Senior Director, Accounting & Assistant Controller

Company Description

At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South.

Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.  

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.

Check us out on the web!  

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Senior Director, Accounting and Assistant Controller to join our growing team! In this role, you will play a pivotal role in developing and scaling an accounting organization for a recently formed company which acquired existing telecom assets across 20 states and is currently undertaking an ambitious capital and enterprise growth plan. You will direct and drive the monthly close process, quarterly and annual reporting, and further develop a high performing accounting function that aligns with the company’s rapid growth plans. Brightspeed is a private equity owned company by a world class private equity firm with a trajectory toward a successful exit.

As Senior Director, Accounting and Assistant Controller, your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Provide hands-on, tactical and strategic leadership over the following accounting functions – revenue recognition and accounting, fixed assets, operating expenses, debt, cash and bank reconciliation, consolidation and reporting for multiple legal entities, each with several outstanding tranches of complex debt and equity
• Ensure company compliance with US GAAP, existing and newly developed accounting and operating policies/procedures, and multiple financial reporting (including potentially SEC and other public/private debt-driven) requirements
• Establish and enhance internal control environment, including internal control over financial reporting; although company is not currently public, familiarity with process, structure and required documentation associated with Sarbanes-Oxley Act
• Effectively lead and manage month end close process, including review and documentation of variances with multiple finance and other business stakeholders
• Oversee automated general ledger account reconciliation process
• Serve as key contact for both internal and external audit (by a Big 4 firm)
• Complete transition and integration from recent billion-dollar acquisition (~2.5 years) in terms of standing up independent company accounting function and resolving remaining outstanding issues (including completion of Transition Services Agreement) with seller
• Direct the preparation of accurate and timely consolidated financial statements, including quarterly and annual reports (filings)
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with finance, tax, treasury, legal (including internal and external counsel), and operations teams to drive sound business performance and strategic initiatives
• Build, lead and mentor a high-performing accounting team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Spearhead ERP system optimization and automation initiatives to enhance reporting accuracy, financial analysis, and scalability
• Stay ahead of emerging accounting trends and industry best practices (including reporting and disclosure), positioning the organization for sustainable growth

Qualifications

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) 
• Experience in a Big 4 public accounting firm
• 15+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles in complex, fast-paced organizations
• Experience with debt and equity transactions, asset/business sales and acquisitions, and other transactions with similar complexity and scale
• Unparalleled combination of drive, people, and technical skills
• Proven track record of leading large-scale accounting operations, system implementations, and process improvements
• Strong expertise in ERP systems (preferably SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP system)
• Ability to identify, manage and resolve significant issues and projects from start to finish
• Outstanding technical accounting research and documentation skills; ability to manage complex and evolving accounting and financial reporting issues
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities
• Hands-on experience with