Chief Accounting Officer

Ascension Search Partners is partnering with a private equity–backed, pre-IPO manufacturer in the DFW area that is entering an exciting and critical phase of growth and public-company readiness. The business is scaling rapidly, investing in infrastructure, and preparing for the increased rigor, transparency, and controls required of a public company. This role offers a competitive compensation package inclusive of equity.

About the Role

This role represents a rare opportunity for a strategic but hands-on Controller who thrives in a PE backed environment to help build and lead and continue building out a public ready accounting organization while working closely with a high-caliber CFO and experienced PE sponsor. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role will own the integrity of the financial statements, lead IPO-readiness initiatives, and establish the accounting, controls, and reporting foundation required to operate as a public company. This role is designed for a Big 4–trained accounting leader who has transitioned into industry and gained experience in manufacturing or industrial environments, ideally within PE-backed or high-growth companies. You will be a key architect of the company’s accounting function as it evolves toward SEC reporting standards, SOX compliance, and public-company governance. This is a hands-on leadership role with meaningful influence across finance, operations, and executive leadership, not a maintenance role.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting \& Close
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring speed, accuracy, and audit-ready financials.
• Lead preparation of GAAP financial statements with a clear path toward SEC-compliant reporting.
• Ensure consistent application of accounting policies across the organization as complexity increases.

• IPO Readiness \& Controls
• Design, implement, and scale internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) in preparation for SOX 404 compliance.
• Lead IPO-readiness initiatives related to accounting policies, documentation, controls, and reporting processes.
• Partner with the CFO on technical accounting matters, including revenue recognition, inventory valuation, leases, equity, and complex transactions.
• Support the development of SEC reporting capabilities, including coordination with external advisors, auditors, and consultants.

• Manufacturing \& Operational Accounting
• Oversee cost accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing, and margin analysis, ensuring alignment with manufacturing operations.
• Strengthen controls around inventory, WIP, absorption, and cost variances.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain leaders to ensure accounting accuracy and operational insight.

• Audit, Governance \& Stakeholder Management
• Serve as primary liaison for external auditors, ensuring efficient audits and clean opinions.
• Support PE sponsor reporting, lender reporting, and board-level financial materials.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements as the business scales.

• Systems, Process \& Team Leadership
• Lead ERP and accounting systems optimization to support scale and public-company requirements.
• Establish scalable accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing accounting team, setting a strong tone for accountability and excellence.
• Support M\&A accounting, integration, and diligence as applicable.

Qualifications

• Big 4 public accounting experience strongly preferred.

• 10\+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles in manufacturing or industrial companies.

• Senior accounting leadership experience in a public company environments highly preferred.

• Expertise in GAAP, manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, and inventory controls.

• Experience building or operating within SOX-compliant control environments.

• Strong technical accounting skills and comfort navigating complex accounting judgments.

• Hands-on leader with the ability to scale teams, processes, and systems.

• Strong executive presence and ability to partner effectively with senior leadership, auditors, and advisors.

• CPA required.