About the RoleCARS is seeking a Director, Accounting and Reporting to lead our Accounting and SEC Reporting teams. Reporting to the Assistant Controller and directly managing a team of 5, this role owns day-to-day external financial reporting, SEC compliance, US GAAP adherence, and SOX controls for a publicly traded company. If you are a strong technical accountant with proven management experience in a public company environment - someone who partners effectively across Finance, Legal, and Investor Relations to deliver accurate, timely external disclosures, this role is for you!
*Please note this role is based in Chicago in a hybrid schedule (expected to work at the office at least once a week).
ResponsibilitiesAccounting and SEC Reporting- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with US GAAP
- Oversee preparation and filing of all SEC reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other required regulatory filings
- Coordinate with internal and external auditors on quarterly reviews and the annual audit
Technical Accounting- Serve as the primary technical accounting resource, researching and documenting complex accounting issues including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and business combinations
- Own and maintain the company's ASC 606 revenue recognition framework, including technical accounting memos, SSP analyses, and principal vs. agent assessments, while partnering with Sales, Legal, and FP&A to evaluate deal structures, identify performance obligations, and ensure timely documentation of key judgments
- Monitor FASB and SEC pronouncements, assess their impact on financial statements, and lead implementation
- Develop and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures
- Advise on structuring revenue streams and contracts to optimize revenue recognition and operational efficiency
- Act as an escalation point for day-to-day accounting issues, driving practical resolutions that balance commercial needs with risk mitigation
Special Projects- M&A Due Diligence and Integration: Lead accounting and reporting workstreams in due diligence and drive Finance integration for acquired businesses, including OTC process planning
- ERP Integration: Serve as a key stakeholder in systems migration, partnering with Technology and third-party providers from requirements gathering through go-live
Other- Execute and maintain internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirements
- Develop, manage, mentor, and coach accounting team members, fostering a high-performance culture through ongoing feedback, professional growth opportunities, and succession planning
- Build strong relationships across peers, stakeholders, and team members to support a high-performing, collaborative environment
- Continuously simplify processes and optimize technology use to deliver cost-effective, high-quality finance services
Required Skills- Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or Finance
- CPA required
- 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience including 3+ years in SEC reporting at a US-listed company
- Big 4 public accounting experience combined with a corporate accounting background strongly preferred
- Deep knowledge of US GAAP and SOX internal controls
- Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles, including experience with complex transactions
- Experience with financial systems; proficiency in SEC reporting tools such as Workiva preferred
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
- Track record of leading large-scale, cross-functional projects and driving change
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment
- Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, policy drafting, financial narrative writing, and workflow efficiency
- Advanced Excel and Google Suite skills
- Collaborative, approachable, and self-directed with a strong sense of ownership
- Clear, effective communicator - written and verbal
In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. In addition to base salary, some roles are eligible for our bonus and/or equity programs, depending on level and role. Regular full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package. If you are hired at Cars Commerce, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills and/or experience. If the salary range is close to what you're seeking, then we encourage you to apply and learn more about the total compensation package for this position.
Salary Range
$154,200.00-192,750.00
Our Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:- Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans
- New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up
- Generous PTO
- Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day
Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages!
For US-based Positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time. 
