Accounting Director Jobs in the United States

Accounting Director Jobs Overview

A head for numbers, a hawk's eye for accuracy, and an ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data — accounting director jobs are ideal for those who possess these sought-after qualities. As the leader of the accounting department, you play a significant role in determining whether an organization reaches its financial goals.

In many cases, the job responsibilities of an accounting director and an accounting manager are interchangeable. Both positions manage teams, establish policies, and work with upper management to maintain the company's financial integrity.

In addition to technical accounting knowledge, proven leadership and administrative abilities are must-have attributes when you work as a director of accounting. Overseeing the accounting department requires strong communication skills to ensure everyone works together as a team.

Knowing you make a real contribution to the company's success is hugely satisfying. The financial benefits that accounting directors earn through hard work and determination are also rewarding. The position can open up exciting opportunities for career advancement, too.

Salaries for Accounting Director Jobs

Depending on your level of experience and education, salaries for accounting director jobs range between $102,401 and $163,132 per year. Location also plays a significant role. Salaries tend to be higher in places with competitive job markets, particularly in large metropolitan areas such as:

• Houston, TX
• Chicago, IL
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• San Francisco, CA

What can you expect to earn where you live? Use our salary calculator to help you identify the going rate for accounting director jobs in your area.

Finding Accounting Jobs That Fit You

What's the perfect equation for finding the ideal accounting director position? Start by defining the factors that are most important to you. Answering the following questions can help make your next accounting director job part of a successful career.

• What aspects of an accounting director job matter most to you? The people? The work?
• Do the position's requirements and responsibilities match your skills and experience?
• Does the organization offer opportunities for personal growth and career advancement?

Scrutinize the Job Description

Once you've set your priorities, study the job description carefully to determine if the position meets your criteria. Next, use your analytical skills as an accountant to read past any hyperbole to ascertain the job's critical functions.

Pay careful attention to the list of responsibilities, which should be clear and concise. Think about whether you can fulfill the organization's expectations. Can you visualize yourself in the described role?

If the position appeals to you but you're unsure you have the necessary qualifications, identify any areas where you may need additional development. Knowing the perfect job is out there waiting may inspire you to further your education or gain extra training.

Research the Company

From small mom-and-pop shops to huge multinational companies, every business requires accounting professionals to oversee finances. The organization's size is just one factor to consider. Learning as much as possible about the company can help you decide if it's the best fit for you.

Visiting the organization's website is an effective way to begin your research. Blogs, articles, press releases — read everything you can to learn more about how the firm conducts business. Look for insight into the company's vision and mission to determine if their values align with yours.

Applying for Accounting Director Jobs

Once you've decided to apply for an accounting director job, your next step is to prove you're the best candidate for the position. That process begins with the application. The following tips can help ensure you make a positive first impression.

All About Keywords

Most companies today use search filter software that ranks applicants according to the number of specific keywords mentioned in their applications. These words and phrases represent the key qualifications employers want from candidates for accounting director jobs.

Fortunately, you don't have to guess which keywords to use, as you’ll find them in the job descriptions themselves. Study the job listing carefully to pinpoint which qualities, skills, and attributes the organization prioritizes. Here's a sample of keywords collected from job descriptions for accounting director jobs.

• exceptional analytical skills
• professional conduct
• proven leadership skills
• strategic thinker
• strong communication skills
• ability to prioritize
• commitment to excellence
• expertise in accounting software systems

Employers also look for keywords that show candidates possess the necessary college degrees and certifications. Most accounting director jobs require a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. A state-issued Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is also often mandatory.

Submit a Professional Resume

More than any other document, your resume offers opportunities to showcase your accomplishments as a director of accounting. Check out this example finance manager resume for tips on how to demonstrate your skill with numbers and quantify your achievements clearly and precisely.

Mentioning any awards you've received is acceptable, but keep your main focus on what you could achieve for your future employer. For example, highlight actions you've taken as head of an accounting department to improve cash flow, shorten closing cycles, or increase employee productivity.

Take advantage of the Monster Professional Resume Writing Service for a resume that's sure to impress. You'll receive a keyword-rich resume that underscores your skills and qualifications.

Write a Persuasive Cover Letter

Including a cover letter with your application gives you another chance to prove you're the right choice for the accounting director position. The message should be brief, no more than a few paragraphs, and written in a professional yet personable tone.

