Interim Chief Accounting Officer (Maternity Cover)

**** Maternity Cover - 6-12 months ****

We are seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on CAO to provide support to our team during a maternity cover period. The ideal candidate will bring proven expertise in US GAAP and SEC reporting, alongside strong knowledge of SOX compliance requirements. This role will also be responsible for preparing and presenting timely, accurate deliverables to the Audit Committee and Board of Directors, ensuring that financial reporting, compliance updates, and risk considerations are communicated with clarity and confidence. This role requires an individual who can operate with precision, ensure regulatory and reporting accuracy, and work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver on both routine and ad-hoc priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to balance leadership oversight with practical, day-to-day execution, ensuring continuity and stability within the finance function.

Role Summary

The Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) must be a proactive and detail-oriented individual who will participate in and direct day-to-day accounting activities. This will include monitoring the financial systems and controls and recommending and making the necessary changes to upgrade systems, policies and procedures. The CAO must be a confident, diligent self-starter with the ability, drive and discipline to achieve objectives and bring projects to fruition, as well as be a proactive team player who will be able to provide the financial leadership for a growing organization.

Responsibilities

• Planning, organizing, directing and managing the global accounting and financial reporting functions.
• Ensuring that day-to-day accounting functions are performed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Responsible for the financial reporting of the Company consolidated and all subsidiaries and statutory filings
• Preparation of all SEC reporting including annual, quarterly, and periodic filings and filing requirements under our capital markets arrangements
• Work closely with the Audit Chairperson and the Chief Financial Officer in providing information needed for Audit Committee meetings, and able to effectively communicate all findings and recommendations for both Audit Committee and Board meetings
• Maintain responsibility for all financial regulatory requirements and relationships, including liaison with outside auditors and remain abreast of pending legislation and accounting principles that will affect the company's financial position
• Provides leadership in all change management and process improvement initiatives needed to promote efficiency within the Accounting group.
• In charge of the execution of the Company’s internal controls improvement program, including, when relevant Sarbanes Oxley implementation
• Work closely with both external and internal audit teams
• Maintains close communication with the Chief Financial Officer and operating management to ensure that information quality, reporting, and accounting policies are consistent with management needs.
• Make certain the Company is managed in an efficient, effective and entrepreneurial manner for the benefit of all stakeholders over the longer term. Includes assisting Board and Board Committees with internal controls and risk analysis’
• Delegating activities and responsibilities throughout the accounting team, ensuring there is clear definition and understanding as well as appropriate coaching/training
• Formulating, recommending, and auditing processes to ensure adequate financial control and that financial accounting and administrative practices are sound and conforming to company policies.
• Assisting the company management in the interpretation of monthly operating results and formulation of operating and financial practices consistent with performance requirements
• Being readily available to accommodate travel to company locations to provide consultation and direction in the resolution of performance issues
• Performing due diligence supporting evaluation of acquisition targets as and when needed
• Support Company initiatives within the Accounting Department and throughout the Company.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Provide such other services as may be required by the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer from time to time
• Communicates internally with Executive Management Team, Department Heads, Employees, Co-workers and colleagues
• Collaborates amongst multiple other functions, including primarily, Treasury and IR, Commercial/Marketing, HR etc.
• Communicates externally with Auditors, Advisors, Consultants etc.
• Position requires having a clear understanding of the Company’s financial deliverables to assist in the development of the company’s long and short-term strategic objectives
• Office based role which requires leadership of teams and managers and the ability to motivate direct reports. Position requires attention to detail and data management working under limited supervision and where problems can, at times be non-routine and need complex analysis or interpretation.
• The role requires an element of travel to the Company’s various offices

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from accredited college or university required; Master’s degree (MBA) preferred.
• A Certified Public Accountant, with prior experience with Big 4 Accounting firm experience as well as industry experience
• Previous experience with US GAAP and SEC reporting required
• Previous experience with regulatory requirements associated with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) internal control framework.
• Ability to communicate well, maintain professionalism, and deal persuasively with individuals both within and outside the company, including the Audit Committee, financial institutions, investors, and auditors.
• Familiar with a broad range of financial and accounting issues at the corporate headquarters level.
• Experienced as a public company controller and have served in significant management roles with responsibility for ensuring strong internal controls.
• A skilled and proven leader with strong general management capabilities as a member of a leadership team.
• Technically strong in all aspects of accounting and financial reporting, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be equally comfortable dealing with members of the Board of Directors and field operations personnel.
• A self-starter with a high energy level who can manage multiple tasks in a time sensitive environment.
• Have high energy as well as the imagination and foresight to plan proactive programs consistent with corporate goals