Job Summary
The Director of Accounting is a senior financial leader responsible for the company’s overall technical accounting and financial reporting functions. As a key member of the finance leadership team, the Director of Accounting ensures that all financial transactions are accurately recorded, financial statements are prepared in compliance with U.S. GAAP, and robust internal controls and accounting policies are maintained across Sims Crane & Equipment Co. Inc. (and subsidiaries).
In an operated crane rental and heavy equipment services environment, the Director of Accounting acts as the guardian of the company’s financial integrity overseeing the monthly close process, preparation of timely and reliable financial statements, full tax compliance, and the coordination of the annual financial audit. The Director of Accounting works closely with the CFO to provide accurate financial insight and ensures the accounting organization supports strategic decision-making through precise data and disciplined processes. By combining deep accounting expertise with strong leadership, the Director of Accounting upholds high standards of accountability, transparency, and fiscal compliance that underpin the company’s financial health.
Key Responsibilities
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Financial Accounting Operations & Close Management: Lead daily accounting operations and oversee all general ledger activities, including accounts, journal entries, and reconciliations. Direct the monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes to ensure timely and accurate close cycles. Review and approve key journal entries, accruals, and adjustments, making certain that all financial transactions are properly recorded and that the general ledger accurately reflects the company’s financial position. Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce the close timeline, ensuring that the financial books are promptly completed and ready for management review each period.
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GAAP Financial Reporting & Compliance: Oversee the preparation of comprehensive financial statements and internal management reports. Ensure that all financial reporting is fully compliant with U.S. GAAP and any relevant industry accounting standards. Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures that ensure consistency, integrity, and regulatory compliance in financial reporting. Provide in-depth financial analysis and technical accounting guidance to support the CFO and other stakeholders in understanding financial results and implications.
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Chart of Accounts & Cost Accounting Management: Maintain and continuously refine the chart of accounts and cost accounting structure to support robust financial tracking and reporting. Ensure that the chart of accounts is structured to accurately capture the financial activities of an operated crane rental and heavy equipment services business, including job costing, equipment utilization costs, depreciation, and maintenance expenses. Monitor and update cost accounts as needed, providing clarity and consistency in how revenues and expenses are categorized across projects, divisions, and subsidiaries. This includes overseeing the proper allocation of costs to projects or departments, enabling precise analysis of profitability at various levels of the business.
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Tax Compliance & Reporting: Manage full tax compliance for the company across all applicable jurisdictions. Ensure timely and accurate preparation, filing, and remittance of all required tax returns, including federal and state income taxes, payroll taxes, sales and use taxes, and Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). Serve as the primary liaison with external tax advisors or auditors for tax-related matters and maintain up-to-date knowledge of tax regulations affecting the company’s operations. Establish internal controls and processes to ensure tax obligations are met and the company benefits from available tax incentives or credits while minimizing risk and exposure.
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Annual Financial Audit Coordination: Plan and direct the annual financial audit with external auditors, acting as the key point of contact for the audit team. Prepare and organize required audit schedules, workpapers, and documentation,ensuringthe audit process is efficient and thorough. Address auditor inquiries and provide clarity on accounting treatments,demonstratinga command of technical accounting matters and the integrity of the company’s financial records. Work proactively to achieve clean audit results, includingmaintainingrecords and processes that result in minimal audit adjustments or findings. Post-audit,leadthe implementation of any recommended improvements to strengthen controls or processes.
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Internal Controls & Policy Implementation: Establish and enforce a robust system of internal controls to safeguard company assets and maintain the accuracy of financial data. Ensure proper implementation of accounting policies, procedures, and internal control practices throughout the organization. Conduct periodic reviews of critical processes to verify control effectiveness and compliance with company policies and applicable regulations. Promptly identify and remedy any control deficiencies, working in tandem with the CFO to continuously improve the control environment and minimize financial risk.
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Systems & Process Improvement: Oversee the utilization and optimization of the company’s accounting systems and financial software. Identify opportunities to enhance financial processes, improve data accuracy, and shorten reporting cycles through automation and technology upgrades. Collaborate with IT and other stakeholders to implement system enhancements or new tools that support efficient accounting operations. Drive ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline accounting workflows, ensuring that the accounting function can scale with business growth and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements.
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Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor the accounting team, including direct supervision of the Controller, Accounting Manager, Fixed Asset Accounting Manager, and Payroll Manager. Set clear objectives and high standards for performance, accuracy, and compliance. Provide regular feedback, training opportunities, and coaching to develop team members’ technical skills and leadership capabilities. Foster a culture of integrity, precision, and continuous improvement, ensuring that all team members uphold the company’s financial standards and contribute effectively to the broader organizational goals. Coordinate closely with the CFO to align the accounting team’s work with the company’s strategic priorities and cross-functional needs.
Qualifications
Skills:
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Technical Accounting & GAAP Expertise – Expert knowledge of U.S. GAAP and technical accounting principles. Proven ability to interpret and apply accounting standards and ensure compliance in complex, multi-entity financial environments. Experience overseeing all aspects of corporate accounting and financial reporting with unwavering accuracy and attention to detail.
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CPA Certification – Certified Public Accountant(CPA) credentials required, demonstrating a high level of professional accounting proficiency and commitment to upholding rigorous financial standards.
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Financial Close & Reporting Experience – Substantial experience managing monthly/annual closing processes and financial statement preparation for a multi-division or multi-subsidiary business. Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver accurate financial results under tight deadlines and to support organizational goals with reliable financial information.
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Audit & Compliance Leadership – Successful record of accomplishment in leading external audits and internal compliance efforts, including coordinating with auditors, preparing audit documentation, and implementing recommendations. Solid understanding of regulatory requirements and ability to ensure financial practices meet all compliance standards.
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Process Improvement & Systems Savvy – Proficiency with accounting systems and financial reporting software, and a history of implementing process improvements. Able to leverage technology and best practices to streamline accounting operations, reduce errors, and enhance financial analysis capabilities.
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Leadership & Collaboration – Strong leadership skills to manage and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous learning. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with the CFO, financial peers, auditors, and cross-functional teams, translating technical accounting matters into clear guidance for various stakeholders.
Education & Experience:
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field is required. An advanced accounting degree or MBA is a plus. An active CPA license is required.
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Experience: 10+ years of progressive accounting experience is required, including 5+ years in an accounting manager or controllership role (e.g., Controller, Assistant Controller). Experience leading corporate accounting teams and managing technical accounting processes in a similar industry or capital-intensive business is preferred. Public accounting experience is a strong asset, reflecting a rigorous foundation in GAAP and internal control best practices.
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Leadership Track Record: Proven record of accomplishment of building and maintaining a high-performing accounting function. Demonstrated success in improving financial processes, achieving timely close cycles, and delivering accurate financial reports. History of maintaining strong internal controls and compliance, as evidenced by positive audit results and minimal errors or rework.
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Other Requirements: Position requires residing within daily commuting distance of the corporate office in Tampa, Florida. Occasional travel will be required for business meetings and branch visits. The Director of Accounting must exhibit exemplary integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to the company’s core values (safety, customer service, excellence), serving as a model for financial discipline and professionalism within the organization.
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Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
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Must be able to read, speak, and understand English.
Working Conditions
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Sims Crane & Equipment maintains a firm commitment to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees and quality services to its clients. Sims Crane & Equipment is a drug-free workplace. Must be able to pass a post-offer / pre-placement drug screen. Must also submit to a post-offer / pre-employment background report.
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Work is performed in a standard office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Subject to standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting objects up to 25 pounds at times.
Disclaimer: An employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Sims Crane & Equipment is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer/Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or age.
