How to Become an Accounting Director
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Accounting Director
What does an Accounting Director do?
AN Accounting Director directs the operations and policies of an accounting function. Implements accounting policies and procedures that adhere to governmental, financial, and tax regulations and comply with GAAP and IFRS standards. Being an Accounting Director monitors and evaluates accounting systems and processes to identify areas for improvement and optimization. Oversees overall monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close processes and reporting. Additionally, Accounting Director develops and directs accounting professionals and supports staff through subordinate managers. Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. May require Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Typically reports to a head of accounting. The Accounting Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be an Accounting Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Use this accounting director job description sample to guide you in creating an advertisement to attract the right candidate.
If you need ideas about information to include, see our accounting job listings.
Often, controllers oversee the accounting, audit, and budget departments of their organization.
A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration is often the minimum education needed for financial managers.
Have you worked as an Accounting Director? Help other job seekers by rating your experience as an Accounting Director.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Accounting Director
Best tips for those who want to become an Accounting Director
Here are some tips to become an Accounting Director.
Have a good mentor - mentors can provide advice based on first-hand experience to help develop leadership abilities, as well as leveraging off their connections and networks to help advance your career.
Have a broad skillset – Keep your work duties varied so you do not get pigeon-holed into one area of finance.
Be tech savvy – Use technology effectively to improve processes and create efficiencies is vital to add value in your day to day finance role.
Be a team player – Develop your skills into senior positions, having experience managing people is vital and becomes more important the more senior you become.
Embrace change - Today’s ever changing business environment requires finance professionals to adopt an informed and forward thinking approach to decision making.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Accounting Director
Best colleges and universities for Accounting Director
- Florida Southern College
- Colby College
- Dartmouth College
- University of Notre Dame
- Western Washington University
- Canisius College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Accounting Director
Is being an Accounting Director Worth it?
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Accounting Director
What skills do you need to be an Accounting Director?
Due to the management level associted with this job, many skills are required to being successful and ensuring the success of your team. It is necessary to be able to excel with: Accounting Management, Activity-Based Management (ABM), Asset Management, Balance Sheet Analysis, Expense Management, Financial Accounting, General Ledger Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Year-End Close, GAAP Standards. For management positions, some skills may come as a no brainer, for this role those would be: Accounting Software. As you can tell, it is no easy feat to be a manager, and the skills required reflect that.
The Director of Accounting must be able to gather and supply this data as well as interpret and present the information.
A Director of Accounting must be reliable and highly organized.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Proven knowledge of accounting regulations, practices and standards.
3-5 years of prior experience as an Accounting Manager.
Step 6: View average salary for Accounting Director
How much does an Accounting Director make?
The average salary range for an Accounting Director is from $171,773 to $214,608. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
-
View average salary for the United States
-
Adjust salary by state
Average salary for Accounting Director jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Accounting Director jobs, and apply.
Looking for Accounting Director jobs?
Here are some Accounting Director jobs in the United States.