Critical leadership position supporting the Head of Accounting for a multi-billion dollar aerospace & defense company. They are privately-held, growing and embarking on exciting AI transformations. Please reach out to learn more!
Senior Director of Accounting
Reports To: VP Accounting, Corporate Controller
Location: Sparks, NV
Supervises: General Ledger, Technical Accounting & Reporting, Travel and Expense,
Position Summary
The Senior Director of Accounting serves as a key strategic leader within The Company’s Accounting organization, reporting directly to and partnering with the VP of Accounting to guide the company’s financial vision and operational excellence. In this high-impact role, the Senior Director oversees critical accounting functions—including general ledger, technical accounting, reporting, and travel and expense—while influencing broader areas such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and process automation. This position plays an essential role in ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and the timely preparation of critical internal and external reporting.
Beyond operational oversight, this role champions the deployment of technology and modern accounting practices to elevate the organization’s financial capabilities. The Senior Director leads the evolution of advanced system controls, drives AI-enabled automation initiatives, and strengthens the company’s financial infrastructure to support growth and innovation. By identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and optimizing key financial metrics, this leader helps position The Company at the forefront of digital transformation in accounting.
Collaboration and leadership are central to this role’s success. The Senior Director works closely with executive leadership, cross-functional partners, and a large, talented accounting team to deliver strategic insights and drive organizational alignment. Through mentorship, talent development, and a commitment to high-performance culture, this role fosters an environment built on accountability, innovation, and shared success—ensuring The Company continues to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all accounting functions, including recording company transactions, classifications, and reconciliation of account balances.
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), and company policy.
- Review and verify the accuracy of financial information, transactions, reports, internal and external financial statements, and other accounting schedules.
- Develop and implement advanced accounting system controls to ensure adequate recognition of financial transactions.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to provide strategic financial insights and support decision-making processes.
- Communicate and enforce comprehensive accounting and auditing policies and procedures.
- Manage and mentor a large team of accounting professionals (20), providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
- Optimize key financial metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Drive automation and process improvements including AI tool sets
- Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and strategic insights.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements.
Qualifications You Must Have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 15+ years of relevant accounting experience, with at least 8+ years in a senior management role.
- Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
- Public accounting and other related experience.
- Expert understanding of advanced accounting principles and financial reporting.
- Proficiency with accounting software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Extensive experience managing a large team of accounting professionals.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
- Thorough knowledge of financial accounting regulations, GAAP, and financial statement analysis, preparation, and reporting. Ability to identify, research, leverage resources and document conclusions for technical accounting resolution.
- Proven leadership abilities, inclusive of successful change management, mentoring, career development, training, succession planning, accountability, and conducting yearly reviews.
- Mastery of the ability to manage complex situations, delegate authority, lead and inspire your team, drive innovative thinking, instill collaboration, drive for success, challenge status quo and demonstrate ability to adapt to dynamic situations.
- Proven experience and skills in team building, time management, conflict resolution, communication, briefing, presentation, strategic thinking, and literacy in the accounting disciplines.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly express concepts in verbal and written forms.
- Ability to navigate change and uncertainty, make defensible decisions in ambiguity and own those decisions.
Qualifications We Prefer:
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
- Extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance and audit processes.
- Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) Reporting experience.
- Demonstrated passion for ideation, intellectual curiosity, and innovation, as well as motivating others to act by creating a shared sense of vision or purpose.
- Proven long-term and strategic perspective that extends beyond the immediate initiatives; visualizes and articulates a clear direction.
- Deltek (Cost Point) accounting system experience.
- Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Team oriented with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
If you’re ready to make an impact and take your career to the next level, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and a member of Talentfoot’s recruitment team will be in touch should your track record of success, experience, skills and qualifications match our client’s requirements.