Chief Accounting Officer

Chief Accounting Officer (CAO)Detailed Job DescriptionJob OverviewThe Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is responsible for leading the company's overall accounting functions, financial reporting operations, accounting policies, and internal financial control systems. This role provides executive oversight of accounting governance, financial statement preparation, regulatory compliance, audit management, and accounting process optimization to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the organization's financial information.The Chief Accounting Officer works closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), executive leadership team, Board of Directors, internal audit teams, and external auditors to maintain strong financial governance and support corporate financial objectives. The position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, strengthening financial controls, managing accounting risks, and improving the efficiency of financial operations.Key ResponsibilitiesI. Accounting Strategy and Executive LeadershipDevelop and implement the company's overall accounting strategy, policies, and management framework in alignment with corporate financial objectives. Provide executive leadership across accounting departments and establish operational priorities, reporting standards, and performance expectations. Advise the CEO, CFO, and executive leadership team on complex accounting matters, financial reporting issues, and accounting-related risks that may affect business performance and corporate governance.II. Financial Reporting and Statement OversightOversee the preparation, review, and delivery of accurate and timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and consolidated financial reports. Ensure that monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting processes comply with applicable Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and relevant regulatory requirements. Maintain reliable reporting procedures and ensure the integrity and consistency of financial information across business units and subsidiaries.III. Accounting Operations and Financial ManagementDirect the company's accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed asset accounting, revenue recognition, and financial closing activities. Establish standardized accounting procedures and internal review mechanisms to improve transaction accuracy and reporting efficiency. Monitor accounting performance and ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded, reconciled, documented, and reported.IV. Internal Controls and Financial GovernanceEstablish, implement, and maintain effective internal accounting controls, financial policies, and governance procedures. Oversee control assessments, identify weaknesses in accounting processes, and implement corrective measures to reduce financial reporting risks. Work closely with internal audit, compliance, and risk management teams to safeguard company assets, strengthen financial accountability, and maintain appropriate segregation of duties.V. Audit Management and Regulatory ComplianceLead accounting-related audit activities and coordinate with external auditors, internal audit teams, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities. Oversee the preparation of audit schedules, financial documentation, account reconciliations, and supporting records. Ensure that audit findings are addressed appropriately and that accounting practices comply with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, and corporate policies.VI. Accounting Systems and Process OptimizationOversee the development and improvement of accounting systems, financial reporting platforms, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) processes. Identify opportunities to automate accounting procedures, streamline financial closing activities, improve data accuracy, and strengthen reporting capabilities. Collaborate with IT and finance teams to implement scalable accounting technologies and improve the efficiency of financial operations.VII. Accounting Team Leadership and Talent DevelopmentLead and develop the company's accounting leadership team, including controllers, accounting directors, financial reporting managers, and other accounting professionals. Establish departmental objectives, performance standards, staffing plans, and professional development initiatives. Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement while ensuring that the accounting organization has the expertise and resources required to meet corporate financial needs.VIII. Strategic Financial Collaboration and Risk ManagementCollaborate with the CFO, finance, treasury, tax, legal, compliance, and business operations teams on financial planning, corporate transactions, tax matters, and strategic business initiatives. Evaluate complex accounting treatments and assess their potential financial reporting implications. Support mergers and acquisitions, business restructuring, capital investments, and other corporate activities by ensuring appropriate accounting treatment, financial documentation, and internal control procedures.QualificationsEducation BackgroundBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is preferred. Professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent accounting qualifications are highly desirable.Work ExperienceTypically 12–18 years of progressive professional experience in accounting, financial reporting, auditing, or corporate finance, including at least 7 years in senior accounting management or executive leadership positions.Demonstrated experience overseeing complex accounting operations, managing financial reporting processes, establishing internal controls, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, financial statement preparation, audit management, and corporate accounting governance is essential. Experience leading large accounting teams, implementing financial systems, and advising executive leadership on complex accounting matters is highly desirable.

Skills
Accounting

Experience
12-18 yrs

Work arrangement
Yes