Regional Accounting & Finance Director

Regional Accounting Finance Director LHH Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States (Hybrid) LHH is partnering with a well‑established, global manufacturing and distribution organization headquartered in Middlesex County, New Jersey, as they continue to scale and transform their finance organization. Our client is seeking a Regional Accounting & Finance Director – Americas to join their growing leadership team. This individual will play a critical role in leading finance transformation initiatives, and is a highly visible role requiring strong technical accounting expertise, operational leadership, and the ability to drive change in a complex, multinational environment. Key Responsibilities Finance Transformation & Shared Services Leadership Lead the deployment and stabilization of SAP S/4HANA across the Americas, with a focus on process optimization, standardization, automation, and scalability. Drive the design and implementation of the Shared Services Center (SSC) Americas, including the transition of transactional finance activities (RTR, PTP, OTC, Payroll). Manage end‑to‑end migration of transactional activities to the SSC, ensuring smooth handovers, strong documentation, defined SLAs, and sustainable operating models. Partner with global and regional stakeholders to reshape the finance function, including the effective separation of Accounting from Reporting & Analytics. Oversee the transition of reporting and analytics activities to a specialized reporting team, ensuring clarity, efficiency, and high‑quality outputs. Accounting, Reporting & Consolidation – Americas Oversee all regional accounting operations, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with IFRS, local GAAP, and corporate policies. Ensure the timely preparation and submission of statutory accounts, internal financial statements, and regional consolidation packages. Coordinate closely with Group Finance on consolidation activities, technical accounting matters, and reporting timelines. Serve as the regional lead for external audits, acting as the primary point of contact for both local and group auditors. Ensure all audit findings, control gaps, and recommendations are addressed, resolved, and properly communicated. Partner with FP&A and regional finance leadership during the annual budget and forecasting processes, providing accounting insight and support. Financial Compliance, Controls & Governance Collaborate with Internal Audit and Internal Controls teams to design, implement, and enforce robust internal controls, policies, and procedures. Ensure strong compliance across the region related to IFRS, local regulatory requirements, sales tax, and other statutory filings. Act as the regional coordinator for financial regulatory matters, compliance inquiries, and internal/external audits. Promote a culture of strong governance, accountability, and continuous improvement through training, guidance, and leadership. Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership Serve as a strategic partner to the VP of Accounting & Consolidation, providing insight into regional performance, risks, and improvement opportunities. Support regional and global M&A activities, including financial due diligence, post‑acquisition integration, and compliance oversight. Contribute to the development of forward‑looking financial models, scenario planning, and key performance metrics, in partnership with Reporting & Analytics. Team Leadership & Development Lead and mentor regional accounting and shared services teams across the Americas, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability. Build and develop high‑performing teams capable of supporting a centralized, standardized finance operating model. Drive continuous improvement by encouraging innovation, automation, and best‑in‑class finance practices. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred. 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience within manufacturing and/or distribution environments. Demonstrated experience leading or managing a Shared Services Center (SSC) or centralized finance operating model. Hands‑on leadership during SAP S/4HANA implementations or large‑scale ERP transformations. Strong knowledge of IFRS, U.S. GAAP, and multi‑entity / multi‑jurisdiction accounting. Proven ability to drive process improvement, standardization, and automation. Experience working in large, complex, global organizations with cross‑functional stakeholders. Strong leadership presence, communication skills, and the ability to influence at senior levels. Benefits Benefit offerings include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits and 401K plan. 3 weeks PTO Pay Details: $160,000.00 to $170,000.00 per year Search managed by: Susan Persampieri Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military connected talent encouraged to apply To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to Fair Chance Equality The California Fair Chance Act Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Massachusetts Candidates Only It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. #J-18808-Ljbffr