Sr Corporate Accounting & Finance Lead

We are CARIAD , an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary:

CARIAD Inc. is seeking a highly analytical and hands-on Senior Corporate Accounting & Finance Lead to oversee critical accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury coordination, and corporate finance activities within a fast-paced and evolving global software organization.

This role is ideal for a strong accounting and controllership professional who thrives in a lean environment and enjoys owning core financial operations end-to-end. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring accurate and timely month-end close, journal entry oversight, balance sheet integrity, liquidity management, compliance, and financial reporting continuity while partnering cross-functionally across the Volkswagen Group ecosystem.

The position requires deep operational accounting expertise, strong process orientation, and the ability to work effectively across international stakeholders, shared service organizations, and external service providers. The ideal candidate combines technical accounting knowledge with strong business judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to improve and scale financial processes in a dynamic environment.

This role serves as a key liaison with the Accounting Shared Services Center in Canada, VWGoA Treasury and Tax, CARIAD SE, Volkswagen AG, and other global stakeholders.

Role Responsibilities:

Accounting Close, Financial Reporting & Controls - 40%

• Own and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process for CARIAD Inc.
• Prepare, review, and approve journal entries, accruals, reclasses, and other accounting transactions to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Lead balance sheet reconciliations and ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance of all financial records.
• Partner closely with Accounting Shared Services and external providers to ensure timely and accurate close execution.
• Monitor and maintain strong internal controls and accounting governance processes.
• Ensure continuity and integrity of financial reporting deliverables.
• Support audit activities and provide required documentation and analysis.
• Drive process improvements and automation opportunities within accounting and reporting operations.

Corporate Finance, Planning & Business Support - 25%

• Support corporate finance functions including planning, budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting.
• Participate in annual operating plan (AOP), forecasting cycles, and variance analysis activities.
• Analyze operating expenses, fixed cost allocations, and financial performance trends.
• Provide leadership with actionable financial insights and business support.
• Assist in developing scalable finance and reporting processes across the organization.

Treasury, Liquidity & Payment Operations - 20%

• Manage company liquidity and cash flow to ensure adequate funding and operational continuity.
• Monitor cash positions, funding requirements, and intercompany settlements
• Coordinate closely with VW Group's Regional Treasury Center (RTC) and VWGoA Treasury teams.
• Oversee vendor payment operations, approvals, and payment controls.
• Support treasury forecasting and working capital management activities.

Compliance, Tax & Systems Governance - 15%

• Coordinate company tax compliance activities with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to corporate accounting policies, financial controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships and service delivery with key providers including VWGoA Tax, Treasury, SAP support teams, and shared service organizations.
• Support SAP S/4HANA finance-related process improvements, integrations, and system enhancements.
• Assist with transfer pricing, export control, and related compliance activities.

General Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including variance and financial trend analysis
• Ability to establish, improve, and scale financial processes and procedures
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proven self-starter with the ability to work independently and take ownership of critical deliverables
• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Experience mentoring and supporting less experienced team members
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word

Required Specialized Skills:

• Strong hands-on accounting experience, including ownership of:
• Month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations
• Financial statement reporting and balance sheet management

• Understanding of GAAP and IFRS principles
• Experience managing liquidity, cash flow, and payment operations
• Experience working with shared services organizations and external accounting providers
• Experience supporting audits, internal controls, and regulatory compliance activities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to work independently and mentor less experienced team members
• Ability to operate effectively in a lean and evolving global organization
• Advanced Excel skills and strong ERP system proficiency
• SAP FICO and/or SAP S/4HANA experience strongly preferred

Desired Skills:

• CPA or other professional accounting certification strongly preferred
• Big 4 public accounting and/or multinational corporate accounting experience preferred
• Experience within automotive, software, technology, or multinational organizations
• German language skills are a plus

Workplace Flexibility:

• Some travel required within North America (~10%)
• Ability to work outside standard business hours as needed to support global stakeholders and month-end close activities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate accounting, controllership, financial reporting, or corporate finance

Required Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Desired Education:

• Masters of Business Administration, Masters of Finance/Accounting/Economics, Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) or other professional accounting designation

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, CA, the salary range for this position is $187,779.00 - $229,950.00.


CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.


CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.


Employment with Cariad Inc. is contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.