Chief Accounting Officer - Durham, NC

Job Overview: 

The Chief Accounting Officer is a senior Finance leader responsible for Fortrea’s global accounting, external reporting, internal controls, and compliance environment. This role leads the accounting organization, including record-to-report and payroll-related accounting processes, oversees external auditor relationships and annual audit activities, and partners closely with the CFO and cross-functional leaders to support disciplined decision-making and scalable finance transformation. The Chief Accounting Officer provides technical accounting leadership, supports strategic growth initiatives, and strengthens global accounting processes through public-company reporting expertise, enterprise leadership, and continuous improvement. He/she further serves as the designated Principal Accounting Officer for SEC financial statement certification. 

Summary of Responsibilities: 

Accounting Leadership, Close & Reporting 

• Lead Fortrea’s global accounting function, including corporate accounting, record-to-report, consolidation, close management, payroll-related accounting, technical accounting, and accounting operations. 

• Oversee timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, driving a disciplined close calendar, clear ownership, and resolution of material accounting matters. 

• Lead external financial reporting processes, including SEC reporting, financial statement preparation, earnings support, and related disclosure controls in partnership with the CFO, Legal, Investor Relations, and external advisors. 

• Establish, maintain, and interpret accounting policies, ensuring compliance with US GAAP, SEC requirements, applicable company policies, and evolving regulatory standards. 

• Provide technical accounting leadership for complex transactions, including revenue recognition, business combinations, restructuring, impairments, equity, compensation, leases, debt, and other significant accounting matters. 

Controls, Compliance & Audit Governance 

• Own the design, execution, and continuous improvement of internal control over financial reporting, including SOX compliance, control remediation, and partnership with Internal Audit and external auditors. 

• Lead the external auditor relationship and annual audit process, ensuring audit readiness, quality deliverables, issue resolution, and transparent escalation of key matters. 

• Support Audit Committee and executive leadership discussions by preparing clear, concise updates on financial reporting, technical accounting, finance policies, control status, audit progress, and critical projects. 

• Promote and establish a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, compliance, and strong financial governance across the global accounting organization. 

• Identify, assess, and escalate financial reporting, control, compliance, and audit risks with clear recommendations and executive-level judgment.

Finance Transformation & Operational Excellence 

• Drive accounting transformation initiatives, including process standardization, automation, shared services optimization, finance systems improvements, scalable operating model design, and stronger end-to-end accounting workflows. 

• Co-manage external contractor partnerships