M&T Bank Corporation

Accessibility Specialist (A11Y) - Design Systems

M&T Bank Corporation$74K — $124K *
Enterprise Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with 3+ years related experience
  • Experience applying WCAG standards to digital products
  • Knowledge of front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Strong background in writing accessible UX content
  • Familiarity with accessibility testing tools like JAWS, NVDA, and automated testing tools
  • Experience with enterprise-level design systems and component libraries
  • Ability to provide practical guidance on accessibility standards

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary owner of accessibility for the Enterprise Design System
  • Define and evolve accessibility standards for components and documentation
  • Integrate accessibility considerations into the UI design and development lifecycle
  • Conduct accessibility audits of design system assets
  • Collaborate with engineering to refine accessibility testing approaches
  • Establish standards for accessible content and inclusive language
  • Act as an accessibility advocate within the design system team

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams
  • Opportunities for professional development in accessibility practices
  • Support for inclusive workplace culture
  • Strong commitment to regulatory compliance in digital accessibility
Full Job Description
Overview:
  • We are seeking a Senior Accessibility Specialist to establish and advance accessibility practices for our Enterprise Design Systemteam. This role is responsible for defining accessibility standards, embedding inclusive practices into system components and patterns, and enabling product teams to deliver accessible digital experiences at scale.
  • As a top 20 U.S. bank, accessibility is both a regulatory responsibility and a critical part of delivering clear, usable, and trustworthy experiences. Our Design System is central to this effort, and this role will partner closely with design, engineering, and Enterprise Accessibility to ensure accessibility is built into the foundation of our digital platforms.


Accessibility Strategy & Ownership

  • Serve as the primary accessibility owner for M&T's Enterprise Design System.


  • Define and evolve accessibility standards and best practices as they apply to system components, patterns, and documentation.


  • Partner with Enterprise Accessibility to align our implementation with enterprise and cross-platform accessibility strategy.


  • Advocate for accessibility as a foundational system capability rather than a downstream compliance activity.


Design System Integration

  • Embed accessibility considerations into the design and development lifecycle of UI components and patterns.


  • Provide early accessibility guidance and feedback on net-new components and patterns during design exploration (e.g., Figma).


  • Define system-level expectations for keyboard navigation, focus management, screen reader behavior, motion, and responsive behavior.


  • Ensure accessibility is addressed consistently across shared and platform-specific implementations.


Engineering Enablement & Quality

  • Conduct accessibility reviews and audits of design system assets, independently or in partnership with external vendors.


  • Define and document accessibility best practices for design system consumers, including areas that must be handled at the application level.


  • Partner with engineering and Enterprise Accessibility to refine accessibility testing approaches, including keyboard navigation and interaction patterns as part of the definition of done.


  • Identify accessibility risks and gaps and work with partners to drive sustainable solutions.


Accessible Content & Inclusive Language

  • Establish standards for accessible system-level content, emphasizing clear, plain-language writing that supports comprehension for diverse audiences.


  • Define best practices for semantic structure (e.g., headings, hierarchy) to support screen readers and scannability.


  • Provide principles and examples to help teams create appropriate accessible alternatives (such as text equivalents for visual content and media) while allowing flexibility across use cases and platforms.


  • Promote inclusive and culturally sensitive language practices, avoiding visual-dependent, directional, or ambiguous instructions.


  • Ensure design system documentation models accessible content practices for adopting teams.


Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Collaborate with content, design, engineering, product, and accessibility partners to support adoption of accessible system patterns.


  • Act as an accessibility advocate and subject-matter expert within the design system team.


  • Enable teams through documentation, guidance, and consultation.


  • Foster deep partnership with Content Strategy/Design.


Education and Experience Required:
  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years' related experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 7 years' higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 3 years' related experience

  • Demonstrated experience applying WCAG-aligned accessibility principles to digital products or platforms, including native iOS and Android experiences.


  • Working knowledge of front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) sufficient to review implementations, evaluate accessibility behavior, and define system-level standards.


