12388 - Chief Accounting Officer Job Listing at Kelly Services in United States of America (Job ID 12388)

Description

Together we change lives.

Kelly is a team of experts driven by our belief that the impact of the right person in the right job is limitless.

No matter where you are in your career journey you can apply your knowledge and passion to move people, organizations, and communities forward. You'll have opportunities to grow your expertise and capabilities, both professionally and personally. As a team, we celebrate inclusion, caring, and collaboration. As a company we value your contribution, we work with integrity, and we always put people first - so your impact really will change lives.

Summary

Kelly's Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is a strategic executive leader responsible for the organization's global accounting, financial reporting, compliance, controllership, and finance transformation. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the CAO ensures the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial statements while leading finance innovation, AI-driven automation, and digital transformation.

This role requires deep technical expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, SOX compliance, and global accounting standards, along with the ability to optimize shared services, lead M&A financial integration, and enhance capital allocation strategies. The CAO will interface heavily with the board, audit committee, external auditors, investors, and regulatory bodies while developing and mentoring a high-performance, digitally adept finance team.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, SEC, PCAOB, SOX 404, IFRS, and emerging ESG financial disclosure mandates
• Lead enterprise-wide financial consolidation and global reporting, ensuring accuracy and automation
• Oversee internal and external financial reporting to ensure compliance with regulatory and investor expectations
• Maintain and enhance relationships with external auditors, advisors, and regulatory agencies, facilitating audits and managing risk exposure
• Advise executive leadership on the impact of changes in accounting regulations, tax laws, and emerging financial standards

Finance Transformation, Digital Innovation & AI Integration

• Drive AI, automation, and predictive analytics to enhance financial reporting, risk management, and operational efficiency
• Implement AI-powered risk models to detect financial anomalies and strengthen internal controls
• Develop and maintain a scalable, digital-first financial environment, including ERP and advanced analytics capabilities (Workday experience preferred)
• Partner closely with shared services to optimize areas including accounts payable, accounts receivable, collections, payroll, tax, vendor management, and procurement

Strategic Leadership & Capital Management

• Support investor relations and executive decision-making by translating financial data into actionable insights
• Guide capital allocation strategy, integrating M&A financial diligence, post-merger integration, and finance transformation into broader corporate objectives
• Partner with Finance, Tax, and Treasury teams to optimize capital structure, investment strategies, and liquidity management

M&A & Corporate Development

• Lead and coordinate all financial aspects of M&A diligence and post-merger integration, collaborating with finance, HR, tax, and legal teams
• Ensure smooth financial and accounting transitions during acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring efforts

Executive & Board Engagement

• Represent the accounting and finance function at board meetings and audit committee sessions, contributing to strategic decision-making
• Serve as a key business partner to CFO, CEO, and senior leadership, ensuring financial transparency and regulatory compliance

Talent Development & Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing controllership team, developing future CAO candidates with expertise in automation, analytics, and risk management
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence
• Champion diversity, inclusion, and leadership development within the finance function

Qualifications & Experiences

Required:

• 20+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, preferably in a global, public company environment with large-scale M&A integration
• CPA required; Big Four experience and/or MBA strongly preferred
• Expertise in SEC reporting, SOX compliance, GAAP, IFRS, and enterprise risk management
• Proven ability to lead AI-driven ERP transformations, finance automation, and digital finance innovations
• Experience engaging with audit committees, boards, investors, and external regulators
• Deep understanding of capital markets, investor relations, and ESG financial reporting
• Strong leadership experience in mentoring and developing high-performing, digital-first finance teams
• Expertise in financial data strategy, predictive analytics, and finance systems implementation (Workday preferred)

Preferred:

• Experience in international accounting, including subsidiary translation, consolidation, and cross-border regulatory compliance
• M&A expertise, including due diligence and post-merger finance integration
• Experience in private equity-backed environments or transformation-driven organizations

Position is virtual.  Requires extensive and frequent travel to Kelly HQ in Troy (metro Detroit), Michigan.

Total direct compensation opportunity and benefits commensurate with the position.  Kelly Services | People (benefitsatkelly.com)

Kelly is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, including, but not limited to, race, gender, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Equal Employment Opportunity is The Law.