What Does an Accounting Director Do?
An accounting director oversees a company’s entire accounting function, verifying that financial practices are sound, compliant, and strategically aligned with business objectives. Acting as a key liaison between executive leadership and the accounting team, the director ensures that financial records are accurate, reporting processes are efficient, and all accounting operations support informed decision-making across departments.
This role includes developing and enforcing accounting policies, leading audit efforts, and managing general ledger integrity. Accounting directors also oversee teams that handle accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting. They play a critical role in guiding fiscal strategy, analyzing data to forecast financial trends, and adhering to regulatory requirements such as GAAP or IFRS.
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Accounting Director Core Responsibilities
- Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, and financial reporting
- Develop and implement internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and reporting cycles
- Coordinate and manage internal and external audit processes
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations
- Manage and mentor a team of accounting professionals
- Analyze financial data to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align accounting goals with business strategy
- Oversee the implementation and optimization of accounting systems and ERP platforms
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of GAAP and other regulatory standards
- Expertise with accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle)
- Experience managing audits and external reporting
- Familiarity with financial modeling and forecasting
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- High level of integrity and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving orientation
- Strong organizational and time management skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Certifications
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) required
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant) preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration
- Prior experience in public accounting or Big Four firm
- Experience in mergers and acquisitions or IPO preparation
- Familiarity with international accounting standards (IFRS)
- Background in SaaS, healthcare, or manufacturing industries
National Average Salary
Accounting director salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Accounting Director is:
$125,643
Sample Job Description Templates for Accounting Directors
Corporate Accounting Director
Position Overview
We are hiring a Corporate Accounting Director to oversee the accounting operations of our multi-entity enterprise. This role will lead corporate financial reporting, manage consolidation processes, and ensure compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements. The ideal candidate will serve as a key financial advisor to senior leadership while developing scalable accounting strategies across departments and regions.
Corporate Accounting Director Responsibilities
- Oversee multi-entity accounting and consolidation processes
- Lead internal financial reporting and executive briefings
- Maintain SOX compliance and internal audit readiness
- Develop enterprise-wide accounting policies and controls
- Collaborate with FP&A and treasury for cross-functional planning
- Monitor financial risks and suggest process improvements
Corporate Accounting Director Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong background in enterprise consolidation and financial systems
- Expertise with GAAP and regulatory compliance
- Experience in corporate governance and SOX reporting
Soft skills
- Executive communication skills
- Strategic and detail-oriented mindset
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with public company financial reporting
- Familiarity with SEC filings
Cost Accounting Director
Position Overview
We are looking for a Cost Accounting Director to manage our cost structure and support strategic pricing, inventory control, and margin optimization. This role will be responsible for overseeing cost accounting operations, analyzing cost trends, and partnering with cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and profitability. A strong background in manufacturing or product-based environments is essential for success.
Cost Accounting Director Responsibilities
- Analyze and manage cost of goods sold (COGS)
- Lead inventory valuation and standard costing processes
- Partner with operations to optimize margins
- Prepare cost analyses and variance reports
- Support audits with detailed cost reconciliations
- Develop cost accounting policies and process improvements
Cost Accounting Director Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong command of standard and activity-based costing
- ERP system experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment
- Inventory reconciliation and margin reporting
Soft skills
- Detail-focused with strong analytical skills
- Cross-functional collaboration
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Certifications
- CPA or CMA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in manufacturing, supply chain, or product-based business
Technical Accounting Director
Position Overview
We are seeking a Technical Accounting Director to lead the organization’s application of complex accounting standards and guide financial decisions with technical expertise. This role is responsible for researching and implementing new accounting guidance, preparing technical documentation, and advising on business transactions such as M&A, leases, and revenue recognition. The ideal candidate will work closely with auditors and senior finance leaders to ensure full compliance with U.S. GAAP.
Technical Accounting Director Responsibilities
- Research and interpret new accounting standards (ASC, IFRS)
- Lead accounting treatment for mergers, leases, revenue recognition, etc.
- Work with external auditors to validate accounting positions
- Create technical memos and whitepapers
- Train accounting staff on technical issues and updates
Technical Accounting Director Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced GAAP expertise (ASC 842, ASC 606, ASC 805, etc.)
- Experience with public company accounting and SEC filings
- Strong audit documentation and technical writing
Soft skills
- Research and critical thinking
- Communication of complex issues to non-accountants
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
Certifications
- CPA required
Preferred Qualifications
- Public accounting experience, preferably Big 4
- Exposure to IPO or M&A accounting
Tax Accounting Director
Position Overview
We are hiring a Tax Accounting Director to lead our corporate tax strategy, compliance, and reporting. This role is responsible for overseeing tax filings, managing the quarterly and annual tax provision, and identifying opportunities to optimize the company’s tax position. The successful candidate will bring deep knowledge of ASC 740, multi-jurisdictional tax laws, and experience working with both internal and external stakeholders.
Tax Accounting Director Responsibilities
- Oversee corporate tax compliance (federal, state, and international)
- Manage quarterly and annual tax provision processes
- Liaise with external tax advisors and auditors
- Identify opportunities for tax savings and process efficiencies
- Monitor legislative changes and adapt tax strategy accordingly
- Ensure compliance with ASC 740
Tax Accounting Director Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of tax accounting (ASC 740)
- Corporate tax planning and compliance experience
- Experience with tax software (e.g., OneSource, Corptax)
Soft skills
- Strategic mindset
- Risk mitigation and analytical skills
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Taxation
Certifications
- CPA required; MST preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing global or multi-jurisdictional tax issues
Fund Accounting Director
Position Overview
We are seeking a Fund Accounting Director to manage the financial reporting and accounting operations for our investment funds. This role will oversee NAV calculations, investor reporting, capital activity, and compliance with accounting standards. The ideal candidate will bring a background in fund structures and experience partnering with fund administrators and financial auditors.
Fund Accounting Director Responsibilities
- Oversee NAV preparation and financial reporting for multiple funds
- Monitor capital calls, distributions, and investor allocations
- Ensure compliance with fund accounting standards (e.g., US GAAP, IFRS)
- Work closely with fund administrators and external auditors
- Prepare investor reports and respond to LP inquiries
Fund Accounting Director Requirements
Hard skills
- Fund accounting and partnership accounting experience
- Knowledge of investment structures and valuation methodologies
- Strong Excel and fund reporting software skills
Soft skills
- Attention to detail under strict deadlines
- Stakeholder communication and responsiveness
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Certifications
- CPA preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in private equity, hedge funds, or asset management
Global Accounting Director
Position Overview
We are hiring a Global Accounting Director to oversee international accounting operations and ensure compliance with multiple financial reporting frameworks. This role is responsible for leading regional accounting teams, managing global consolidations, and developing policies that align with U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and local regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in multinational environments and a strong command of foreign currency and intercompany accounting.
Global Accounting Director Responsibilities
- Manage international accounting teams across regions
- Ensure compliance with both US GAAP and IFRS
- Oversee foreign currency translation and intercompany transactions
- Consolidate global financials and manage external audits
- Implement global accounting policies and internal controls
Global Accounting Director Requirements
Hard skills
- Multi-currency accounting and global consolidation expertise
- Proficiency in ERP systems supporting global operations
- Knowledge of international tax and compliance considerations
Soft skills
- Cultural fluency and cross-border collaboration
- Global leadership and operational agility
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
Certifications
- CPA required; IFRS experience strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing global audits or shared service centers
- Knowledge of global transfer pricing or intercompany policies