Principal Accounting Officer

Oliver James is currently partnered with a publicly traded, high-growth e-commerce company thats building out its U.S. finance organization and seeking a Head of Finance to serve as its Principal Accounting Officer.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this individual will lead the accounting and controllership function, own the integrity of the company’s financial reporting, and build the processes and controls needed to support a scaling public company.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced accounting executive who enjoys building. The successful candidate will have significant ownership across financial close, SEC reporting, technical accounting, internal controls, external audit, finance systems and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual close process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP
• Take final ownership of the general ledger, journal entries, account reconciliations and financial statements
• Oversee SEC reporting and external filings in partnership with internal stakeholders, legal counsel and external auditors
• Lead technical accounting research and prepare position papers covering complex or judgmental matters
• Develop and maintain the company’s internal-control environment, including SOX readiness and ongoing compliance
• Manage the external-audit process, including planning, deliverables and issue resolution
• Oversee treasury operations and cash management in partnership with the CFO
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on tax provisions, compliance and planning
• Evaluate and improve finance systems, the chart of accounts and reporting processes
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline accounting operations
• Build, mentor and lead the accounting team as the organization expands
• Present financial results, reporting matters and control updates to the CFO, senior leadership, board and audit committee

Candidate Profile

• CPA required
• At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience
• Previous experience leading accounting teams and developing talent
• Direct SEC reporting and public-company accounting experience
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, technical accounting and financial-reporting requirements
• Experience researching complex accounting matters and drafting technical memoranda
• Strong understanding of internal-control frameworks, including SOX and COSO
• Demonstrated success managing external audits
• Experience building or scaling accounting processes within a growing organization
• Strong understanding of ERP, close and consolidation systems
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when necessary
• Experience supporting an IPO, public-company transition or newly listed business
• Experience implementing or upgrading an ERP or financial-reporting system