Director of Accounting

Job Description

Job Description

Robert Half is working with a Des Moines organization seeking to hire a strategic and hands-on Director of Accounting to lead financial operations and strengthen the overall accounting function. This role will be responsible for financial reporting, compliance, process optimization, and team leadership, while partnering with executive management to support sound business decisions and long-term growth.

What You’ll Do:

Lead the Accounting Function

• Direct core accounting activities across the organization, including ledger management, payables, receivables, payroll, fixed assets, and cash activity
• Oversee the full financial close cycle and ensure reporting deadlines are met with a high degree of accuracy
• Review accounting activity and maintain reliable financial records that support informed decision-making
• Ensure financial data is properly reconciled and issues are investigated and resolved in a timely manner

Deliver Financial Visibility

• Produce accurate financial statements and management reporting
• Support leadership with financial analysis, reporting tools, and business insights
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting activities and help monitor performance against plan
• Analyze results, spending patterns, and trends to identify risks and opportunities

Strengthen Controls and Compliance

• Oversee accounting policies and internal control practices to promote accuracy and accountability
• Ensure adherence to GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements
• Manage the audit process and act as the main point of contact for external auditors
• Assist with tax-related reporting and support adoption of updated accounting guidance when needed

Drive Improvement and Scale

• Assess current accounting workflows and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency
• Implement stronger procedures around close, reporting, and transaction processing
• Help modernize the finance function through system upgrades, ERP enhancements, and automation initiatives
• Build scalable processes that can support organizational change and future expansion

Support Leadership and Team Development

• Partner with senior leaders to share financial updates and operational insights
• Participate in cross-functional leadership discussions and present key accounting metrics
• Provide mentorship, direction, and development support to accounting staff
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and best practices

Ideal Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline
• Significant progressive experience in accounting, including leadership responsibility
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, month-end close, internal controls, and GAAP
• Experience with audits, budgeting support, and financial systems improvements
• Proven ability to lead process enhancements and work effectively across departments
• Strong communication, analytical, and people leadership skills
• CPA or similar credential is a plus