Director Accounting Operations

The Director of Accounting Operations is a forward thinking leader responsible for overseeing and continuously advancing the company’s core transactional accounting functions, including Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), Payroll, and Systems Process Automation (SPA). This role is central to shaping the next generation of operational accounting in an era defined by artificial intelligence, automation, and rapid technology transformation. The Director will not only ensure accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and strong internal controls across all accounting operations, but will also champion the modernization of workflows, systems integration, and data driven decision making. Leading four functional teams, this individual will develop scalable processes, drive enterprise automation initiatives, and partner with cross functional leaders to elevate the company’s financial performance, agility, and strategic readiness. This is a highly visible, mission critical leadership position reporting to the VP of Accounting—one that plays a pivotal role in architecting the future of the company’s accounting operations, fostering innovation, and ensuring the organization is well positioned for the evolving digital landscape. Responsibilities Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to the AR, AP, Payroll and SPA teams, including managers and staff-level employees. Leverage SPA to drive automation and process improvements including AI tool sets. Ensure timely and accurate processing of customer invoicing, supplier invoices and payments, and payroll cycles. Maintain strong internal controls through cross functional partnership expertise to ensure compliance with GAAP, CAS and adherence to all federal, state, and local payroll/payables regulations. Develop and implement process improvements and automation to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and support scalability. Oversee month-end and year-end close activities related to AR, AP, and Payroll; ensure accuracy of related reconciliations and reporting. Partner with cross functionally, with HR, Operations, IT, Treasury and other departments, to streamline workflows, resolve issues, and improve the overall employee and supplier experience. Drive KPI development and reporting for AR days-to-invoice, AP cycle times, cash disbursements, and payroll accuracy/timeliness. Lead system enhancements or implementations (ERP, payroll platforms, automation tools). Develop departmental budgets, forecast staffing needs, and allocate resources effectively. Coach, mentor, and develop team members to promote professional growth and high performance. Support audits (internal, external, compliance) with appropriate documentation and responses. Handle escalations related to customer billing disputes, supplier issues, and payroll anomalies. Qualifications – Must Have Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field. 13 years of progressive accounting, finance or operations experience, 6+ years of leadership/management experience. Experience with ERP systems. Experience with full end-to-end in-house payroll processes. Demonstrated experience improving processes and implementing automation or system enhancements. Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder-management skills. High attention to detail with the ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment. Qualifications – Prefer CPA or CMA certification. Oversight of AR, AP, and Payroll functions preferred. Experience in government contractor, multi-entity or multi-state operations. Background in high-volume transactional environments. Experience with system implementations or ERP transformations. Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and compliance requirements (payroll tax, labor laws, 1099s, W‑2s, etc.). Experience with full end-to-end in-house payroll processes. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions. Deltek (Cost Point) accounting system. Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) compliance. Key Competencies Leadership and team development. Process improvement / automation mindset. Strategic planning. Problem solving and critical thinking. Communication and cross-functional collaboration. High integrity and sound judgment. Essential Functions Ability to work on a computer for extended periods. Ability to communicate effectively in an office environment. Flexibility to work in a hybrid office environment, some travel may be required. Ability to lift up to 10 lbs regularly. Hand/finger dexterity for data entry and document handling. Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. IMPORTANT NOTICE: To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances. SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr