Director of Financial Reporting

****CPA and external audit experience are required. We welcome candidates currently working in public accounting, as well as CPAs who began their careers in audit and later moved into accounting roles. Experience with consumer products, retail, apparel, or other inventory-based businesses is especially valuable.**** Company Description Founded in 2010, Garrett Leight California Optical (GLCO) is a premium eyewear brand known for timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality. Inspired by California culture, art, fashion, architecture, and music, GLCO has built a global reputation for creating eyewear that blends classic aesthetics with modern innovation. As we continue to grow across wholesale, retail, ecommerce, and international markets, we are investing in a finance organization built on accurate reporting, sound accounting judgment, and useful financial planning. Position Overview The Director of Financial Reporting is responsible for the accuracy and clarity of GLCO’s financial reporting and for the budgets, forecasts, and analysis that help leadership manage the business. We are looking for a CPA with a strong audit foundation who can identify accounting issues, determine the appropriate treatment, and work with the team to resolve them. The Controller and accounting team manage the books and execute the monthly close. This Director works alongside them, independently reviews significant accounting work, prepares reporting for executive leadership and the Board, owns budgeting and cash flow forecasting, and oversees accounting-related compliance and external reporting. The role requires someone who can both challenge the numbers and explain what they mean for the business. Key Responsibilities Review journal entries, reconciliations, estimates, financial statements, and supporting schedules prepared by the Controller and accounting team. Investigate unusual balances and transactions, determine the appropriate accounting treatment, and ensure corrections are completed before reporting is finalized. Research and document complex or non-routine accounting matters in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Prepare and deliver timely financial reporting packages for executive leadership and the Board, including clear explanations of results, trends, and risks. Establish review procedures that improve the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of financial reporting. Financial Planning, Cash Flow & Analysis Own the annual budget and rolling financial and cash flow forecasts in partnership with the COO and department leaders. Work closely with the planner to incorporate inventory purchases, receipts, sell-through, and future commitments into forecasts. Review cash usage across inventory, accounts payable, receivables, and other working capital accounts; identify timing pressures and opportunities to improve cash flow. Prepare monthly budget-to-actual analysis, explain significant variances, and recommend actions. Prepare weekly sales reports keeping management apprised of sales in relation to forecast so that proper adjustments can be made in a timely manner. Maintain financial KPIs and present clear, practical analysis to leadership. Partner with Sales and Retail to prepare channel-specific P&Ls and performance KPIs, highlighting trends, variances, and opportunities for action. Accounting Controls & Balance Sheet Integrity Review accounting processes and controls to identify errors, risks, and opportunities to improve documentation and oversight. Lead the investigation and resolution of unsupported balances, historical reconciliation issues, and other legacy accounting matters. Partner with the Controller to ensure the accounting team has clear guidance and practical procedures for executing corrections. Review the accounting implications of inventory, revenue recognition, leases, debt, fixed assets, and other significant transactions. Compliance & External Reporting Coordinate and review sales tax returns, confirming that reported sales, tax calculations, jurisdictions, and supporting reconciliations are accurate before filing. Own the calendar and review process for statutory reporting, tax support, lender reporting, debt compliance, insurance renewals, and other recurring financial obligations. Coordinate with the Controller, external CPA, tax advisors, insurance broker, and other partners to obtain support, review submissions, resolve discrepancies, and meet deadlines. Identify compliance gaps and reporting risks early and drive them to resolution. Coordinate and review international tax filings with the external tax advisors and Controller, ensuring they have accurate financial information and that filing deadlines are met. Own the accuracy of consolidated financial reporting across domestic and international entities, including review of intercompany balances, eliminations, and foreign currency treatment. Cross-Functional Partnership & Improvement Work with Planning, Operations, Sales, and other department leaders to understand business activity and reflect it accurately in reporting and forecasts. Improve accounting policies, documentation, systems, and review processes as the business grows. Communicate financial findings clearly, including the issue, its impact, and the recommended action. Qualifications Active CPA license required. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required. Public accounting experience and substantial external financial statement audit experience are required. 5-7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including substantial external financial statement audit experience. Strong knowledge of US GAAP, financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and internal controls. Demonstrated ability to identify accounting errors, research the appropriate treatment, and drive corrections through completion. Experience with budgeting, cash flow forecasting, working capital analysis, and financial planning. Strong analytical judgment, initiative, communication skills, and follow-through. Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems. Experience with inventory, consumer products, wholesale, retail, ecommerce, international operations, or NetSuite is preferred. Success in This Role Looks Like Within your first year, you will have: Established a reliable review process that catches accounting issues before financial statements are finalized. Improved the accuracy and support for significant entries, reconciliations, and balance sheet accounts. Delivered clear, decision-ready reporting to executive leadership and the Board. Built an annual budget and monthly budget-to-actual reporting that department leaders use to manage performance. Established a rolling cash flow forecast that reflects inventory plans and gives leadership early visibility into cash needs. Identified opportunities to improve cash usage and working capital. Strengthened accounting policies, controls, and documentation in partnership with the Controller and team. Established clear visibility into recurring compliance and external reporting deadlines. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed. Must be able to navigate all areas of the organization’s facilities. Garrett Leight California Optical provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required to perform the role successfully. Location : Downtown Los Angeles, CA Employment Type : Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days in office) Pay Range : The expected base pay for this role is $150,000–$155,000 per year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and qualifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr