Lead Accountant

Job Summary

Perform Lead Accountant responsibilities for the Corporate Reconciliation function to ensure that all tasks are completed on time. Consider risks and internal controls when participating in projects or when implementing or enhancing operational processes. Provide support for process and production issues for Corporate Reconciliation. Complete general ledger and internal Demand Deposit Account (DDA) reconciliations for various Bank applications. Perform research and analysis on reconcilement exceptions. Work with various Lines of Business on exception resolution and help to identify root cause of issues. Participate in Continuous Improvement and process improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Perform complex reconciliations, fundings or settlements with ability to design future requirements
• Resolve complex reconciliation exceptions, and manage stales
• Prepare, analyze, coordinate and complete secondary review/approval for regulatory reporting
• Lead training sessions with multiple team members for new processes
• Document new departmental procedures, update changes to existing procedures, and/or review procedures
• Provide support for moderate to complex critical incidents or production issues
• Complete audit requests, while understanding the risks and controls that are being audited
• Process APA batch or funding (ACH, Wire, etc.) entries and complete 2nd level approvals
• Coordinate and participate in testing of corporate and departmental projects and communication of risks, issues or defects
• Write and execute test cases/scripts for corporate projects
• Serve as subject matter expert in multiple products/systems
• Support monitoring and testing of internal control including completing quality reviews for complex departmental functions/GRC testing and coordination
• Ensure proper accounting principles/mapping for reconciliations and settlements
• Analyze and escalate line of business (LOB) and stale reporting/scorecarding and analytics
• Manage large initiatives and projects involving Corporate Reconciliation and/or internal business partners (adherence with PLC standards)
• Proactively identify and implement areas of improvement in all aspects of current functions
• Mentor and provide in-depth knowledge transfer to analysts within the department
• Other duties as assigned by management
• Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice
• Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience (preferred)

Work Experience

• 3+ years of Accounting or Finance Audit experience (required)

Licenses and Certifications

• Relevant certifications in accounting or finance (preferred)

Skills

• Experience in financial systems, reconciliation tools, and Microsoft applications. (preferred)
• An understanding of regulatory requirements and internal control frameworks (e.g., SOX). Participation in processes to mitigate financial and operational risks and ensure compliance during audits.
• The ability to work effectively with stakeholders across departments such as Finance, Operations, IT, and Audit. This skill is critical for resolving exceptions, implementing process improvements, and aligning reconciliation practices with broader business goals.
• Leading by example, working with team members, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Clear and persuasive communication tailored to different audiences—branches, analysts, and management. This includes providing direction for next steps, audit responses, and escalations.
• Driving and adapting to change by identifying inefficiencies, proposing solutions, and leading initiatives that enhance reconciliation processes. This includes embracing new technologies and fostering a mindset of innovation and agility.

Key skills/competency

• Corporate Reconciliation
• General Ledger
• Internal Controls
• Regulatory Reporting
• Exception Resolution
• Process Improvement
• Financial Systems
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Audit Compliance
• Mentorship