Director, Financial Accounting & Transformation

Be essential at Cars Commerce
At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry.
No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable.
But don't take our word for it. We are proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S. Ready to make your mark? Join a team that's driving real change in the automotive industry.
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 experien