Director, Accounting Operations

Workhorse•Wixom, MI

About The Position

The Director, Accounting Operations is responsible for leading the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting. This role oversees core accounting functions, develops scalable processes, strengthens internal controls, and partners cross-functionally to support business growth and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on accounting leader with strong technical accounting expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and experience building efficient accounting operations in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
5+ years of accounting leadership experience.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
Experience leading monthly and annual close processes.
Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with inventory, cost accounting, and manufacturing operations.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, ownership, and a bias toward action, with the ability to independently investigate issues, identify root causes, and drive resolution.

Nice To Haves

CPA.
Public accounting experience.
Experience in manufacturing, automotive, EV, battery, or industrial technology industries.
Experience supporting a publicly traded company or IPO readiness.
Experience with ERP implementations or finance transformation initiatives.
SOX 404 compliance experience.
Experience with government grants, manufacturing incentives, or capital projects.
Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or business integrations.
Strong technical accounting and financial reporting expertise.
Deep understanding of manufacturing, inventory, and cost accounting.
Ability to build scalable accounting processes in a high-growth environment.
Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
Excellent project and change management capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and operational mindset.
Ability to communicate complex financial matters to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated success driving operational excellence, automation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the organization's accounting operations, including General Ledger, Cost Accounting, Inventory Accounting, Fixed Assets, Payroll Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Cash Management.
Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes to deliver timely, accurate, and decision-ready financial reporting.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, company accounting policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Design, implement, and maintain a strong internal control environment that supports scalable growth and financial integrity.
Lead all aspects of manufacturing accounting, including inventory valuation, standard costing, production accounting, variance analysis, and fixed asset accounting.
Ensure the completeness and accuracy of account reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and financial statement disclosures.
Partner closely with FP&A to support forecasting, budgeting, and executive decision-making through timely financial analysis.
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing to improve financial processes and operational performance.
Lead the annual financial statement audit and coordinate activities with external auditors.
Support income tax, sales and use tax, and other compliance activities through coordination with external advisors.
Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, ERP optimization, and finance transformation projects to improve efficiency and scalability.
Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and standard operating processes.
Support strategic initiatives, including capital raises, mergers and acquisitions, system implementations, and organizational integrations.
Prepare executive and Board-level financial reporting and presentations.
Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing accounting organization while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Lead, coach, and develop the Accounting team.
Establish departmental objectives, key performance indicators, and individual performance expectations.
Conduct performance reviews and create development plans.
Build organizational capability through hiring, mentoring, and succession planning.
Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture committed to continuous improvement.