Director of Technical Accounting

A large, global organization with complex operations is seeking a senior technical accounting leader to own accounting policy, complex transactions, and GAAP interpretation across the enterprise. This role sits at the center of judgment-heavy accounting decisions and partners closely with controllership, external reporting, audit, legal, and business leadership. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate accounting guidance into practical, scalable execution. The Opportunity This role leads technical accounting activities for a diversified, multinational business operating across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions. You’ll be responsible for evaluating complex transactions, maintaining accounting policy, and ensuring consistent application of U.S. GAAP across the organization. The position plays a key role in business change initiatives, including transactions, system implementations, and evolving accounting standards, while serving as a trusted advisor to senior finance leadership. This is a hybrid role based in the western Chicago suburbs. What You’ll Be Responsible For Technical Accounting & Policy Own interpretation and application of U.S. GAAP across complex and non-routine transactions Develop, maintain, and update accounting policies and technical position papers Serve as the primary escalation point for accounting judgments and interpretations Ensure consistent application of accounting policies across domestic and international entities Complex Transactions Lead accounting analysis for acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and other strategic initiatives Evaluate accounting implications of new contracts, business models, and operational changes Partner with FP&A, legal, tax, and operations to assess accounting impact before execution Standards & Regulatory Readiness Monitor new and emerging accounting standards and assess enterprise-wide impact Lead implementation efforts for new guidance, including training and change management Support alignment between technical conclusions and external reporting disclosures Audit & Stakeholder Partnership Act as a primary technical resource for internal and external auditors Support audit reviews, inquiries, and documentation requirements Collaborate closely with external reporting and controllership teams to ensure clean execution Leadership & Process Improvement Lead and develop a team of technical accounting professionals Improve documentation, consistency, and efficiency of technical accounting processes Build scalable frameworks that support growth, transformation, and compliance What They’re Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (advanced degree a plus) CPA required 10+ years of progressive accounting experience Strong background in technical accounting and complex transactions Prior public accounting experience strongly preferred Deep working knowledge of U.S. GAAP; familiarity with international standards a plus Proven ability to lead through influence and partner cross-functionally Excellent written and verbal communication skills Why This Role Stands Out High-impact technical leadership role with enterprise-wide influence Exposure to complex, judgment-driven accounting matters Close partnership with senior finance leadership and strategic initiatives Hybrid flexibility within a sophisticated finance organization #J-18808-Ljbffr Buckingham Search