Sr Corporate Accounting & Finance Lead

Cariad, Inc.•Mountain View, CA

1d•$187,779 - $229,950•Hybrid

About The Position

CARIAD Inc. is seeking a highly analytical and hands-on Senior Corporate Accounting & Finance Lead to oversee critical accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury coordination, and corporate finance activities within a fast-paced and evolving global software organization. This role is ideal for a strong accounting and controllership professional who thrives in a lean environment and enjoys owning core financial operations end-to-end. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely month-end close, journal entry oversight, balance sheet integrity, liquidity management, compliance, and financial reporting continuity while partnering cross-functionally across the Volkswagen Group ecosystem. The position requires deep operational accounting expertise, strong process orientation, and the ability to work effectively across international stakeholders, shared service organizations, and external service providers. The ideal candidate combines technical accounting knowledge with strong business judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to improve and scale financial processes in a dynamic environment. This role serves as a key liaison with the Accounting Shared Services Center in Canada, VWGoA Treasury and Tax, CARIAD SE, Volkswagen AG, and other global stakeholders.

Requirements

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including variance and financial trend analysis
Ability to establish, improve, and scale financial processes and procedures
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Proven self-starter with the ability to work independently and take ownership of critical deliverables
Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Experience mentoring and supporting less experienced team members
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Strong hands-on accounting experience, including ownership of: Month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
Journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations
Financial statement reporting and balance sheet management
Understanding of GAAP and IFRS principles
Experience managing liquidity, cash flow, and payment operations
Experience working with shared services organizations and external accounting providers
Experience supporting audits, internal controls, and regulatory compliance activities
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
Proven ability to work independently and mentor less experienced team members
Ability to operate effectively in a lean and evolving global organization
Advanced Excel skills and strong ERP system proficiency
SAP FICO and/or SAP S/4HANA experience strongly preferred

Nice To Haves

CPA or other professional accounting certification strongly preferred
Big 4 public accounting and/or multinational corporate accounting experience preferred
Experience within automotive, software, technology, or multinational organizations
German language skills are a plus

Responsibilities

Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process for CARIAD Inc.
Prepare, review, and approve journal entries, accruals, reclasses, and other accounting transactions to ensure accurate financial reporting.
Lead balance sheet reconciliations and ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance of all financial records.
Partner closely with Accounting Shared Services and external providers to ensure timely and accurate close execution.
Monitor and maintain strong internal controls and accounting governance processes.
Ensure continuity and integrity of financial reporting deliverables.
Support audit activities and provide required documentation and analysis.
Drive process improvements and automation opportunities within accounting and reporting operations.
Support corporate finance functions including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting.
Participate in annual operating plan (AOP), forecasting cycles, and variance analysis activities.
Analyze operating expenses, fixed cost allocations, and financial performance trends.
Provide leadership with actionable financial insights and business support.
Assist in developing scalable finance and reporting processes across the organization.
Manage company liquidity and cash flow to ensure adequate funding and operational continuity.
Monitor cash positions, funding requirements, and intercompany settlements
Coordinate closely with VW Group’s Regional Treasury Center (RTC) and VWGoA Treasury teams.
Oversee vendor payment operations, approvals, and payment controls.
Support treasury forecasting and working capital management activities.
Coordinate company tax compliance activities with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure adherence to corporate accounting policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.
Manage relationships and service delivery with key providers including VWGoA Tax, Treasury, SAP support teams, and shared service organizations.
Support SAP S/4HANA finance-related process improvements, integrations, and system enhancements.
Assist with transfer pricing, export control, and related compliance activities.