Director, Financial Accounting & Transformation

CARS is seeking a Director, Accounting and Transformation to lead our Accounting team and own the company's monthly, quarterly, and annual close process. Reporting to the Assistant Controller and directly managing a team of 4, this role is accountable for the accuracy, timeliness, and control integrity of our books, our SOX compliance and our financial reporting for a publicly traded company. If you're a strong technical accountant and a proven people manager - someone who builds a disciplined close process, develops a team, and partners effectively across Finance, Legal and Investor Relations - 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). Responsibilities Accounting Operations and Close • Own the monthly, quarterly and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with US GAAP • Drive continuous improvement in close efficiency, account reconciliations and the overall control environment supporting the general ledger • Coordinate with internal and external auditors on quarterly reviews and the annual audit Team Leadership • 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 • Set team priorities and workload during close and non-close periods, balancing day-to-day accounting operations with special projects Technical Accounting and Reporting • Serve as a technical accounting resource for the accounting organization, researching and documenting complex accounting issues including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and business combinations • Participate in the preparation of all SEC reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and other required regulatory filings • Monitor FASB and SEC pronouncements, assess their impact on financial statements and lead implementation • Develop and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures • Act as an escalation point for day-to-day accounting issues, driving practical resolutions that balance commercial needs with risk mitigation Transformation • Be a primary stakeholder in the Finance organization's deliberate shift from finance as a transaction-processing function to finance as a strategic, technology-enabled partner to the business • Processes: streamline and standardize close, reporting and controls to reduce manual effort and cycle time • Technologies: modernize the ERP, reporting and automation tools to replace spreadsheet-dependent workflows with scalable systems • Talent: shift the Accounting team's time from data compilation toward analysis, judgment and business partnering 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 system migrations, partnering with the Technology team and third-party providers from requirements gathering through go-live Other • Execute and maintain internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirements • 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 accounting and finance experience, including demonstrated ownership of a public company close process and 3+ years managing a team • Big 4 public accounting experience combined with a corporate accounting background strongly preferred • Deep knowledge of US GAAP and SOX internal controls • Solid understanding of revenue recognition principles and exposure to SEC reporting requirements • Experience with financial systems; familiarity with SEC reporting tools such as Workiva a plus • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail • Proven track record building and developing a high-performing accounting team • 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!