Director of Accounting

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search in Chicago or New York City is seeking a highly experienced Director of Accounting to lead strategy, strengthen financial reporting and internal controls. This leader will partner with senior leadership to drive process improvements and technology initiatives across the firm.

You will oversee core accounting operations, ensure accurate reporting, and guide governance while driving growth and transformation across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Progressive accounting/finance leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting and GAAP.
• Experience with internal controls and governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the accounting strategy to support growth and objectives.
• Oversee core accounting operations and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Establish and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and governance.
• Lead evaluation and implementation of new accounting standards and controls.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance reporting and analytics.
• Monitor trends, KPIs, and balance sheet activity to identify risks and opportunities.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives around systems, workflows, automation, and data governance.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and strengthen internal controls.
• Develop monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure policy compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Project management

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Data governance

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance

CPA

MBA preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Outlook

Job description

Chicago or New York City | 3 days in the office, 2 days work from home

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an accomplished accounting professional who enjoys building, improving, and transforming. The Director of Accounting will play a critical role in shaping the firm’s accounting strategy, strengthening financial reporting and internal controls, and driving process and technology improvements across the organization.

The ideal candidate is someone who can balance technical accounting expertise with strategic thinking and operational execution. You will partner closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure the integrity of the general ledger and financial reporting while identifying opportunities to improve processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and support the continued growth of the firm.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the accounting strategy to support organizational growth, operational excellence, and long-term business objectives.


• Oversee core accounting operations, ensuring accurate, timely, consistent, and transparent financial reporting.


• Establish and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that promote compliance, consistency, and best practices.


• Lead the evaluation and implementation of new accounting standards, reporting requirements, and financial control enhancements.


• Collaborate with business and finance leaders to enhance financial reporting, analytics, and insights that support stronger business decisions.


• Monitor financial trends, key performance indicators, and balance sheet activity to proactively identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.


• Drive cross-functional initiatives involving accounting systems, reporting platforms, workflows, automation, and data governance.


• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and elevate the overall accounting function.


• Develop monitoring and reporting mechanisms to evaluate control performance, promote accountability, and ensure compliance with firm policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA and/or MBA preferred


• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership experience within a complex or growing organization


• Strong understanding of financial reporting, general ledger management, accounting governance, and internal controls


• Experience leading accounting transformation, process improvement, systems, or reporting initiatives is highly valued


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into meaningful insights


• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization


• Proven project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook


• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information in your career.