Role Overview for Chief Accounting Officer with a Manufacturing Group – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, multi-billion-dollar manufacturing organization in their search for a world-class Chief Accounting Officer (CAO). Based in the vibrant business hub of Houston, TX, this is a career-defining opportunity to join a forward-thinking executive team and steer the financial accounting and reporting functions of a complex, global enterprise.
Our client is a leader in its sector, renowned for innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainable growth. They are seeking a strategic and technically astute leader to uphold financial integrity, drive efficiency, and serve as a key business partner during a pivotal period of expansion.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the CAO will be the principal authority on all accounting matters company-wide. This executive will be responsible for the entire global accounting function, including financial reporting, technical accounting, internal controls, tax, and accounting operations. The ideal candidate is not just a master of debits and credits; they are a transformative leader who can build and mentor a high-performing team, optimize processes through technology, and provide critical financial insights that shape corporate strategy.
You will be instrumental in supporting the company’s growth initiatives, including potential M&A activities, ensuring seamless financial integration and robust compliance. This role demands a hands-on yet strategic mindset, impeccable integrity, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Accounting Officer with a Manufacturing Group – Houston, TX
The Chief Accounting Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership
Collaborate with the CFO and other C-suite executives to develop and execute the company’s financial strategy. Provide expert counsel on all accounting-related matters, offering insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making, long-range planning, and risk management. Act as a key financial leader in M&A activities, from due diligence to post-acquisition integration.
Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting
Oversee the timely and accurate preparation of all internal and external financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual consolidated financial statements. Ensure strict compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements. Serve as the company’s primary subject matter expert on complex technical accounting issues, researching and implementing new accounting standards and pronouncements. Manage SEC reporting (Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) and ensure the accuracy of all public disclosures.
Accounting Operations Excellence
Lead and direct all aspects of the accounting operations, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Fixed Assets. Provide strong oversight for critical manufacturing-specific accounting functions, such as cost accounting, inventory valuation (including standard costing, variance analysis, and overhead allocation), and supply chain finance.
Internal Controls & Compliance
Design, implement, and maintain a robust and effective system of internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements. Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing the annual audit and quarterly reviews to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Oversee all corporate tax compliance and strategy, coordinating with internal and external tax advisors.
Treasury & Cash Management
Partner with the treasury function to ensure effective cash management, forecasting, and optimization of working capital. Provide oversight on matters related to debt covenants and financial liquidity.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a large, geographically dispersed accounting team. Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Implement professional development programs and succession plans to build a best-in-class accounting organization.
Process Improvement & System Modernization
Champion initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting processes. Drive the adoption of new technologies and automation to streamline workflows, improve data integrity, and provide more timely financial insights. Lead or play a key role in the selection and implementation of new financial systems, including large-scale ERP upgrades.
Requirements for the Chief Accounting Officer with a Manufacturing Group – Houston, TX
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and accomplished accounting executive with a proven track record of success in a complex manufacturing environment. The specific qualifications we are seeking include:
Education & Certification
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required. An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is mandatory for this position. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Corporate Controller, VP of Accounting) overseeing the full accounting function for a large-scale organization.
Industry Expertise
Deep and extensive experience within the manufacturing industry is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates must demonstrate a strong command of cost accounting, inventory valuation methodologies, and the financial intricacies of a global supply chain.
Public Company & Technical Acumen
Significant experience in a publicly-traded company environment is essential, including direct responsibility for SEC reporting and SOX compliance. A background in ‘Big 4’ public accounting is highly advantageous.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to build, inspire, and manage high-performing teams. Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex financial concepts and present them clearly to executive leadership, the board of directors, and other stakeholders.
Systems Proficiency
Hands-on experience with Tier 1 ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards) is required. A proven history of leveraging technology to drive financial process improvements.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and credibility. A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. A proactive, results-oriented leader who is comfortable operating in a demanding and fast-paced setting.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Incentive Programs
A lucrative annual performance-based bonus plan and a significant long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) designed to reward contributions to the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Access to a Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and corporate wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan featuring a generous company match.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A substantial budget for continuing professional education, industry conferences, and leadership development programs.
Relocation
A comprehensive executive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is managing this executive search on an exclusive basis for our client. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
If you are a visionary accounting leader with the requisite experience in the manufacturing sector and are ready to make a significant impact on a global industry leader, we encourage you to connect with our team. To submit your resume for consideration or to learn more about our specialized recruitment services, please visit the page for JRG Partners’ Finance & Accounting executive search practice. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and discussing this exceptional opportunity in greater detail.
