Director of Accounting

Director of Accounting

INDUSTRY: Food & Beverage Distribution

LOCATION: Temecula, CA

SCOPE: Oversight of US / domestic entities; collaborates with international sites in Peru and Guatamala.

TEAM: Directs an accounting team of 5.

COMPENSATION $190,000.00 base + Bonus + Benefits | possible hybrid 1-2 days per week

EDUCATION: BS in Accounting required

POSITION SUMMARY

Our client, a well-established and growing organization in the food and beverage distribution industry, is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead the controllership function for its US and domestic entities. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the integrity of the general ledger, the monthly and annual close, audit readiness, and the accounting team that supports it, while partnering closely with finance colleagues supporting international operations in Peru and Guatemala to ensure consistent accounting practices and accurate consolidated reporting. Company details will be shared with qualified candidates as the search progresses.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Own controllership for US / domestic entities, including account reconciliations, consolidations, monthly and annual close, and overall balance sheet and P&L accuracy.

•    Collaborate closely with finance and accounting teams supporting operations in Peru and Guatemala to ensure consistent accounting policies, timely consolidations, and accurate combined reporting across domestic and international entities.

•    Prepare for and lead all aspects of external audit readiness, serving as the primary point of contact for auditors and ensuring timely, well-supported deliverables.

•    Ensure financial statements and account balances are accurate, complete, and compliant with US GAAP; research and document technical accounting positions as needed.

•    Design, maintain, and monitor internal controls over financial reporting to safeguard company assets and ensure data integrity.

•    Direct, coach, and mentor an accounting team of 5, including hiring, performance management, and professional development.

•    Own and continuously improve close processes, accounting policies, and ERP/system workflows to increase efficiency and accuracy.

•    Partner with FP&A and senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis in support of business decisions.

•    Support tax provision, compliance, and other regulatory filings in coordination with outside advisors.

•    Serve as a key advisor to leadership on accounting matters affecting cross-border operations and reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

•    BS in Accounting required; CPA strongly preferred.

•    8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including prior experience in a controllership or accounting leadership role.

•    Proven experience directly managing, coaching, and mentoring teams of 8 or more.

•    Experience with multi-entity consolidations and cross-border collaboration; international accounting exposure a strong plus.

•    Bilingual in Spanish required.

•    Strong knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls, and audit preparation.

•    ERP systems proficiency; food, beverage, or distribution industry experience preferred.

•    Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust across domestic and international teams.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This role offers a competitive base salary plus an annual bonus and a full benefits package, commensurate with experience. Additional compensation details will be shared directly with qualified candidates.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

This is a search conducted on behalf of an established organization in the food and beverage distribution industry, with US operations based in Temecula, CA and close ties to international sites. The company's identity will be disclosed to candidates who advance in the process.