Director of AccountingJob Description
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Job Description Sample
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Job Title: Director of Accounting
Location: [City, State/Remote/Hybrid]
Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We're seeking an experienced Director of Accounting to lead our financial operations and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. You'll oversee accounting teams, manage financial reporting processes, and provide strategic insights to executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, and payroll operations
- Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures
- Lead month-end and year-end close processes
- Manage financial statement preparation and reporting
- Coordinate internal and external audit activities
- Ensure GAAP compliance across all operations
- Supervise and mentor accounting team members
- Analyze financial data to support strategic decisions
Perks:
- Competitive salary and performance bonuses
- Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
- Professional development and CPA support
- Flexible work arrangements
Director of Accounting Responsibilities
Hiring a director of accounting? Here's what you can expect them to handle:
- Oversee all accounting operations including GL, AP, AR, and payroll
- Develop and enforce internal controls and accounting policies
- Lead financial statement preparation and regulatory reporting processes
- Coordinate year-end close with internal and external auditors
- Manage and mentor accounting team members and supervisors
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and tax regulations
- Analyze financial trends and provide strategic recommendations to leadership
- Implement process improvements and accounting system upgrades
Qualifications to Be a Director of Accounting
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related fieldCPA, CMA, or CGMA certification requiredMinimum 10 years of progressive accounting experienceAt least 3-5 years in management or supervisory rolesExpert knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standardsDirector of Accounting Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Public accounting experience strongly preferredMBA or Master's in Accounting preferredStrong technical accounting and audit expertiseExperience with ERP systems and financial softwareProven track record managing complex accounting operationsDirector of Accounting Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
Accounting Standards: GAAP, IFRS, SOX complianceERP Systems: SAP, Oracle, NetSuiteFinancial Software: QuickBooks, Sage, Microsoft DynamicsSpreadsheet Tools: Advanced Excel, financial modelingReporting Tools: Power BI, Tableau, SQLTax Software: Thomson Reuters, CCH, VertexAudit Management: AuditBoard, TeamMate, ACLBusiness Intelligence: Data analytics, forecasting toolsDirector of Accounting Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Strategic thinking and business acumenExecutive-level communication and presentation abilitiesStrong leadership and team development capabilitiesProblem-solving and critical thinking skillsAttention to detail and accuracy focusAdaptability to changing regulations and technologiesCollaboration across departments and with executivesTime management and deadline prioritizationDirector of Accounting Salary by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-2 Years)
$80k – $110k
Common Titles
Junior Director of Accounting, Associate Director of Accounting
Mid Level (2-5 Years)
$110k – $150k
Common Titles
Director of Accounting, Director of Accounting II
Senior Level (5+ Years)
$150k – $220k
Common Titles
Senior Director of Accounting, Lead Director of Accounting
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Director of Accounting Hiring
A Director of Accounting typically focuses on day-to-day accounting operations, team management, and compliance, while a Controller has broader strategic responsibilities including financial planning, analysis, and executive-level decision support. In smaller organizations, these roles may overlap significantly, but Controllers generally sit higher in the organizational hierarchy.
Yes, though public accounting experience is highly valuable for understanding audit processes and complex accounting standards. Candidates with strong corporate accounting backgrounds and relevant certifications can excel if they demonstrate deep technical expertise, compliance knowledge, and proven leadership in managing accounting operations.
Both are essential, but prioritize based on your team's current state. If you have strong senior accountants, emphasize leadership and strategic thinking. If technical expertise is lacking, prioritize candidates with deep GAAP knowledge and public accounting backgrounds who can also develop team capabilities.
Present case studies involving complex accounting scenarios, month-end close challenges, or compliance issues. Ask candidates to walk through their approach to implementing new accounting standards, resolving audit findings, or improving financial reporting processes. Request examples of process improvements they've implemented.
Watch for candidates who lack specific examples of managing audits, implementing controls, or handling regulatory compliance. Red flags include inability to discuss technical accounting standards in detail, limited team management experience, frequent job changes without progression, or unfamiliarity with modern accounting systems and technologies.
Tools and Programs Director of Accounting Use
Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:
ERP Platforms
SAP•Oracle Financials
Accounting Software
QuickBooks•Xero
Spreadsheets
Excel•Google Sheets
Reporting
Power BI•Tableau
Tax Compliance
Thomson Reuters•CCH
Audit Management
AuditBoard•TeamMate
Collaboration
Microsoft 365•Slack
Project Management
Asana•Monday.com
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