Chief Accounting Officer

About the CompanyAn established and growing private equity-backed company in the environmental services sector is seeking a Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) to lead all accounting operations. This executive will be a key member of the senior leadership team and will play a critical role in driving financial integrity, enhancing internal controls, and leading the audit and reporting functions during a period of rapid growth and transformation. This is a high-impact role offering visibility with the Board and private equity sponsors, the ability to build and upgrade a team, and involvement in both strategy and execution as the company prepares for scale.About the RoleLead and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end close, consolidations, internal controls, and audit readiness. Manage the company’s internal and external financial reporting in accordance with GAAP (and IFRS as needed). Plan and manage annual external audit processes, serving as primary liaison to auditors. Partner closely with the CFO on financial strategy, forecasting, M&A integration, and risk mitigation. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, internal policies, and control frameworks. Develop and mentor a high-performing accounting team, emphasizing process improvement and automation. Own the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures. Oversee systems upgrades, including ERP optimization (NetSuite experience is a plus). Present regularly to the Audit Committee and PE stakeholders on accounting matters and risk.ResponsibilitiesLead and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end close, consolidations, internal controls, and audit readiness.Manage the company’s internal and external financial reporting in accordance with GAAP (and IFRS as needed).Plan and manage annual external audit processes, serving as primary liaison to auditors.Partner closely with the CFO on financial strategy, forecasting, M&A integration, and risk mitigation.Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, internal policies, and control frameworks.Develop and mentor a high-performing accounting team, emphasizing process improvement and automation.Own the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures.Oversee systems upgrades, including ERP optimization (NetSuite experience is a plus).Present regularly to the Audit Committee and PE stakeholders on accounting matters and risk.QualificationsCPA required. 15+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, with at least 5 years in an executive or senior controller/CAO role. Background in private equity-backed, multi-entity environments strongly preferred. Deep understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal audit processes. Experience leading audits and financial reporting in a fast-paced or scaling environment. Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor and elevate a team. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset. Hands-on experience with NetSuite or other ERP systems.Required SkillsCPA, GAAP, financial reporting, audit processes, leadership, communication skills, NetSuite or ERP systems.Preferred SkillsExperience in private equity-backed environments, multi-entity environments, internal controls, process improvement, automation.Pay range and compensation packageCompetitive executive-level compensation, including base salary, performance-based bonus, and equity opportunity.Equal Opportunity StatementThis search is being managed confidentially by a retained executive search partner. Only qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.