Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting

Be essential at Cars Commerce At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry. No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable. But don't take our word for it. We are proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S. Ready to make your mark? Join a team that's driving real change in the automotive industry. About the Role CARS is seeking a Director, Accounting and Reporting to lead our Accounting and SEC Reporting teams.  Reporting to the Assistant Controller and directly managing a team of 5, this role owns day-to-day external financial reporting, SEC compliance, US GAAP adherence, and SOX controls for a publicly traded company. If you are a strong technical accountant with proven management experience in a public company environment - someone who partners effectively across Finance, Legal, and Investor Relations to deliver accurate, timely external disclosures, this role is for you! *Please note this role is based in Chicago in a hybrid schedule (expected to work at the office at least once a week). Responsibilities Accounting and SEC Reporting Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with US GAAP Oversee preparation and filing of all SEC reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other required regulatory filings Coordinate with internal and external auditors on quarterly reviews and the annual audit Technical Accounting Serve as the primary technical accounting resource, researching and documenting complex accounting issues including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and business combinations Own and maintain the company's ASC 606 revenue recognition framework, including technical accounting memos, SSP analyses, and principal vs. agent assessments, while partnering with Sales, Legal, and FP&A to evaluate deal structures, identify performance obligations, and ensure timely documentation of key judgments Monitor FASB and SEC pronouncements, assess their impact on financial statements, and lead implementation Develop and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures Advise on structuring revenue streams and contracts to optimize revenue recognition and operational efficiency Act as an escalation point for day-to-day accounting issues, driving practical resolutions that balance commercial needs with risk mitigation Special Projects M&A Due Diligence and Integration: Lead accounting and reporting workstreams in due diligence and drive Finance integration for acquired businesses, including OTC process planning ERP Integration: Serve as a key stakeholder in systems migration, partnering with Technology and third-party providers from requirements gathering through go-live Other Execute and maintain internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirements Develop, manage, mentor, and coach accounting team members, fostering a high-performance culture through ongoing feedback, professional growth opportunities, and succession planning Build strong relationships across peers, stakeholders, and team members to support a high-performing, collaborative environment Continuously simplify processes and optimize technology use to deliver cost-effective, high-quality finance services Required Skills Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting or Finance CPA required 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience including 3+ years in SEC reporting at a US-listed company Big 4 public accounting experience combined with a corporate accounting background strongly preferred Deep knowledge of US GAAP and SOX internal controls Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles, including experience with complex transactions Experience with financial systems; proficiency in SEC reporting tools such as Workiva preferred Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail Track record of leading large-scale, cross-functional projects and driving change Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, policy drafting, financial narrative writing, and workflow efficiency Advanced Excel and Google Suite skills Collaborative, approachable, and self-directed with a strong sense of ownership Clear, effective communicator — written and verbal In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. In addition to base salary, som