Our client in the South Bend, IN area is seeking a Director of Accounting & Finance to lead the organization's accounting operations and serve as a key financial partner to executive leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys improving processes, partnering cross-functionally, and making a visible impact within a product-based organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Oversee inventory accounting, including inventory valuation, physical inventory processes, reconciliations, cost accounting, cost of goods sold (COGS), and inventory-related financial reporting.
• Partner with executive leadership to provide financial analysis, business insights, performance reporting, and strategic recommendations that support organizational growth.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, audits, tax requirements, and regulatory standards while maintaining strong financial controls.
• Lead ERP and accounting system optimization efforts while driving process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational efficiencies.
• Mentor and develop the accounting team while fostering a collaborative, continuous improvement mindset.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; MBA or CPA preferred.
• Progressive accounting experience with increasing leadership responsibility in accounting and financial operations.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Experience within a product-based, manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, publishing, or other inventory-driven environment, with responsibility for inventory accounting, inventory valuation, physical inventory, costing, and COGS.
• Experience leading—or playing a significant role in—accounting operations, ERP/accounting systems, financial process improvements, and team development.
• Ability to communicate financial information to executive leadership and influence business decisions through thoughtful analysis and strategic recommendations.
• Experience participating in ERP implementations, system optimization, or financial modernization initiatives is a plus.