Vice President of Accounting (CAO)

Vice President of Accounting (CAO)

Location: Phoenix, East Valley – Hybrid (Fridays work from anywhere)

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

About the Opportunity

Join a dynamic, publicly traded multi-location organization as Vice President of Accounting. This company, a leader in their industry, generates approximately $1 billion in annual revenue across multiple locations, serving customers in the specialty consumer products.

We're seeking a strategic accounting leader to drive enterprise-wide transformation while ensuring the integrity and modernization of the accounting infrastructure. This is an exceptional opportunity to partner directly with the CFO as a key member of the finance leadership team, owning day-to-day accounting execution and governance across the enterprise.

Lead Accounting Operations

You'll oversee all corporate and financial reporting functions, initially leading the Corporate Accounting and Consolidations group with future expansion into operational accounting and Tax. You'll establish standardized accounting policies across all locations while supporting the centralization of accounting functions into the corporate office.

Drive Transformation & Innovation

Spearhead enterprise-wide initiatives focused on centralization, standardization, and automation. You'll modernize accounting systems, ERP platforms, and close automation tools while redesigning monthly close processes to enhance speed, accuracy, and visibility.

Ensure Compliance & Control

Own internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) and SOX compliance, ensuring adherence to U.S. GAAP and public company standards. You'll serve as the primary accounting advisor to executive leadership and the Audit Committee, partnering with the CFO on complex accounting judgments and disclosures.

Build High-Performing Teams

Develop and mentor a talented accounting organization capable of thriving in a public company environment. You'll establish clear roles and performance metrics while cultivating future accounting leaders through strong succession planning.

Support Strategic Initiatives

Provide oversight for SEC reporting, support earnings cycles and investor reporting, and own quarterly reviews and annual audits. Partner with IT, FP&A, Shared Services, and Accounting Operations to enable scalable financial systems that support growth and acquisitions.

Requirements:
Required Qualifications

• Active CPA license
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (Master's degree preferred)
• 15+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience
• Significant public company experience
• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and SOX compliance
• Proven track record leading accounting transformation and automation initiatives
• Experience managing multi-location, inventory-intensive operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Big 4 or national public accounting firm background
• Experience with dealership management systems (DMS) and ERP implementations
• Track record supporting M&A activity and post-acquisition integration

Benefits:
What Sets This Role Apart

The CFO is looking for someone who can quickly get up to speed and own the accounting function from the ground up. While the CFO serves as the Principal Accounting Officer (PAO), this role owns the day-to-day execution. You'll have the autonomy to drive meaningful change and the support to make a lasting impact on our organization's financial operations.