Director, Technical Accounting & Accounting Operations

Dole Packaged Foods•Westlake Village, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Dole Packaged Foods is seeking an experienced Director to lead technical accounting, accounting policy, financial reporting support, close governance, complex transaction analysis, and accounting operations. The role partners closely with the Controller on significant accounting judgments, implementation of new accounting standards, policy development, and matters affecting the integrity of the Company’s financial statements. It also leads accounting process improvement, internal controls, audit coordination, accounting systems governance, and strategic oversight of accounting operations. The position provides flexibility to work in a hybrid environment from home and the Westlake Village, California office, with hybrid defined as three days per week in the office. The role is expected to travel approximately 10%.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience in technical accounting, financial reporting, accounting policy, public accounting, or corporate controllership; candidates with Big Four public accounting experience may qualify with at least 8 years.
At least 4 years of leadership experience managing accounting teams and developing talent.
Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP and/or IFRS, technical accounting research, accounting policy development, financial reporting, and applying accounting standards to complex business transactions.
Demonstrated experience preparing technical accounting memoranda, documenting accounting conclusions, and presenting recommendations to executive leadership and auditors.
Experience evaluating and documenting complex accounting matters and implementing new accounting standards.
Strong understanding of accounting matters common in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or global operating environments, including inventory accounting, standard costing, reserves, revenue recognition, intercompany transactions, and foreign currency accounting.
Proven experience leading accounting process improvement, internal control remediation, systems implementations, automation initiatives, and organizational change.
Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
Ability to influence across functions, manage competing priorities, and build credibility with executives, auditors, technical specialists, and operational leaders.
Strong analytical, project management, communication, and decision-making skills, with commitment to accurate, supportable, and well-controlled financial reporting.
High integrity, professional judgment, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to work effectively across cultures, functions, and geographic locations.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods, answer phones, use office equipment, lift 15 pounds, and reach overhead.

Nice To Haves

Big Four public accounting experience, including Manager or Senior Manager-level experience in Audit, Accounting Advisory, Transaction Services, Capital Markets, or a similar technical accounting discipline.
Experience with SAP financial systems and accounting master data governance.
Experience with BlackLine or similar financial close and reconciliation platforms.
CPA strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Company’s technical accounting function, including evaluation, interpretation, documentation, and implementation of U.S. GAAP and IFRS guidance for complex and non-routine transactions.
Conduct technical accounting research and prepare memoranda, position papers, policy documentation, and analyses supporting accounting conclusions and significant judgments.
Evaluate accounting implications of strategic initiatives, commercial contracts, financing arrangements, restructurings, acquisitions, system implementations, and other complex transactions.
Partner with the Controller on significant accounting judgments and establish supportable, compliant, and operationally practical accounting positions.
Maintain and enhance the accounting policy framework and promote consistent application across business units, legal entities, and international operations.
Monitor emerging accounting standards and regulatory developments, assess business impacts, and lead implementation efforts.
Oversee the general ledger and close process, including period-end activities, journal entries, reconciliations, account analyses, and review procedures.
Partner with the Controller on quarterly, annual, statutory, and management reporting, including disclosures and financial statement presentation.
Ensure significant accounting matters are documented, reviewed, and communicated to executive leadership, auditors, and other stakeholders.
Improve financial reporting quality, transparency, consistency, and efficiency.
Strengthen the control environment through governance, documentation, risk assessment, and process ownership.
Support JSOX compliance, including control design, testing coordination, remediation, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a key liaison with internal and external auditors and coordinate audit activities across the accounting organization.
Ensure accounting processes have appropriate controls, documentation, evidence, and review protocols.
Provide strategic oversight of accounting operations across manufacturing, distribution, sales and marketing, corporate functions, and international operations.
Partner with business leaders to provide accounting guidance for operational and strategic decisions, and identify accounting implications of business initiatives early.
Direct accounting participation in system implementations, upgrades, and process transformation initiatives.
Oversee accounting master data governance and incorporate accounting requirements into reporting structures, workflows, controls, and system designs.
Identify opportunities to simplify processes, reduce manual activities, strengthen controls, increase automation, and use AI-enabled solutions.
Lead initiatives to improve scalability, sustainability, and operational excellence in the accounting function.
Build and develop a high-performing accounting organization through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and talent development.
Foster accountability, technical excellence, continuous improvement, collaboration, and sound professional judgment.
Establish organizational priorities, allocate resources, and lead teams through change while maintaining operational excellence.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.