Interim Senior Director of Accounting

Location: New York, NY (4 days onsite; Friday remote)
Compensation: $85–$100/hour
Start Date: ASAP
Type: Interim/Contract- potential to convert permanent based on performance

About the Opportunity

A multi-billion-dollar, private equity–backed lifestyle and consumer products organization is seeking an Interim Senior Director of Accounting to step into a critical leadership role during a transition period.

This is a high-impact bridge assignment designed to ensure continuity, stability, and leadership across the corporate accounting function. The current leader will remain in seat temporarily to allow for a structured transition, making this an opportunity for a strong operator to step in, build credibility quickly, and maintain momentum in a fast-paced environment.

This is not simply a close management role — it is a visible leadership position within a complex, multi-brand, multi-channel organization.

Company Overview

The company is a global leader in apparel, accessories, and consumer products, operating across:

• Wholesale distribution (core business)

• Licensed partnerships

• Joint ventures

• Wholly owned brands

• Select retail and direct-to-consumer channels

Product categories include accessories, jewelry, kids sportswear and sleepwear, and beauty products sold through major retailers and specialty stores nationwide.

The organization is fast-paced, deadline-driven, and highly collaborative, with strong executive engagement and operational discipline typical of a PE-backed environment.

Position Overview

The Interim Senior Director of Accounting will oversee key areas of corporate accounting, including month-end close, general ledger management, balance sheet integrity, and accounting operations supporting both Wholesale and Retail channels.

This leader will manage a seasoned accounting team and partner cross-functionally to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee month-end close processes and management reporting

• Review and approve balance sheet reconciliations with supporting documentation

• Oversee general ledger integrity and financial statement accuracy

• Manage complex accounting areas including:

  • Inventory reserves

  • Production overhead capitalization

  • Purchase price variance analysis

  • Wholesale sales dilution reserves

  • Direct-to-consumer sale-to-cash accounting

  • Deferred revenue

  • Gross profit review

• Review journal entries across key areas including margin support, chargebacks, operating expenses, inventory in transit, allocations, prepaids, and commissions

• Own accounts receivable and inventory reserve provisions; provide monthly analyses to senior leadership

• Partner cross-functionally with FP&A, IT, AR, AP, Tax, Treasury, and Operations

• Support asset-backed lending reporting requirements

• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors

• Drive process improvements and strengthen internal controls

• Mentor and develop a high-performing accounting team

• Lead ad hoc projects and strategic initiatives as needed

Leadership Scope

• Reports to the VP/Controller (NYC-based)

• Oversees 4 direct reports:

  • Director of Accounting

  • Two Accounting Managers

  • Senior Accountant

• Team members are tenured and established

• Requires immediate credibility and executive presence

Qualifications

Required:

• 12 years of progressive accounting experience

• Prior leadership experience at Director or Senior Director level

• Background in apparel, accessories, consumer products, or similar inventory-heavy businesses

• Experience within wholesale distribution environments

• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, including revenue recognition

• Demonstrated ability to manage month-end close in a complex organization

• Experience working cross-functionally in multi-channel businesses

• Strong communication skills and executive presence

Preferred:

• CPA

• Public accounting background

• SAP experience

• Experience in licensed brand environments

• Prior exposure to PE-backed organizations

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven people leader who can step into a visible role immediately

• Hands-on yet strategic

• Detail-oriented but comfortable operating at scale

• Experienced managing seasoned teams

• Comfortable in fast-paced, deadline-sensitive environments

• Change-oriented mindset with process improvement experience