Chief Accountant
Job Title: Chief Accountant / Head of Accounting
Department: Finance & Accounting
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / General Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary:
The Chief Accountant oversees the entire accounting function, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of all financial data. This leadership role is responsible for managing the accounting team, maintaining robust internal controls, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The Chief Accountant acts as a key advisor to senior management on financial matters.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Reporting & Control:
- Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP/IFRS.
- Ensure timely and accurate closure of the general ledger.
- Maintain and enforce a strong system of internal controls to safeguard company assets.
- Lead the annual external audit process, serving as the primary liaison with auditors.
- Team Leadership & Management:
- Manage, mentor, and develop the accounting team (AP, AR, GL, Payroll).
- Delegate tasks, review work, and ensure departmental deadlines are met.
- Foster a culture of accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Operational Accounting:
- Oversee all accounting operations: billing, A/R, A/P, G/L, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and revenue recognition.
- Manage payroll processing and ensure compliance with tax regulations.
- Coordinate and manage the company's budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Conduct detailed financial analysis and variance reporting for management.
- Compliance & Strategy:
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
- Develop and document business processes and accounting policies.
- Analyze financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve profitability.
- Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision-making.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. CPA or CMA certification is highly preferred and often required.
- Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Skills:
- Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, procedures, and financial reporting (GAAP/IFRS).
- Advanced proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, QuickBooks Enterprise) and MS Excel.
- Exceptional leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong ethical standards and integrity.
