Head of Accounting, US

Chiesi Farmaceutici • Cary, NC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Accounting provides strategic and operational leadership for the Company’s accounting organization and is accountable for the integrity of the general ledger, financial reporting, internal control environment, and close governance. The role partners with business and global stakeholders to deliver accurate, timely, decision-useful financial information; applies sound judgment to complex accounting matters; develops accounting talent; and advances scalable processes, systems, and controls in support of the Company’s objectives.

The position leads the accounting team and its talent development, oversees accounting operations and compliance, and governs monthly, quarterly, and year-end close and reporting. It maintains effective internal controls and audit readiness; coordinates tax compliance and transfer-pricing activities; and oversees banking administration, cash management, liquidity reporting, payment governance, and banking controls.

The role leads financial reporting and technical accounting, including audit coordination, review of reconciliations and journal entries, and research and documentation of complex accounting matters. It partners with FP&A and business leaders on financial analysis and forecasts, and leads process standardization, automation, financial-systems governance, and cross-functional strategic initiatives. The role is based in Cary, North Carolina, in a hybrid work arrangement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant people-leadership responsibility in a complex organization.
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP, with demonstrated ability to research and document complex accounting conclusions.
• Demonstrated experience leading close, financial reporting, audit, internal controls, and balance-sheet governance.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance and ability to coordinate effectively with tax specialists and external providers.
• Experience with a large ERP.
• Advanced Excel and financial-analysis skills; proficiency with Word and PowerPoint and comfort using analytics and workflow technologies.
• Strong analytical judgment, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize, resolve root causes, and lead multiple initiatives under tight deadlines.
• Executive-level written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain complex financial matters clearly and influence varied stakeholders.
• Ability to partner across functions and geographies while maintaining objectivity, integrity, appropriate confidentiality, and professional skepticism.

Nice To Haves

• CPA or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience with SAP.
• Experience in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, manufacturing, or another regulated multinational environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting team in accordance with organizational policies, applicable laws, and Company leadership expectations.
• Recruit, onboard, coach, and retain high-performing team members; establish goals and provide constructive feedback.
• Develop team capability through delegation, development and succession planning, and performance management; maintain cross-training, documentation, and coverage.
• Own general-ledger integrity and oversee invoicing, accounts receivable, inventory and cost accounting, fixed assets, intercompany accounting, and other general accounting activities.
• Govern monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities and ensure accurate, timely statutory, management, and Group reporting under IFRS, applicable US GAAP, and internal policies.
• Partner with Global Shared Services to ensure accounts payable and other transactions are complete, accurate, timely, and supported by effective service-level management.
• Establish and maintain internal controls, including control design, segregation of duties, testing, remediation, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Coordinate with external tax providers, Group Tax, and the VP, Finance on tax data, compliance, and reporting.
• Ensure TNMM reporting and calculations are accurate and consistent with Group Tax guidance; implement and maintain product transfer prices under approved Group Tax policy and intercompany arrangements.
• Oversee local banking administration, cash management, liquidity reporting, payment governance, signing authorities, and banking controls in alignment with Company treasury policies.
• Review account reconciliations, journal entries, estimates, and balance-sheet substantiation; identify risks and ensure timely resolution and escalation.
• Lead the external auditor relationship and coordinate interim, year-end, statutory, and other audit procedures.
• Research, conclude on, and document complex technical accounting matters using sound professional judgment.
• Partner with FP&A and business leaders on variance analysis, accounting implications, assumptions, cash-flow reporting, and balance-sheet forecasting.
• Explain complex financial matters clearly, provide practical guidance, and constructively challenge stakeholders while maintaining independence and professional skepticism.
• Lead process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement to strengthen controls, improve efficiency, and support scale.
• Govern ERP, consolidation, reporting, master-data, and related financial-system implementations or enhancements, emphasizing data integrity.
• Lead or support cross-functional initiatives, acquisitions, divestitures, integrations, and other strategic projects as requested.
• Participate in corporate committees and provide ad hoc analysis and leadership support as needed.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare programs.
• Work-life balance initiatives.
• Relocation support.
• Competitive salary package with performance bonuses and benefits benchmarked against the external market.
• Flexible working arrangements and remote work options.
• Tax assistance services for foreign colleagues.
• Resources and training to support professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director