Strategic Director, SEC Reporting & SOX (Hybrid)

Vaco Recruiter Services; Millbrae (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring seeks a Senior Director of SEC Reporting & SOX to lead external reporting, internal controls, and technical accounting in a high-growth life sciences company. Hybrid work in Millbrae, CA with in-office 3 days/week.

The role requires deep GAAP knowledge, extensive SEC experience, and strong leadership to partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• 12+ years of public accounting or industry experience with strong accounting expertise.
• Extensive SEC reporting and internal controls experience.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, internal controls and governance.
• Proven ability to research complex accounting issues and influence executives.
• Experience building and improving accounting processes in a growing company.
• Strong leadership, communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead external reporting process including annual and quarterly filings.
• Oversee disclosures, technical accounting matters, and regulatory compliance.
• Design and enhance internal control and compliance frameworks.
• Coordinate audits with external auditors and advisors.
• Research complex accounting transactions and provide analyses.
• Partner with Accounting, Finance, Legal, Technology and other stakeholders.
• Monitor new accounting developments and assess impact.
• Drive process improvements and reporting enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Advanced degree and CPA preferred

Job description

Senior Director, SEC Reporting & SOX

Our client, a high-growth publicly traded organization, is seeking a Senior Director of SEC Reporting & SOX to lead and scale external reporting, internal controls, and technical accounting functions.

Location:
Millbrae, CA. This position follows a hybrid work schedule, 3 days/week in the office.

Job Description:
This highly visible role will set strategy and direction for financial reporting and compliance while partnering closely with executive leadership to support long-term growth. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on leader with deep technical expertise who thrives in dynamic, evolving environments.

Responsibilities:

• Lead external financial reporting, including preparation and review of periodic filings and disclosures to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness
• Partner cross-functionally with finance, legal, and other stakeholders to gather and validate reporting inputs
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors, coordinating audit and review processes
• Oversee reporting components tied to the close process, including cash flow, equity, and complex accounting areas
• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the organization’s internal controls framework, including risk assessment, control design, testing, and remediation
• Establish and maintain company-wide policies, governance structures, and compliance programs related to financial reporting
• Provide technical accounting guidance on complex transactions, ensuring alignment with applicable accounting standards
• Monitor emerging regulatory developments and assess the impact on the organization
• Prepare technical accounting memoranda and support the interpretation of new accounting guidance
• Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on reporting, compliance, and risk management matters
• Partner cross-functionally across accounting, finance, legal, IT, and audit functions to ensure alignment and execution
• Lead, mentor, and develop team members while building scalable processes and infrastructure
• Oversee external advisors and ensure delivery of high-quality outputs
• Drive cross-functional initiatives, balancing compliance, efficiency, and scalability

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• 12+ years of experience in public accounting and/or industry roles
• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and internal controls frameworks
• Proven experience leading SEC reporting and SOX compliance in a public or recently public company
• Strong technical accounting background with the ability to research and interpret complex issues
• Experience building and scaling teams, processes, and systems in high-growth environments
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder-management skills
• CPA or equivalent certification preferred

Compensation:
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors, including but not limited to:

• The individual’s skill sets, experience, and training;
• Licensure and certifications;
• Office location and other geographic considerations;
• Other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco by Highspring notes that the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.