The HR Finance Consultant serves as a senior subject matter expert within the Controllers Department providing deep insight, independent challenge, and leadership over HR-related accounting matters. This role reports to the HR Senior Finance Manager. This role is responsible for leading complex HR-related accounting initiatives, partnering with the HR Department and other Finance disciplines, and coordinating and reviewing work across the department to support high-quality, timely deliverables. The successful candidate brings a comprehensive understanding of accounting matters involving pension/OPEB, payroll, bonus/incentive, stock compensation and SOX, and applies this expertise to assist with financial and accounting processes, compliance and planning activities, and ensure appropriate internal controls are maintained. Provide financial updates and reporting to senior management and serve as a subject matter expert on HR/Benefits accounting treatments. This position operates with a high degree of independence and visibility while partnering closely with senior Controllers Department leaders, other Finance Division leaders, legal, third-party actuaries and HR executives.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Stay current on evolving accounting/regulatory requirements, industry practices, and emerging risks impacting HR and benefits; proactively advise Controllers Department leadership on risk and business activities.
• Lead HR/Benefits-related accounting projects/programs including payroll accruals, pension and post-retirement benefits, health and welfare plans, incentive compensation programs and other employee-related financial activities. Effectively influence and collaborate across HR, Finance and operational teams, and provide coaching/mentoring and technical review support to staff.
• Lead and document technical accounting analysis for complex employee-related transactions including benefit plan modifications, stock compensation, deferred compensation and changes in employee programs.
• Serve as a strategic partner to HR, Employee Benefits, Payroll and FP&A, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgeting and financial insight for compensation and benefit programs.
• Leads HR accounting special initiatives such as benefit plan redesign, actuarial data coordination and acquisition-related integration.
• Design, implement, maintain and enhance internal controls to mitigate risk on an ongoing basis.  Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management. Continuously seek opportunities to enhance the internal control environment; automate and improve processes; maintain and update procedures and documentation.
• Other functions include, general ledger entry oversight, reconciliation review, adherence to GAAP, SEC disclosure requirements, and bank regulatory requirements. 
• Understand and adhere to the Company’s risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company’s Risk Appetite. 
• Own and coordinate the month-end, quarter-end and year-end close process for assigned HR/Benefits accounting areas, preparing journal entries, supporting schedules, and ensuring timely completion. In performing these, interact with business line personnel and communicate results to senior management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Finance department goals, contributing to strategic decisions with an in-depth knowledge of multiple divisions as well as industry/competitor strategies.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory/ Managerial Responsibilities:

No direct reports. This role may provide coaching, mentoring, and technical review support to other staff members and may lead workstreams by coordinating deliverables across teams.

Bachelor's degree and a minimum 9 years’ accounting, auditing, operations, and/or financial institutions experience, or in lieu of a degree, a combined minimum of 13 years’ higher education and/or work experience, including a minimum of 9 years’ accounting, auditing, operations, and/or financial institutions experience

Experience providing financial accounting and reporting analysis in support of monthly, quarterly, and annual internal and external reporting

Strong understanding of GAAP and financial and regulatory reporting guidance applicable to the banking industry

Detail-oriented

Advanced problem-solving skills

Advanced verbal and written communication skills

Advanced degree

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or other pertinent professional certification      

Broad and comprehensive understanding of theories and practices in finance and accounting within the banking industry

In-depth knowledge of the banking industry

Experience in financial and regulatory reporting, accounting, and/or financial planning and analysis within financial services