Role Overview for Chief Accounting Officer with a Global Food & Beverage Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded global food and beverage company in their search for a dynamic and visionary Chief Accounting Officer (CAO). Based in their corporate headquarters in Houston, TX, this executive will serve as a critical leader within the finance organization, reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-paced, innovative company known for its iconic brands and commitment to quality and sustainability.
The Chief Accounting Officer will be the principal authority on all accounting matters for the organization worldwide. This individual will be responsible for the integrity of all financial information, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards, and leading a large, global team of accounting professionals. The ideal candidate is not just a technical accounting expert but a strategic business partner who can provide critical insights to support the company’s ambitious growth objectives, including organic expansion and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). You will be entrusted with safeguarding the company’s assets, maintaining a robust internal control environment, and driving efficiency and accuracy through the continuous improvement of accounting processes and systems. This role demands a leader with exceptional intellect, professional gravitas, and the ability to operate effectively at both a strategic and tactical level in a complex, multinational environment.
As the CAO, you will oversee all aspects of the accounting function, including corporate accounting, financial reporting (internal and external), technical accounting policy, tax, treasury support, and the management of global accounting operations. You will be a key liaison with the audit committee, external auditors, and other external stakeholders. We are seeking a transformative leader who can mentor and develop a best-in-class accounting team, foster a culture of high performance and ethical standards, and champion the adoption of new technologies to streamline operations and enhance financial analytics. Your leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the finance function is a true partner to the business, providing the data and analysis necessary to make informed strategic decisions.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Accounting Officer with a Global Food & Beverage Co. – Houston, TX
The Chief Accounting Officer will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing leadership, technical expertise, and strategic oversight. Key duties include:
Financial Reporting & Compliance:
- Oversee the preparation and filing of all external financial reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, ensuring full compliance with SEC regulations and deadlines.
- Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes on a global scale, ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and efficiency.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing the annual audit and quarterly review processes to ensure a smooth and effective engagement.
- Ensure adherence to all local and international statutory reporting requirements across the company’s various legal entities.
- Stay abreast of all regulatory changes and evolving best practices in financial reporting and communicate their potential impact to the executive team and audit committee.
Technical Accounting & Policy:
- Serve as the company’s foremost expert on complex technical accounting issues, providing guidance on the application of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as applicable.
- Develop, implement, and maintain global accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across the organization.
- Lead the accounting diligence and integration for all M&A activities, including purchase price allocation, valuation of intangible assets, and post-acquisition accounting.
- Analyze and document the accounting implications of new business initiatives, complex contracts, and other significant transactions.
Internal Controls & Process Improvement:
- Own and maintain a robust global internal control framework compliant with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
- Direct the annual SOX risk assessment, scoping, testing, and remediation efforts, coordinating with internal and external audit teams.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance accounting processes, workflows, and systems to drive efficiency, improve accuracy, and strengthen the control environment.
- Lead initiatives related to financial system implementations and upgrades (e.g., ERP, consolidation software) to support the company’s growth and evolving needs.
Leadership & Team Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global accounting organization, including Corporate Accounting, Financial Reporting, and regional controllers.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-integrity culture within the accounting team and the broader finance organization.
- Establish clear goals and performance metrics for the team, providing regular feedback and development opportunities to cultivate talent and support career progression.
- Act as a key member of the finance leadership team, collaborating closely with FP&A, Treasury, Tax, and Investor Relations to achieve departmental and company-wide objectives.
Requirements for the Chief Accounting Officer with a Global Food & Beverage Co. – Houston, TX
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and credentialed accounting executive with a proven track record of leadership in a complex, global public company environment. Specific qualifications include:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Certification
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is mandatory.
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Corporate Controller, VP of Accounting, or existing CAO) at a publicly-traded company.
Foundation
A strong foundation in public accounting with a “Big 4” firm is highly desirable.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the food & beverage, consumer packaged goods (CPG), manufacturing, or retail industries is strongly preferred. Experience with complex inventory, supply chain, and cost accounting is crucial.
Technical Skills
Deep and extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting requirements, and SOX compliance. Experience with IFRS is a plus.
M&A Experience
Demonstrated experience leading accounting due diligence and integration for mergers and acquisitions.
Systems Proficiency
Experience with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and financial consolidation tools (e.g., Hyperion HFM).
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a large, geographically dispersed team. A track record of developing talent and building a world-class accounting function.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex accounting concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including the executive team, board of directors, and investors.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and act as a true business partner, translating financial data into actionable insights and recommendations.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- Competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- Significant long-term incentive plan (LTIP) with equity grants (RSUs, Stock Options).
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
- Executive-level benefits such as financial planning services and executive physicals.
- Full relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and growth-oriented company culture.
- Employee discounts on company products and other corporate perks.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a results-oriented, strategic accounting leader with the qualifications and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role.
