Worldwide Companies City  Investment Management

Job Descrption

Cascade Asset Management Company (“Cascade”) is proud to protect and grow capital in service of Bill Gates and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust in support of their mission-related and philanthropic activities.  Mr. Gates and the Foundation Trust are committed to creating a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, productive life.   Located in the Seattle area, Cascade applies its fundamental, long-horizon investment approach across asset classes and geographies, primarily through direct investing, as well as through a select group of funds and segregated accounts.  Cascade offers the unique blend of being part of a team that manages a multi-billion-dollar portfolio while also working with professionals in a culture that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and respect.
Team DescriptionThe Chief Accounting Officer supervises Cascade’s two accounting and financial reporting teams – Finance and Investment Accounting. The Finance team is comprised of 10 professionals and is responsible for our corporate accounting, accounting for real estate holding companies and private equity investments, maintenance of accounting systems, financial risk and assurance activities, and our insurance and vendor management programs. The Investment Accounting team is comprised of 5 professionals and is responsible for overseeing the accounting book of record for public and private investments recorded at our global custodians. These teams support our investment, performance, and tax teams by providing accurate financial information, expertise, and depth in a variety of investment products. The Chief Accounting Officer reports to the Head of Portfolio Analysis, Asset Allocation, and Risk (PAAAR).                                                                                                                       We operate in a hybrid work environment, with three in-office and two remote workdays per week. Position DescriptionThe Chief Accounting Officer provides strategic leadership and is responsible for driving all activities related to accounting processes & procedures, external and management reporting, and supporting best-in-class internal control practices and oversight. Our Chief Accounting Officer also leverages their depth of experience and expertise to provide valuable consultation to senior management and our investment professionals. This advisory work may relate to emerging business initiatives or operational priorities within Cascade, or support one of our significant private investments in addressing financial or accounting risks or seizing new business opportunities.   The ideal candidate will have deep technical competency, experience in an organization of comparable size and complexity, and a demonstrated track record as a strong leader and manager who values teamwork, cross-functional collaboration, and a positive work environment.  The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience with optimizing finance business processes and systems, as well as effective partnership and support to business leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the financial accounting and reporting functions.  Maintain and oversee our system of accounting policies, procedures and internal controls and safeguards.  Identify financial and operational risks and implement improvements to processes and controls to maintain Cascade’s high standard of excellence.
• Provide leadership and direction to expand the capabilities and scope of our assurance and advisory function, as well as partner with our Legal team and risk executives to ensure that this function is properly aligned with our company-wide operational risk management program.
• Manage, optimize, and coach a team of 15 professionals, providing opportunities for their professional development.  Set a clear vision and expectations for the team; leverage strengths of the individual team members, and clarify roles and responsibilities where needed.
• Be a trusted business advisor to our executives and investment professionals on financial, accounting, or operational matters impacting our firm or our private investments.  Offer innovative, practical, and business-oriented ideas and solutions, and assist with execution and implementation as appropriate.  Develop productive working relationships with accounting leaders in our private investments.
• Work in partnership with Tax and Legal teams for transaction support.  Address complex accounting, tax issues, or legal structures.  Provide due diligence support, integration planning, and post-close activities in partnership with our investment professionals.
• Collaborate with other Cascade functions to implement new business strategies or initiatives.  Identify relevant financial/accounting risks or needs and develop appropriate solutions.
• Maintain and strengthen strategic relationships with internal partners, banks and global custodians, and key system vendors.

Skills and Qualifications

• At least 15 years of relevant accounting/controllership experience, including 10+ years of proven managerial experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and CPA required.
• Big 4 public accounting experience (manager/senior manager level) preferred.
• Strong working knowledge in a broad range of operational accounting, finance, and technology concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Strong knowledge and comfort with GAAP accounting principles and reporting practices.
• Vision, strategic planning, and project management abilities.
• Proven track-record of effective collaboration with other departmental executives and company leadership.  Customer / investor focused.
• Demonstrated ability building and leading a high-performing team, with a focus on mentoring individual staff and promoting professional development.
• Experience with the asset management, private equity, financial services, or real estate industries strongly preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to successfully influence others.
• Intellectually curious with superlative analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Highest level of professionalism and integrity. 

What We ValueCascade values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and all applicants seeking employment. All employment decisions are based on a candidate’s or employee’s capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran, military, marital status, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. Questions regarding accommodation requests due to a disability should be directed to Human Resources.  Employment RequirementsUpon hire, you are required to present proof of your eligibility to legally work in the U.S.

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