Senior Director of Accounting and Finance

Purpose

The Senior Director of Accounting and Finance is responsible for leading the financial operations, planning, and strategy of the organization. This executive-level role provides financial direction and insights that drive decision-making, optimize business performance, and ensure financial integrity. Reporting to the VP of Finance and Accounting, this leader plays a critical role in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, risk management, and team development, while aligning financial operations with the company's strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the VP of Accounting and Finance and executive leadership team to define the organization's financial strategy and ensure alignment with business goals
• Lead the creation of long-term financial plans, identifying opportunities for growth, cost reduction, and business improvements
• Provide financial expertise to shape the strategic direction of the business, making recommendations based on detailed financial analysis and market trends
• Support key strategic initiatives, such as product launches, market expansions, and operational transformations, from a financial perspective

Comprehensive Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to develop accurate and detailed budgets aligned with company goals
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasting, ensuring that key assumptions and financial targets are regularly reviewed and updated
• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying areas of concern and proposing corrective actions
• Implement best practices in financial planning to support dynamic and evolving business environments

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee the preparation and distribution of accurate financial reports, including P&L statements, balance sheets, cash flow reports, and key financial KPIs
• Provide actionable insights into financial performance, identifying trends, variances, and areas of risk
• Lead the preparation of detailed variance analysis, ensuring clear communication of financial performance to senior leadership
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting processes to ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful financial insights

Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and streamline financial systems, processes, and controls to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations
• Lead initiatives to enhance financial reporting capabilities, such as implementing new tools or technologies, and driving automation where possible
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Operations, Sales, HR) to ensure financial data is integrated into key decision-making processes

Compliance, Risk Management & Governance

• Ensure the organization's financial operations follow all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as international accounting standards (IFRS, GAAP)
• Lead the internal audit process and maintain rigorous internal controls to safeguard company assets
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate financial risks, developing strategies to manage credit, operational, and market risks
• Coordinate with external auditors and ensure timely and accurate preparation of tax filings and financial statements

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor a team of finance professionals, including financial analysts and managers, ensuring they are equipped with the resources and guidance to succeed
• Develop a high-performance team through training, coaching, and mentoring, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented culture
• Establish clear performance objectives for the finance team and conduct regular performance reviews
• Build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the finance function

Cross-functional Collaboration & Decision Support

• Act as a key finance business partner to department leaders, providing insights and analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making
• Collaborate with business units to ensure that financial objectives and outcomes are well understood and achieved
• Support business case development, investment analysis, and cost-benefit assessments for new initiatives or projects

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Lead the financial due diligence process in evaluating potential mergers, acquisitions, or divestitures
• Assist in the integration of newly acquired businesses, ensuring smooth financial consolidation and alignment with company practices

Skills

• Deep understanding of financial management, accounting principles, and regulatory requirements
• Strong expertise in financial modeling, business case analysis, and performance management
• Proficient with financial software, ERP systems, and advanced Excel skills (financial modeling, pivot tables, and macros)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to distill complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field required
• MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred
• 10+ years of progressive finance experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Background in financial strategy, performance analysis, and cross-functional collaboration in large or complex organizations
• Experience in M&A, industry-specific financial metrics, and leading high-performing teams
• Strategic mindset, high integrity, strong business acumen, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Clearance of favorable background investigation required