Vanguard is seeking a strategic and consultative Director of Fund Accounting Policy to own the development, implementation, and oversight of complex global accounting and disclosure policies. This high-impact role focuses on improving financial accounting operations across the enterprise by advising and guiding teams—not by performing operational tasks directly. While this is not a direct people leadership role, success in this position requires the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage projects, and influence partners. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical accounting expertise, strong analytical and communication skills, and a strategic approach that aligns accounting practices with broader business goals.
Core Responsibilities
Oversees, establishes, and formally documents accounting policies and business issues, supports positions taken, and identifies differences between regulatory reporting regulation equivalents. Provides leadership on implementation of ambiguous and complex accounting and reporting policies.
Conducts technical accounting research on complex accounting questions and topics. Communicates conclusions to accountants, management, and external auditors.
Leads efforts to develop, update, and present accounting training courses to accounting staff and management.
Provides subject matter expertise to internal business clients on the application of complex accounting policies and oversees policy standards to ensure compliance.
Maintains broad and consistent knowledge of accounting policy and awareness of current industry issues, incorporating changing business needs into support solutions. Monitors upcoming accounting standards and upcoming financial reporting regulations.
Communicates new standards and rules, and provides insight into the impact on Vanguard, to accountants and management. Interfaces with external parties on assessing the impact of accounting and regulatory guidance through involvement in industry committees and industry discussions.
Assists in drafting comment letters and preparing for attendance at industry events.
Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum of 8 years of experience in an accounting and financial reporting environment for financial services companies.
Technical expertise in the investment management industry, or strong familiarity coupled with expertise in a comparably regulated industry like banking or broker-dealers.
Undergraduate degree required, Finance or Accounting preferred. Graduate degree a plus.
Active CPA required (or equivalent international designation such as CGMA or Chartered Accountant).
Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory frameworks (e.g., SEC, SOX).
Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence without direct authority.
Excellent analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
Experience advising complex accounting issues and implementing policy changes.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
Skills Required
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in an accounting and financial reporting environment for financial services companies
- Active CPA required (or equivalent international designation)
- Undergraduate degree required, Finance or Accounting preferred
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory frameworks
Vanguard Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Vanguard and has not been reviewed or approved by Vanguard.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support appears unusually strong through a 401(k) design that includes a match plus an additional employer contribution, which can materially lift long-term total rewards. HSA seeding and an enhanced employer match further strengthen the savings-and-benefits value of the package.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle support is reinforced by a sizable annual FlexFund stipend that can be applied across many day-to-day categories such as fitness, childcare, and other personal expenses. On-site or virtual clinics and fitness options add practical health and wellness convenience.
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Affordable Benefits — Healthcare and related benefits are positioned as comparatively affordable via heavily subsidized medical plans and broad coverage options. This affordability can offset moderate base pay for employees who place higher value on out-of-pocket cost reductions.
Vanguard Insights
What We Do
We are a community of 30 million who think – and feel – differently about investing. Together, we’re changing the way the world invests. Since our founding in 1975, helping our investors achieve their goals is our sole reason for existence. With no other parties to answer to and therefore no conflicting loyalties, we make every decision—like keeping investing costs as low as possible—with only your needs in mind. Vanguard is one of the world's largest investment companies, offering a large selection of high-quality low-cost mutual funds, ETFs, advice, and related services. Individual and institutional investors, financial professionals, and plan sponsors can benefit from the size, stability, and experience Vanguard offers. As of April 30, 2019, we managed more than $5.6 trillion in global assets. In addition, we have 189 funds in the United States and 225 funds in global markets. For Commenting Guidelines & Important information, visit here: http://vanguard.com/linkedin Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.
