Director of M&A Accounting Integration

Federal Signal Openings•Downers Grove, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced technical accounting specialist to support acquired or divested businesses under the oversight of the Corporate Controller. This role will partner closely with Controllership, Internal Audit and Senior Leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required with major in accounting or finance required
Certified Public Accountant required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of M&A integration, transaction services, carve-out, or acquisition accounting experience.
Big 4 accounting or transaction advisory experience preferred.
Experience in a manufacturing organization desirable.
Strong knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting, SOX, and business combination accounting required.
Experience with purchase accounting and business combinations required.
Experience integrating ERP systems preferred.
Excellent time management skills with ability to effectively complete and deliver high-quality results with multiple competing priorities.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are paramount.
Ability to work independently to drive and achieve high-quality results.
Ability to navigate challenging situations and resolve issues professionally and collaboratively.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to support integration activities, generally up to 50% depending on acquisition volume and business needs.
Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, initiative, and ability to influence stakeholders across various levels of an organization.
Demonstrated ability to operate both strategically and tactically, with a willingness to work hands-on while driving long-term integration objectives.
Superior analytical skills.
A strong understanding of financial information technology, including general knowledge of ERP systems and preferably the financial and control modules of JDE, Epicor, and Unicom.

Responsibilities

Provide accounting and financial integration leadership during acquisition and divestiture activities.
Partner with Corporate Development on financial due diligence activities, including review of quality of earnings reports and working capital analyses as well as assessment of target company accounting policies, financial reporting processes and systems, close procedures, and control environment. This will also include identification of accounting risks and integration challenges.
Establish and communicate finance integration work plans, milestones, and key performance indicators.
Identify system and resource plans necessary for Day 1 readiness for financial reporting, close processes, and financial controls.
Report to Management on integration plans and provide routine updates on progress.
Finance integration plans should include detailed strategies to standardize accounting policies and procedures across newly acquired businesses; execute financial systems integration; implement and support new close schedule; drive implementation of accounting policies and control requirements; and train and develop the newly acquired finance team.
Lead finance systems integration efforts, including ERP migration planning (if necessary), chart of accounts harmonization, consolidation system integration, master data alignment, and financial reporting process standardization.
Partner with Corporate Accounting and external valuation specialists to support acquisition accounting, including purchase price allocation, opening balance sheet procedures, valuation activities, and required financial statement disclosures.
Ensure compliance with US GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and Corporate Accounting policies at newly acquired entities.
Support preparation of acquisition-related SEC disclosures, including Forms 8-K, 10-Q, 10-K, pro forma financial information, and other transaction-related reporting requirements.
Work closely with Internal Audit to assess acquired entities’ control environments and support the newly acquired business in implementing any required changes to create an effective control environment.
Build strong relationships with cross-functional partners and local accounting teams.
Coordinate external advisors, as appropriate, for financial due diligence, closing procedures, and valuation work.
Work closely with VP/Directors of Finance of the newly acquired business to coordinate integration work and forecasting requirements.
Perform other duties, assignments and special projects as assigned.