Chief Accounting Officer

Ascension Search Partners has been engaged with our private equity-backed, pre-IPO manufacturing client in the DFW area that is entering a critical phase of growth and public-company readiness. The business is scaling rapidly, investing in infrastructure, and preparing for the increased rigor, transparency, and controls required of a public company.

This role represents a rare opportunity for a proven Corporate Controller to help build and lead a public-company-ready accounting organization while working closely with a high-caliber CFO and experienced PE sponsor.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this role will own the integrity of the financial statements, lead IPO-readiness initiatives, and establish the accounting, controls, and reporting foundation required to operate as a public company.

The Opportunity

This role is designed for a Big 4-trained accounting leader who has transitioned into industry and gained experience in manufacturing or industrial environments, ideally within PE-backed or high-growth companies. You will be a key architect of the company's accounting function as it evolves toward SEC reporting standards, SOX compliance, and public-company governance.

This is a hands-on leadership role with meaningful influence across finance, operations, and executive leadership-not a maintenance role.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Close

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring speed, accuracy, and audit-ready financials.

Lead preparation of GAAP financial statements with a clear path toward SEC-compliant reporting.

Ensure consistent application of accounting policies across the organization as complexity increases.

IPO Readiness & Controls

Design, implement, and scale internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) in preparation for SOX 404 compliance.

Lead IPO-readiness initiatives related to accounting policies, documentation, controls, and reporting processes.

Partner with the CFO on technical accounting matters, including revenue recognition, inventory valuation, leases, equity, and complex transactions.

Support the development of SEC reporting capabilities, including coordination with external advisors, auditors, and consultants.

Manufacturing & Operational Accounting

Oversee / influence cost accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing, and margin analysis, ensuring alignment with manufacturing operations.

Strengthen controls around inventory, WIP, absorption, and cost variances.

Partner with Operations and Supply Chain leaders to ensure accounting accuracy and operational insight.

Audit, Governance & Stakeholder Management

Serve as primary liaison for external auditors, ensuring efficient audits and clean opinions.

Support PE sponsor reporting, lender reporting, and board-level financial materials.

Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements as the business scales.

Systems, Process & Team Leadership

Lead ERP and accounting systems optimization to support scale and public-company requirements.

Establish scalable accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.

Build, lead, and develop a high-performing accounting team, setting a strong tone for accountability and excellence.

Support M&A accounting, integration, and diligence as applicable.

What We're Looking For

* Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred.

* 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles in manufacturing or industrial companies.

* Prior experience in PE-backed, IPO-ready, or public company environments highly preferred.

* Deep expertise in GAAP, manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, and inventory controls.

* Experience building or operating within SOX-compliant control environments.

* Strong technical accounting skills and comfort navigating complex accounting judgments.

* Hands-on leader with the ability to scale teams, processes, and systems.

* Strong executive presence and ability to partner effectively with senior leadership, auditors, and advisors.

* CPA required.