Director Accounting Operation Jobs in Basking Ridge, NJ

Role Description

The Associate Director - Accounting leads core accounting operations, financial reporting, team leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Accounting Operations

• Lead daily accounting activities, including general ledger (GL) oversight, reconciliations, accruals, and sub-ledger integrity.

• Manage all aspects of month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close to deliver timely, accurate financial results.

• Review, approve, and validate journal entries, schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.

• Maintain a documented internal control framework and ensure GAAP compliance.

• Coordinate audit requests and partner with external auditors.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Month-end close, including:

  • Review of account reconciliations

  • Review of journal entry summaries and supporting documentation

  • Close variance analysis and commentary

• Quarterly Balance Sheet Review Deck with risk assessments, reconciliation status, and material variances.

• Updates to accounting policies and procedure documentation.

• Internal control testing results and remediation action plans.

• Close calendar and standardized operational checklists.

Internal Financial Reporting

• Lead preparation of monthly internal reporting packages for senior leadership.

• Analyze and interpret financial results and deliver meaningful insights.

• Standardize reporting processes, templates, and KPI dashboards.

• Improve data accuracy and enhance visibility into operational performance.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Monthly internal reporting package (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow), including:

  • Variance explanations (actuals vs. prior year)

  • Trend analyses (run rates, cost behavior, margin performance, etc.)

  • KPI dashboards and operational metrics

  • Commentary for executive consumption

• Reporting SOPs and standardized templates across Finance.

• Monthly flux analysis for internal and external audit support.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor a team of accountants.

• Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders, including FP&A, Payroll, Finance Operations, Procurement, IT, and Operations.

• Provide accounting guidance and support business initiatives.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Team development plans, including performance goals, competency assessments, and training plans.

• Cross-functional alignment documentation, including process maps and ownership matrices.

• Monthly collaboration checkpoints with Finance partners to ensure accuracy of end-to-end processes.

Process & Systems Improvement

• Identify and lead automation, standardization, and optimization of accounting processes.

• Drive system enhancements within ERP and reporting tools.

• Strengthen process discipline and scalability.

Key Outputs & Deliverables

• Documented process improvements, including before-and-after workflows and expected efficiencies.

• Automation initiatives with measurable time savings (e.g., BlackLine automation, Excel macros, BI dashboards).

• ERP/system enhancement requirements, UAT results, and rollout training.

• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) across accounting cycles.

• Operational KPIs such as close cycle time, reconciliation completion rates, data quality metrics, and control effectiveness.

Skill Level Requirements

• Strong knowledge and application of GAAP and internal control frameworks

• Advanced analytical and financial data interpretation skills

• Ability to work with and analyze large datasets

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems

• Strong leadership, team development, and mentoring capabilities

• Effective cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong process improvement and automation mindset

Other Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required

• CPA Certification

• 8-12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with demonstrated leadership in financial close and internal reporting

• Public accounting background is a plus

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop, motivate, and mentor a team

• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred)

• BlackLine experience is a plus

Preferred

• Experience designing dashboards or automated reporting using Power BI, Workiva, Tableau, or similar tools

• Industry experience in technology or other operationally complex environments

• Experience with process automation, continuous improvement methodologies, or finance system transformations

• Self-starter with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

• Experience with enterprise ERP systems and adaptability to new platforms.

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