Accounting Director

About the Role:

Based in Austin, TX, our client is a well-established and profitable light electronics assembly business. Recently recapitalized, the company is entering a new phase of growth and seeking an Accounting Director to join the team and own the integrity, efficiency, and strategic direction of the company’s accounting and financial operations. This is a hands-on role for someone obsessed with balance sheet accuracy, driven by continuous process improvement, and energized by translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for the CEO and Board.

In this role, you will own the full accounting function (day to day and end to end) while helping build the systems, discipline, and credibility that support a growing business. A strong understanding of manufacturing accounting and an appreciation for throughput accounting principles are essential. This role is ideal for a high-potential finance leader who can effectively manage one staff member today, enjoys rolling up their sleeves and doing, and is capable of building the teams and processes over time that will support the company’s scale tomorrow. In this role, you will also oversee HR activity. The company is committed to investing in your professional development as the business grows, and with success, there is a clear path for continued growth within the company.

What You’ll Do:

Lead the Accounting & Finance Function

• Own all day-to-day accounting operations, including G/L, AP, AR, billing, revenue recognition, payroll, fixed assets, and month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close
• Ensure timely, accurate financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Maintain balance sheet integrity with disciplined reconciliations and controls
• Process payroll through ADP and oversee basic HR administration

Financial Reporting & Insight

• Produce timely financial reporting, profitability analysis, and operating metrics with a focus on trends, forecasting, and corrective actions
• Identify and track key financial and operational KPIs; build reporting systems that connect throughput, labor, inventory, and margin
• Translate financial data into clear insights and recommendations for senior leadership and the Board

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Management

• Develop, own, and maintain the annual budget, rolling forecasts, and multi-year financial plans
• Manage daily cash activity and rolling cash flow forecasts
• Support capital planning, working capital optimization, and vendor payment strategy

Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

• Design, document, and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Lead the transition from QuickBooks to NetSuite; prior system implementation experience is a strong plus
• Automate and streamline accounting and reporting processes to shorten close cycles and improve accuracy

Compliance, Tax & Audit

• Coordinate and manage tax planning, preparation, and filings (company and investors)
• Perform internal audits and financial risk assessments
• Coordinate annual external audits and serve as primary auditor liaison

Business Partnership & Leadership

• Advise senior management on the financial implications of operational and strategic decisions
• Analyze and negotiate key supplier contracts and payment terms
• Partner cross-functionally to build financial discipline throughout the organization
• Hire, manage, and mentor accounting staff; lead by example and develop talent

What You Need to Be Successful:

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree required (Accounting or Finance preferred)
• CPA preferred but not required; MBA a plus
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including at least 2 years in a manufacturing environment
• Early-career experience in public accounting or a rotational development program (manufacturing clients strongly preferred)
• Prior people management experience (minimum of one direct report)

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong manufacturing accounting experience, including inventory, cost accounting, and margin analysis
• Ownership of most, or all, of the monthly close process
• Hands-on experience with AP, AR, billing, journal entries, and payroll
• Exposure to budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management (training provided, but curiosity and drive are essential)
• Advanced Excel skills (this role lives in Excel)
• Experience with QuickBooks; NetSuite experience or implementation exposure is a major plus

Core Competencies

• Deep knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to connect operations to financial outcomes
• Proven ability to design and improve accounting processes, policies, and systems
• Clear, confident communicator who can simplify the complex and explain the “what,” “why,” and “what’s next”

Who You Are

• Ethical: You do the right thing—always
• Entrepreneurial: You thrive in a dynamic environment and create structure where it’s needed, without heavy resources
• Hands-On Leader: No task is beneath you; you jump in where help is needed
• Detail-Obsessed: You believe small actions, done consistently, build trust, credibility, and strong outcomes
• Team Builder: You earn trust quickly and collaborate effectively across functions
• Growth-Oriented: You want to build something, grow with the business, and continually raise the bar