Director of Technical Accounting

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search is looking for a Director of Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting in Chicago, Illinois. This vital role entails overseeing SEC reporting, technical accounting, and managing a small team within a global manufacturing organization.

The ideal candidate will possess an active CPA, extensive experience in financial reporting, and a strong understanding of U.S. GAAP compliance, with the ability to drive process improvements and systems optimizations.

Qualifications

• Active CPA is required.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in financial reporting and technical accounting.
• 3+ years of people management experience leading accounting or reporting teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and filing of SEC reports.
• Lead technical accounting analysis for complex transactions.
• Manage global consolidated reporting across 100+ entities.

Skills

Financial reporting

Technical accounting

Leadership

SEC compliance

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA

Tools

OneStream

HFM

SAP

Job description

Director of Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting

About the Company

Our client is a global, publicly traded manufacturing and technology organization serving the food and beverage industry. With operations across 30+ countries, the company delivers integrated equipment, software, and service solutions that support complex production environments worldwide. Backed by a strong engineering and innovation focus, the organization is committed to driving efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value for its customers through continuous transformation and operational excellence.

Position Overview

The Director of Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting will lead external reporting, technical accounting, and select corporate accounting functions within a complex, global structure. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely SEC reporting, maintaining compliance with U.S. GAAP and SOX requirements, and providing technical accounting guidance on complex transactions and business events.

This individual will manage a small team and serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, including the CFO, on accounting implications, regulatory changes, and financial reporting strategy. The role requires strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and experience operating in a large, multinational organization.

Key Responsibilities

External & Internal Financial Reporting

• Oversee preparation and filing of SEC reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead the preparation and review of quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
• Manage global consolidated reporting across a complex organizational structure spanning 100+ legal entities.
• Ensure SOX compliance for financial reporting processes, including control documentation, testing, and remediation.
• Coordinate with external auditors, investor relations, and legal teams to support filings and audit requirements.
• Present financial results, key disclosures, and insights to senior leadership.
• Monitor emerging SEC regulations and accounting standards and assess their impact on reporting.
• Benchmark peer disclosures and non-GAAP reporting practices to inform reporting strategy.

Technical Accounting

• Lead technical accounting analysis for complex transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
• Oversee acquisition accounting integration, including financial reporting alignment and internal control implementation.
• Prepare and review technical accounting memos, pro forma disclosures, and regulatory filings.
• Provide guidance on accounting policy changes and new standard adoption.
• Support implementation of revenue recognition standards across diverse business models.
• Review contracts for accounting implications, including leasing, foreign currency, and financing arrangements.

Corporate Accounting

• Oversee pension accounting and coordination of actuarial valuations.
• Manage hedge accounting programs and ensure compliance with documentation requirements.
• Review stock-based compensation accounting and related disclosures.
• Support segment reporting and changes to reporting structures.
• Lead goodwill and intangible asset impairment assessments and reporting unit analysis.
• Support restructuring accounting and related financial disclosures.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Lead initiatives to improve financial reporting processes, systems, and automation.
• Drive enhancements to close timelines and reporting accuracy.
• Partner cross-functionally to streamline acquisition accounting and month-end close processes.
• Support optimization of financial systems, including OneStream, HFM, and other ERP/reporting tools.

Qualifications

• Active CPA required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in financial reporting and technical accounting.
• 3+ years of people management experience leading accounting or reporting teams.
• Strong experience in SEC reporting and U.S. GAAP compliance.
• Prior public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a large, global, multi-entity organization.
• Familiarity with financial systems such as OneStream, HFM, SAP, or Syteline.
• Strong leadership, communication, and executive presentation skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.