Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting

Cars Commerce•Chicago, IL

3d•$154,200 - $192,750•Hybrid

About The Position

CARs is seeking a Director, Accounting and Reporting to lead our Accounting and SEC Reporting teams. This role owns day-to-day external financial reporting, SEC compliance, US GAAP adherence, and SOX controls for a publicly traded company. This role is based in Chicago in a hybrid schedule (expected to work at the office at least once a week).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting or Finance
CPA required
10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience including 3+ years in SEC reporting at a US-listed company
Deep knowledge of US GAAP and SOX internal controls
Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles, including experience with complex transactions
Experience with financial systems
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
Track record of leading large-scale, cross-functional projects and driving change
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment
Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, policy drafting, financial narrative writing, and workflow efficiency
Advanced Excel and Google Suite skills
Collaborative, approachable, and self-directed with a strong sense of ownership
Clear, effective communicator — written and verbal

Nice To Haves

Big 4 public accounting experience combined with a corporate accounting background strongly preferred
Proficiency in SEC reporting tools such as Workiva preferred

Responsibilities

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with US GAAP
Oversee preparation and filing of all SEC reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other required regulatory filings
Coordinate with internal and external auditors on quarterly reviews and the annual audit
Serve as the primary technical accounting resource, researching and documenting complex accounting issues including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and business combinations
Own and maintain the company's ASC 606 revenue recognition framework, including technical accounting memos, SSP analyses, and principal vs. agent assessments, while partnering with Sales, Legal, and FP&A to evaluate deal structures, identify performance obligations, and ensure timely documentation of key judgments
Monitor FASB and SEC pronouncements, assess their impact on financial statements, and lead implementation
Develop and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures
Advise on structuring revenue streams and contracts to optimize revenue recognition and operational efficiency
Act as an escalation point for day-to-day accounting issues, driving practical resolutions that balance commercial needs with risk mitigation
Lead accounting and reporting workstreams in due diligence and drive Finance integration for acquired businesses, including OTC process planning
Serve as a key stakeholder in systems migration, partnering with Technology and third-party providers from requirements gathering through go-live
Execute and maintain internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirements
Develop, manage, mentor, and coach accounting team members, fostering a high-performance culture through ongoing feedback, professional growth opportunities, and succession planning
Build strong relationships across peers, stakeholders, and team members to support a high-performing, collaborative environment
Continuously simplify processes and optimize technology use to deliver cost-effective, high-quality finance services