with executive leadership and finance teams to evaluate accounting issues, resolve operational challenges, and support informed business decisions.

- Ensure accounting practices align with banking industry standards, regulatory expectations, and organizational policies.

- Support accounting process improvements and operational changes when needed while maintaining continuity and control over financial activities. Requirements - 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including service in a senior controllership or chief accounting capacity.

- Prior experience overseeing accounting operations within a bank is required.

- Strong background in technical accounting, revenue recognition, annual close processes, and internal controls.

- CPA designation is required.

- Experience with financial reporting in regulated environments, including SEC reporting exposure, is strongly preferred.

- Working knowledge of Workday and other enterprise accounting systems.

- Demonstrated expertise in banking and brokerage accounting environments.

- Proven ability to lead complex accounting functions while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit  for more information.

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