VP Accounting

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.; Hilliard, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare Benefits

401k with company match

Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to lead core accounting operations, ensuring timely GAAP-compliant financial reporting.

You will oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close, support external reporting, and drive internal controls in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will partner with cross-functional teams, mentor a high-performing accounting team, and implement process improvements and system enhancements, playing a key role in strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA designation.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 5 years of people leadership.
• Minimum of 5 years of Big Four public accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and technical accounting research.
• Experience leading month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes in a complex organization.
• Experience supporting or leading internal and external audit engagements.
• Systems proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the accounting team to ensure accurate, timely GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring the timely preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Review and oversee accounting transactions, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analyses to maintain accuracy and completeness.
• Establish, maintain, and enhance internal controls, identifying gaps and implementing improvements to strengthen financial processes and compliance.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of accounting policies, financial reporting procedures, and internal control documentation.
• Research and interpret technical accounting guidance, assess business impacts, and implement new accounting standards and policies when needed.
• Coordinate and support audits, ensuring timely completion of requirements and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Provide oversight of Oracle ERP and general ledger operations, including system administration, user access, controls, and process optimization.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support financial systems implementations, process automation, and tech-driven improvements.
• Collaborate with business leaders to provide accounting guidance, support strategic initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across finance.

Skills

GAAP Knowledge

Financial Reporting

Leadership

Audit Management

Excel Proficiency

Internal Controls

Cross-functional Partnership

Regulatory Reporting

Technical Accounting Research

Education

Bachelor’s in Accounting or Finance

CPA designation

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to lead core accounting operations and ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the Company’s financial reporting. This role is responsible for overseeing the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes; supporting external financial reporting; driving strong internal controls; and leading technical accounting initiatives. Reporting to the SVP, Chief Accounting Officer, the Assistant Controller will partner across the organization to improve processes, support system enhancements, and develop a high-performing accounting team. This position is ideal for a collaborative accounting leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about continuous improvement, operational excellence, and developing people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the accounting team to ensure accurate, timely, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring the timely preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Review and oversee accounting transactions, journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analyses to maintain accuracy and completeness.
• Establish, maintain, and enhance internal controls, identifying gaps and implementing improvements to strengthen financial processes and compliance.
• Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of accounting policies, financial reporting procedures, and internal control documentation.
• Research and interpret technical accounting guidance, assess business impacts, and implement new accounting standards and policies when needed.
• Coordinate and support internal and external audits, ensuring timely completion of audit requirements and regulatory reporting obligations.
• Provide oversight of Oracle ERP and general ledger operations, including system administration, user access, controls, and process optimization.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support financial systems implementations, process automation, and technology-driven improvements.
• Collaborate with business leaders to provide accounting guidance, support strategic initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across the finance organization.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 5 years of people leadership experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of Big Four public accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and technical accounting research.
• Experience leading month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes in a complex organization.
• Experience supporting or leading internal and external audit engagements.
• Systems implementation experience with strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or multi-site operational environments.
• Oracle ERP experience.
• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and integration activities.
• Experience driving process automation, system enhancements, or digital finance transformation initiatives.

Skills & Competencies

• Financial Reporting and Close Process Leadership
• Technical Accounting and GAAP Expertise
• Internal Controls, Compliance, and Risk Management
• Audit Management and Regulatory Reporting
• Financial Systems and Process Improvement
• Strategic Thinking and Business Partnership
• Leadership, Coaching, and Team Development
• Analytical Problem Solving and Sound Judgment
• Project Management and Change Leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication
• Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence
• Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities in a Fast-Paced Environment

Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us

EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.