Head of Accounting, US

Chiesi Group•Cary, NC

1d•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 oversees general accounting activities, financial close and reporting, controls and compliance, tax coordination, banking administration, and audit relationships. It also partners with FP&A and business leaders, supports strategic initiatives, and leads process standardization, automation, and continuous improvement. The role is hybrid and based in Cary, North Carolina.

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, including 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 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 and 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 in pharmaceuticals, life sciences, manufacturing, or another regulated multinational environment.
Experience with SAP.

Responsibilities

Lead the accounting team in accordance with organizational policies, applicable laws, and the Company’s leadership expectations.
Recruit, onboard, coach, and retain team members; set goals and provide constructive feedback.
Develop team capability through delegation, development and succession planning, and performance management.
Maintain cross-training, documentation, and coverage to support business continuity.
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, US GAAP as applicable, and internal policies.
Partner with Global Shared Services on transaction completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and 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 compliance, reporting, and supporting data.
Ensure accurate TNMM reporting and calculations in line with Group Tax guidance, and maintain product transfer prices under approved 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 or escalation.
Lead external auditor relationships and coordinate interim, year-end, statutory, and other audit procedures.
Research, conclude on, and document complex technical accounting matters.
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.
Participate in corporate committees and provide ad hoc analysis and leadership support as needed.