Director, Corporate Accounting

Job description

Portfolio Business : Corporate J.M. Huber Corporation is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the United States. Established in 1883, we are a diversified, global supplier of specialty and commodity chemicals, hydrocolloid solutions, engineered wood products and natural resources to customers spanning a wide variety of industries. With approximately $3 billion in sales and 4,000 employees worldwide, we have a material presence in more than 20 countries. Position Summary The Corporate Accounting Director leads the Corporation’s accounting-policy governance and technical advisory activities. The role evaluates emerging U.S. GAAP requirements and complex or nonroutine transactions, develops documented accounting conclusions, and provides implementation guidance to Corporate functions and the operating business units. This position maintains the corporate accounting-policy framework and facilitates periodic policy reviews, training, and communication. Business and functional teams retain responsibility for developing and executing their detailed operating procedures and monitoring day-to-day compliance. The role also provides accounting advisory support for significant business activities and enterprise initiatives, including acquisitions, divestitures, integrations, and finance-transformation projects. By establishing consistent technical interpretations and providing timely guidance on complex matters, the position strengthens financial-reporting quality, governance, and informed business decision-making across the organization. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Lead the development, maintenance, interpretation, and communication of Corporate accounting policies in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Harmonize accounting policies and practices across Corporate and the business units while addressing relevant business-specific considerations. Monitor emerging accounting standards, assess their applicability, and coordinate implementation and compliance. Research and document accounting conclusions for complex or judgmental transactions through technical memoranda, whitepapers, and related analyses. Review contracts and transaction documents, evaluate applicable guidance, and coordinate proper accounting treatment. Provide technical accounting guidance for business-specific matters, including scenario analysis and complex financial modeling for internal and external requirements. Lead and oversee complex and specialized accounting matters, including pension and other postretirement benefits, derivatives and swaps, deferred and other long-term compensation, equity-method investments, IFRS-to-U.S. GAAP conversions, and other nonroutine transactions. Review periodic accounting assessments, including goodwill and other impairment analyses, and evaluate the related financial statement and disclosure implications. Oversee business-combination and consolidation accounting, including purchase accounting, pro forma financial information, and support for acquisitions, divestitures, due diligence, and integrations. Review and approve reconciliations for high-risk and complex accounts, ensuring accuracy, adequate support, and timely resolution of reconciling items. Coordinate the Corporation’s equity and variable compensation accounting processes, including calculations, accruals, forecasting, payment tracking, reconciliations, and related financial-reporting requirements. Support the development and evaluation of compensation-related financial metrics and models and assess the accounting implications of new or amended compensation arrangements. Support the Corporation’s biannual stock valuation process by coordinating with external valuation consultants and internal stakeholders, reviewing supporting information and key assumptions, and evaluating the resulting accounting and compensation impacts. Support the preparation and review of quarterly and annual financial statements and footnote disclosures to ensure compliance with applicable accounting and reporting requirements. Advise Corporate functions and the business units on the accounting and financial-reporting implications of significant transactions, business decisions, and enterprise initiatives. Review significant capital-investment evaluations for accuracy and consistency with Company criteria, including an independent assessment of key financial assumptions. Provide project-based technical accounting support to Corporate functions and the business units, including complex financial analysis and modeling. Partner with external auditors, valuation specialists, and advisors to resolve technical accounting matters. Support the identification and remediation of accounting and internal-control risks. Promote consistent accounting practices through guidance, knowledge-sharing, and training. Lead or support special projects assigned by the Vice President and Corporate Controller. Requirements Education & Certifications Required: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting CPA designation Preferred: Masters in accounting or MBA Experience Required: 12+ years’ progressive experience in technical accounting, financial reporting, corporate accounting, or related roles. Candidates with a master’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration may qualify with 10+ years of relevant progressive experience. Preferred: Big 4 public accounting and/or relevant multinational industry experience. 10 or more years of team, project, or people-leadership experience. Experience with complex accounting areas such as business combinations, equity-method investments, derivatives, variable compensation, and impairment assessments. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Advanced knowledge of U.S. GAAP and authoritative accounting guidance; working knowledge of IFRS preferred. Proven ability to research, analyze, document, and conclude on complex or judgmental accounting matters. Strong understanding of financial and accounting processes within multi-entity manufacturing organizations; multi-industry experience preferred. Exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and professional judgment in areas with limited tolerance for error. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex accounting matters clearly to varied audiences. Ability to influence stakeholders, build alignment, and lead cross-functional initiatives without direct authority. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines in a fast-paced, changing environment. Ability to work independently under general direction while appropriately escalating significant matters. Our employees are our strongest asset, and their safety, health, and well-being is our highest priority. We respect the individual by providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Our Principles drive us to create an inclusive workplace where employees share core values, show dignity and respect toward others, and work hard to achieve their best performance. J.M. Huber Corporation is an EEO employer. Pre-employment drug screening is required