Vice President, Accounting - Controller

The Vice President, Accounting - Corporate Controller is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership over the company’s accounting and financial reporting functions. They ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP, SEC regulations, SOX, and other applicable regulatory requirements. As a key member of the finance leadership team, the VP & Corporate Controller partners closely with the CFO and senior leaders across the organization to support business strategy, decision‑making, and enterprise initiatives. They oversee internal controls, external audits, technical accounting, and process improvement initiatives while fostering a high‑performing, collaborative accounting organization. This leader brings strong executive presence, sound judgment, and a hands‑on approach balanced with strategic vision. Responsibilities Lead the preparation, review, and delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements Oversee all corporate accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial close processes Establish, maintain, and continuously enhance an effective internal control environment over financial reporting, including SOX compliance Assess potential internal control weaknesses and develop remediation and contingency plans as needed Ensure compliance with external reporting requirements for key stakeholders, including banks, investors, and regulatory bodies Coordinate and lead the external audit process, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors Provide technical accounting leadership for complex transactions, including acquisitions, revenue recognition, leases, equity, and debt arrangements Oversee tax reporting and compliance activities, including federal, state, and local filings, in partnership with internal and external tax resources Drive process improvement, automation, and system enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team; promote continuous learning, innovation, and cross‑functional collaboration Partner cross‑functionally with operations, sales, subsidiaries, and executive leadership to provide actionable financial insights Support enterprise‑wide initiatives and special projects as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university required; Graduate degree (e.g. MBA) preferred. Certification/Licensure: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required. Experience: 12+ years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience, including senior‑level responsibility Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, SOX compliance, and financial governance Experience in public company environments and/or with a Big 4 public accounting firm strongly preferred Demonstrated success leading and developing high‑performing accounting teams with a collaborative, results‑oriented leadership style Strong strategic, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to balance long‑term vision and hands‑on execution Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information Technical: Proficient with common office technologies, including Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and web conferencing (Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.) Environment: Comfort commuting to/from and working in a 100% on‑site setting (listed in this posting), with travel for related meetings/events #J-18808-Ljbffr Forward Air Corp.