Director of M&A Accounting Integration

Federal Signal Corporation; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus potential

Insurance (life, medical, dental, and視

Job summary

Federal Signal Corporation in Downers Grove, IL is seeking a technically skilled accounting specialist to lead integration during acquisitions and divestitures, partnering with Controllership, Internal Audit and senior leadership.

You will drive day‑1 readiness, standardize policies across new entities, manage ERP integration, support SEC disclosures, and ensure US GAAP compliance and strong internal controls. This role requires CPA, 10+ years of experience, and travel up to 50%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• Certified Public Accountant required.
• Minimum of 10 years progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Public accounting or Big 4/transaction advisory experience preferred.
• Experience with US GAAP, SEC reporting, SOX, and business combinations.
• Experience with purchase accounting and business combinations.
• Willing to travel up to 50%.
• ERP systems integration experience preferred (JDE, Epicor, Unicom).

Responsibilities

• Provide accounting and financial integration leadership during acquisitions and divestitures.
• Partner with Corporate Development on due diligence and policy review.
• Develop and monitor integration work plans, KPIs, and Day 1 readiness.
• Lead finance systems integration, ERP migration planning, and chart of accounts harmonization.
• Support acquisition accounting, including purchase price allocation and disclosures.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, SEC reporting, and corporate policies.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit to strengthen control environment.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required (up to 50%).

Skills

Financial integration leadership

Cross-functional partnerships

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Tools

JD Edwards (JDE) ERP

Epicor ERP

Unicom ERP

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced technical accounting specialist to support acquired or divested businesses under the oversight of the Corporate Controller. This role will partner closely with Controllership, Internal Audit and Senior Leadership.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide accounting and financial integration leadership during acquisition and divestiture activities.
• Partner with Corporate Development on financial due diligence activities, including review of quality of earnings reports and working capital analyses as well as assessment of target company accounting policies, financial reporting processes and systems, close procedures, and control environment. This will also include identification of accounting risks and integration challenges.
• Establish and communicate finance integration work plans, milestones, and key performance indicators. Identify system and resource plans necessary for Day 1 readiness for financial reporting, close processes, and financial controls. Report to Management on integration plans and provide routine updates on progress.
• Finance integration plans should include detailed strategies to standardize accounting policies and procedures across newly acquired businesses; execute financial systems integration; implement and support new close schedule; drive implementation of accounting policies and control requirements; and train and develop the newly acquired finance team.
• Lead finance systems integration efforts, including ERP migration planning (if necessary), chart of accounts harmonization, consolidation system integration, master data alignment, and financial reporting process standardization.
• Partner with Corporate Accounting and external valuation specialists to support acquisition accounting, including purchase price allocation, opening balance sheet procedures, valuation activities, and required financial statement disclosures.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and Corporate Accounting policies at newly acquired entities.
• Support preparation of acquisition-related SEC disclosures, including Forms 8-K, 10-Q, 10-K, pro forma financial information, and other transaction-related reporting requirements.
• Work closely with Internal Audit to assess acquired entities’ control environments and support the newly acquired business in implementing any required changes to create an effective control environment.
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional partners and local accounting teams.
• Coordinate external advisors, as appropriate, for financial due diligence, closing procedures, and valuation work.
• Work closely with VP/Directors of Finance of the newly acquired business to coordinate integration work and forecasting requirements.
• Perform other duties, assignments and special projects as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required with major in accounting or finance required
• Certified Public Accountant required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of M&A integration, transaction services, carve-out, or acquisition accounting experience.Big 4 accounting or transaction advisory experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting, SOX, and business combination accounting required.
• Experience with purchase accounting and business combinations required.
• Experience integrating ERP systems preferred.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to effectively complete and deliver high-quality results with multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are paramount.
• Ability to work independently to drive and achieve high-quality results.
• Ability to navigate challenging situations and resolve issues professionally and collaboratively.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to support integration activities, generally up to 50% depending on acquisition volume and business needs.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, initiative, and ability to influence stakeholders across various levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically, with a willingness to work hands-on while driving long-term integration objectives.
• Superior analytical skills.
• A strong understanding of financial information technology, including general knowledge of ERP systems and preferably the financial and control modules of JDE, Epicor, and Unicom.

Target salary range: $160,000-$200,000

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke‑free, drug‑free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com.

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at [e-mail] .All other applications must be submitted online.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Accounting or related field.

Experience

Required

Experience with purchase accounting and business combinations.

5 years:

M&A integration, transaction services. carve-out, or acquisition accounting experience.

10 years:

Progressive accounting and finance experience.

Certified Public Accountant

Preferred

Experience integrating ERP systems preferred

Big 4 accounting or transaction advisory experience preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.