Senior Accounting Policy Analyst

About the Role

Employment Type: Full time

Vanguard is seeking a strategic and consultative Senior Accounting Policy Analyst 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.

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 eight years of experience in an accounting and financial reporting environment
• 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 on complex accounting issues and implementing policy changes
• Must be located within a commutable distance to Vanguard’s Wayne, PA campus

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.