Director of Accounting
A Director of Accounting is responsible for overseeing the financial operations, ensuring compliance with accounting regulations, and managing financial reporting and budgeting.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Director of Accounting
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Director of Accounting will oversee the daily operations of the accounting department, monitor the company's financial health, and ensure that the company's financial practices are in compliance with statutory regulations and standards. This role requires a strong understanding of accounting principles and financial management, as well as the ability to lead a team.
Required Skills
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
- Proficient with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or similar
- Attention to detail and precision in financial analysis
- Ability to direct and supervise
- High competence in project and stakeholder management
- Exemplary communication skills, both written and verbal
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field; CPA or Master's degree is preferred
- Proven knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles, practices, standards, laws, and regulations
- Experience with creating financial statements and general ledger functions
- Experience with accounting software and administration
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage teams
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee the daily operations of the accounting department including billing, tax compliance, ledger maintenance, and accounts payable/receivable
- Enhance and implement financial and accounting systems, processes, tools, and control systems
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly and year-end close process
- Develop and manage financial controls in accordance with the company's procedures
- Coordinate and direct the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts, and report variances
- Prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements
- Monitor and analyze accounting data to produce accurate, comprehensive financial reports
- Coordinate with external auditors and provide necessary information for the annual audit
- Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Director of Accounting will oversee and manage the company's accounting department, providing leadership and guidance to the accounting team while ensuring all financial processes are compliant with legal and company policies. They will be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial operations, preparing financial reports, and establishing accounting policies and procedures.
Required Skills
- Accounting software expertise (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, SAP)
- Advanced MS Excel skills including Vlookups and pivot tables
- Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Excellent administration skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification preferred
- Proven working experience as an Accounting Manager, Accounting Supervisor or Finance Manager
- Ability to manipulate large amounts of data
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to direct and supervise
Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee the daily operations of the accounting department including: month and end-year process, accounts payable/receivable, cash receipts, general ledger, payroll and utilities, treasury, budgeting, cash forecasting, revenue and expenditure variance analysis, capital assets reconciliations, trust account statement reconciliations, check runs, fixed asset activity, debt activity etc.
- Monitor and analyze accounting data and produce financial reports or statements
- Establish and enforce proper accounting methods, policies and principles
- Coordinate and complete annual audits
- Provide recommendations
- Improve systems and procedures and initiate corrective actions
- Assign projects and direct staff to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Meet financial accounting objectives
- Establish and maintain fiscal files and records to document transactions
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Director of Accounting is responsible for overseeing the accounting department, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulatory standards, and the management of the company's financial affairs. This executive role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in finance and management.
Required Skills
- Excellent leadership and management abilities.
- Advanced computer skills on MS Office, accounting software, and databases.
- Ability to strategize and solve problems.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to direct and supervise.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- CPA or other relevant certification is strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of accounting managerial experience.
- Significant experience with financial reporting requirements.
- Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end/year-end close process.
- Proven experience in leading and developing accounting teams.
- Sound understanding of accounting and financial reporting principles and practices.
- Analytical mind with strong conceptual and problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the accounting department, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all transactions.
- Develop and enforce proper accounting methods, policies, and principles.
- Coordinate and prepare internal and external financial statements.
- Coordinate activities for external auditors.
- Ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures.
- Develop and maintain internal control and effective accounting system and policies.
- Oversee tax planning and compliance with all required federal, state, local, payroll, property, and other applicable taxes.
- Manage and support budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Collaborate with management to develop financial strategies and plans.
- Analyze complex financial data and provide forecasting support.
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