  • Strong experience writing accessible UX content, including plain language, semantic structure, and inclusive guidance.


  • Familiarity with industry-standard accessibility tools and testing methods, such as screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver), automated testing tools (e.g., aXe, WAVE), and manual testing techniques.


  • Experience working with design systems, component libraries, or shared UI platforms at the enterprise level.


  • Ability to translate accessibility standards into practical guidance for designers and engineers.


  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.


Education and Experience Preferred:

  • CPACC or WAS Certification is strongly preferred.


  • Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.


  • Familiarity with modern design and development practices, including Figma and component-based front-end ecosystems (e.g., React, Angular, Lit).


  • Experience collaborating with enterprise accessibility or governance teams.


What Success Looks Like

  • Accessibility is embedded by default in Currency components and documentation.


  • Product teams understand what accessibility Currency provides and how to implement what it cannot.


  • Accessibility issues are identified early and addressed systemically.


  • The design system is trusted as an enabler of inclusive digital experiences across the bank.


M&T Bank is committed to fair, competitive, and market-informed pay for our employees. The pay range for this position is $74,600.00 - $124,400.00 Annual (USD). The successful candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, and experience will inform their specific compensation.

Location
Buffalo, New York, United States of America

About M&T Bank Corporation

M&T Bank is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, operates banking offices in New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Trust-related services are provided by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. M&T Bank traces its origins to the founding of Manufacturers and Traders Bank in Buffalo, New York. As a result of mergers, acquisitions, and name changes, M&T Bank Corporation's principal bank is now known as Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company or M&T Bank. M&T Bank reorganized under a bank holding company in 1969 called First Empire State Corporation. The name was changed in 1998 to M&T Bank Corporation, whose common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol "MTB."

M&T Bank Corporation Careers

Join the vibrant team at M&T Bank Corporation, a leading financial institution where innovation meets tradition, offering a plethora of job opportunities across various sectors. As one of the most respected banks in the nation, M&T Bank Corporation is the perfect place to jumpstart or advance your career in the financial services industry.

Work You’ll Do

At M&T Bank Corporation, you will be part of a culture that cherishes diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in work that makes a real difference in the community while fostering your career development through comprehensive training programs and diverse learning opportunities.

Innovate and Lead

Embrace the chance to work on projects that integrate cutting-edge financial technologies with robust, traditional banking practices. M&T Bank Corporation is at the forefront of the financial industry, offering innovative solutions that redefine banking standards. Our leadership in the market is driven by a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you are looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, M&T Bank Corporation provides a dynamic pathway for career advancement. With a variety of job opportunities ranging from internships to full-time positions, you can find the perfect match for your skills and ambitions. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate your career path with tailored development plans and leadership training.

Join Our Team

Explore job opportunities and join a team that values hard work, creativity, and strategic thinking. M&T Bank Corporation is hiring professionals who are passionate about finance and eager to contribute to a team-oriented environment. Enhance your skills through hands-on experience and ongoing professional development.

Networking and Professional Development

At M&T Bank Corporation, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. Connect with industry leaders, participate in high-impact networking events, and take advantage of our mentorship programs. Our employees benefit from a supportive network that boosts their career trajectories and fosters meaningful professional relationships.

Benefits and Culture

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life. M&T Bank Corporation offers competitive salaries, health benefits, and retirement plans designed to ensure the well-being of our team members and their families. Experience a supportive and inclusive culture where every employee is valued and given the opportunity to thrive.

How to Apply

Ready to take the next step in your career? Visit the M&T Bank Corporation Careers page to browse current openings, submit your resume, and prepare for your interview. We are excited to see how your skills and ideas can contribute to our continued growth and success.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from M&T Bank Corporation by following our careers blog. Gain insights from our experts and stay informed about new job openings and upcoming networking events. Join M&T Bank Corporation today and be part of a team that is dedicated to growth, innovation, and leadership in the banking industry. Your future starts here!
Learn more about M&T Bank Corporation
Size
17,115 employees
Market Cap
$25.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
1868
5 Year Trend
+0.2%
NASDAQ

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