Chief Accounting Officer

Alternate Titles: CAO, Chief Accounting Officer, CFO, Chief Financial Officer

Education, Experience, & Certifications

Chief Accounting Officers are strong financial managers and leaders, and generally bring the following requirements to the position, depending on the size of the company:

• CPA and MBA
• 8+ years “Big 4” experience preferred in some cases
• 5-15 years’ progressive corporate accounting management experience
• Superior technical accounting skills
• Strong technology skills including expertise in MS Excel, database applications and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, SOX compliance requirements
• Extensive knowledge of SEC requirements and internal controls.

 Typical Duties May Include:

• Responsibility for developing, implementing, and administrating accounting policies
• Preparing earnings disclosures and investor communications
• Oversee the corporation's accounting and internal controls with SOX
• Oversee SEC and regulatory reports
• Oversee and assist with the preparation of corporate income tax returns
• Will work closely with in-house counsel, as well as pioneer all aspects of interaction with the external accounting firm
• Manage all internal accounting and financial reporting functions
• Quarterly close of all companies including consolidation
• Management of general ledger and all entries and account reconciliations
• Cash management and accounting, reconciliations & monthly cash flow report
• Investment accounting
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Manage annual GAAP and statutory audits
• Oversee tax accounting and payments 
• Review and develop management project reports
• Review and provide input to legal agreements
• Manage direct reports (accounting managers, accounting assistant/office manager)
• Member of company’s Management Committee reporting to President