An effective way to capture the employer's attention is to start with an opening sentence that illustrates your genuine interest in the company. Use the keywords you've gleaned from the job description to explain how you'd benefit the organization. Include specific achievements, such as reducing unnecessary expenses by 25% in three months.

Need more inspiration? Check out these finance cover letter tips for practical suggestions.

Submitting Your Application

After polishing your resume and cover letter, check and double-check them for spelling and grammatical errors. Next, submit your application quickly and easily by signing up for a free Monster account.

Creating a personal profile with Monster qualifies you for a free resume review by professional resume writers. It also ensures you'll receive notifications for new accounting director jobs as soon as they become available.

How to Follow Up on Your Application

Waiting for a response after submitting a job application can be a frustrating experience. As a business professional, however, you know that processing documents takes time. As someone with experience managing an accounting department, you also understand that time is money.

In most cases, you can expect to hear back from the employer within a week to 10 days. It's perfectly acceptable to follow up with the employer after that waiting period. If you're unsure who to contact, the company's human resources department can usually give you that information.

Whether you're contacting the company by phone or sending a follow-up email, make it easy for the employer by providing all the pertinent information, including your job title and the date you applied for the accounting director job.

In a short but concise message, restate your interest in the position, emphasizing how you would benefit the company. End the email by expressing your hope that you'll receive a positive response from the employer soon.

Interviewing Tips for Accounting Director Jobs

How do you ace your interview for an accounting director position? Two words: prepare and practice. The more prepared you feel during the all-important meeting, the greater your chances of securing the position.

The Interview Process

While you haven't gotten this far in your career without undergoing several interviews, it's imperative not to get too complacent. Understanding the different approaches to interviews that employers take can help ensure you're ready for any curve balls that may come your way.

The first thing you may ask when invited to an interview is, how many rounds of interviews can you expect to attend? Some companies hold just one; others have multiple meetings. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you prepare better. 

Interview Question Formats

When it comes to interview questions, employers also use a variety of formats. The two most common types are behavioral and competency-based.

The behavioral format features questions designed to reveal how you behave under specific circumstances. Competency-based questions, on the other hand, help the employer assess your skills, knowledge, and experience.

Whether behavioral or competency-based, prepare to answer questions that help the employer evaluate your department management abilities. Here are a few examples of common leadership interview questions.

• Describe a project you led and what you did to make it successful.
• What action would you take to increase communication across departments?
• Tell me about a management decision you found difficult to make.
• How do you establish priorities for yourself and the people you supervise?
• Talk to me about a time when you demonstrated strong leadership skills.

If it's been a while since your last job interview, practice answering questions with a trusted friend or colleague. Answering questions in a mock interview with someone who works in the field of accounting can also help prepare you for whatever questions come your way.

Follow Up After the Interview

It's considered a courtesy to thank the employer formally within 24 hours of your interview. While expressing your gratitude with a phone call is acceptable, sending a thank-you email offers opportunities to set yourself apart from other candidates for the job.

Make your thank-you email memorable by referring to important topics discussed during the interview. Express your point of view in a way that demonstrates you're ready to make a significant contribution to the organization's success.

How to Respond to Job Offers

It's natural to feel a rush of adrenaline when you receive a job offer for a coveted accounting director job. While it's tempting to say "Yes!" right away, take some time to evaluate the proposition before you accept the position. Thank the employer for the offer and let the firm know when they can expect your answer.

Read through the details of the job offer to ensure you understand all the details. Does the compensation package meet your expectations and financial requirements? If not, consider negotiating the job offer. A little give and take may lead you to the most rewarding accounting director job in your career.

Career Paths

Accounting expertise, proven leadership skills, and interdepartmental communication experience — these qualities add up to multiple opportunities when it comes to advancing your career in finance. The secret to success lies in selecting a position that suits your interests and allows you to reach your full potential.

If your interest lies in planning and developing the financial transactions for an organization, working as a financial manager could be the next step in your career path. If you’re fascinated by studying economic trends and analyzing data, consider a position as a financial analyst. You’ll evaluate and recommend investment opportunities that help companies grow.

Working as a controller can put you in charge of overseeing investment funds. With a master’s degree in finance in your pocket, you can aspire to move even higher up the corporate ladder into a chief financial officer (CFO) position.

Similar Occupations to Accounting Director Jobs

Depending on your skills and special interests in the world of finance, even more career opportunities are available:

• accounting consultant jobs
• assistant controller jobs
• accounting analyst jobs
• budget manager jobs