Head of Accounting

Job Title: Senior Director of Accounting

Job Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: COO

Position Overview:

The Senior Director of Accounting will lead and manage all aspects of corporate accounting functions and cash management. This leadership role will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, and manage a team responsible for maintaining compliance with accounting standards and regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in corporate accounting, partnership tax returns, a deep understanding of financial reporting processes, and the leadership capabilities to guide the accounting department to support the company’s financial health and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management:

• Lead and manage the corporate accounting team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating performance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the accounting department.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all accounting functions to ensure alignment with the organization’s financial goals and objectives.

Financial Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation and accuracy of the company’s financial statements, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Manage the preparation and timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for internal stakeholders (COO, CEO, Board of Directors) and external parties (lenders, auditors, regulators, investors).
• Oversee the Preparation of multiple k1s across multiple entities with complex tax structures;
• Review and approve journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and consolidation processes to ensure integrity and accuracy of financial data.

Accounting Operations:

• Supervise all core accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and fixed assets.
• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of all financial transactions and month-end closing processes.
• Implement and maintain robust accounting systems, processes, and internal controls to safeguard the company’s financial assets.

Internal Controls and Compliance:

• Ensure the company’s accounting practices are in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and corporate policies.
• Oversee the implementation and enforcement of internal controls to prevent errors, fraud, and financial misstatements.
• Manage audits, both internal and external, and address any audit findings or recommendations.
• Manage all aspects of corporate tax needs, including research of tax requirements in new areas of business; ensure the proper filing of all tax returns, regulatory reports, and other compliance documents; and provide general tax planning advice.

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Support:

• Collaborate closely with the Structured Finance team to provide accurate financial data for budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Analyze financial trends and variances to help identify opportunities for cost savings, revenue growth, and operational efficiencies.
• Support the executive team with ad hoc financial analysis and reporting to inform strategic decisions.

Cash Flow and Treasury Management:

• Oversee the management of cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for operational needs and long-term financial stability.
• Work with the Structured Finance team to optimize cash management strategies, including debt management, investments, and funding requirements.
• Ensure timely payments of principal and interest on debt facilities.

System and Process Improvements:

• Identify opportunities to enhance accounting processes and systems to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Implement best practices and industry standards for accounting operations, adopting new technologies where appropriate.
• Lead or support the implementation of any new financial software or accounting systems.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Serve as the key accounting liaison to the COO, CEO, and other senior executives, providing clear, concise, and actionable financial insights.
• Communicate with external stakeholders, including auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies, ensuring all accounting-related issues are addressed promptly and accurately.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Support:

• Assist in due diligence and integration efforts for mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions, ensuring that all accounting aspects are properly addressed.
• Oversee the accounting implications of any acquisitions, including integration of financial systems, reporting structures, and operational accounting processes.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) designation is required; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, VP, or similar).
• Extensive experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting in a complex business environment with multiple reporting entities and varied debt financing structures.
• Experience with consolidating companies with elimination entries
• Proven track record of successfully managing accounting teams, driving process improvements, and delivering accurate financial results.
• Experience with internal controls, compliance, audits, and regulatory reporting.
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and corporate tax regulations.
• Knowledge of partnership taxes and variable interest entity reporting.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage teams effectively.
• Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with a focus on financial performance and process improvement.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and timeliness in all financial reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Key Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Strong business acumen, with a focus on maximizing financial efficiency and driving profitability.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and senior leadership to support the company’s overall goals.