Director of Accounting Operations

Overview

The organization is seeking a Director of Accounting Operations to lead the day-to-day operations of the Accounting department. Reporting to the CFO, this role is accountable for the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of department work, directs and assigns staff accountants, and keeps department controls, logs, and performance measures current.

This position relieves the Controller of operational management so the Controller can focus on the integrity of the books. The Director of Accounting Operations works closely with the Controller, Financial Reporting, AP and AR leads, and technology, people, and contracts teams. Responsibilities include coordinating accounting for entities not yet fully integrated, improving department processes (including mapping processes to support effective use of AI and automation), and supporting month-end close activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational oversight of the Accounting department, ensuring assigned work is completed, reviewed, and delivered on schedule.
• Direct, assign, and manage staff accountants.
• Manage accounting for acquired entities from signing through full integration, including:
  • Pangeanic
  • Simultrans (after closing)
• Ensure each acquired entity delivers results and supporting data on schedule; roll results into the organization’s financials; track open items and intercompany balances.
• Document each acquired entity’s processes, chart of accounts, vendors, customers, and controls; work with the Controller and the technology team on migration to organization systems.
• Coordinate handoff to the Controller once integration is complete, including closed periods, open items, and process documentation.
• Initiate wires and manage daily cash positioning, maintaining separation between initiating a payment and reconciling the bank account.
• Prepare and review payroll journal entries and related allocations.
• Own accounting system issues, including AR/AP and General Ledger integrations, working with vendors, consultants, and the technology team to resolve issues and escalate as appropriate.
• Serve as the intake point for requests from other departments; maintain the department call and inquiry log; assign work and ensure completion.
• Maintain department performance measures and logs, including daily and monthly counts of:
  • Invoices processed
  • Bills recorded
  • Payments recorded
  • Inquiries answered
• Ensure efficiency in department operations, including confirming timesheet completion, reviewing how staff spend their time, and identifying work that can be eliminated, consolidated, or reassigned.
• Document and map department processes; identify opportunities where AI and automation can reduce manual effort.
• Lead implementation of improvements approved by the CFO.
• Support the Controller and CFO during month-end close by tracking the close calendar, open items, and sign-offs.
• Act as the go-to person for issues within the department and escalate matters requiring the CFO or Controller.

Requirements

• Operational leadership: proven ability to run a multi-function accounting operation, assign work across a team, and hold to deadlines and quality standards.
• Process improvement: experience documenting processes, measuring productivity, and introducing automation or AI tools that change how work is done.
• Controls: strong understanding of segregation of duties, approval limits, and payment controls.
• Multi-entity experience: working knowledge of consolidation and intercompany accounting across several entities, including entities in the process of integration.
• Systems: experience with an ERP system, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and experience with AP automation and payroll platforms.
• Collaboration and communication: excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work with other departments, vendors, and outside advisors.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressive experience, including supervision of staff.
• Exposure to government contracting is preferred.
• Analytical skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to government contracting.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $115,000 - $135,000 annually.

Additional Information

• As part of the interview process, candidates will be asked to complete an AI screening that takes about 10 minutes to help guide interview depth.