New

Senior Director of Accounting

Vaco
$85.00 - $100.00 / hr
United States, New York, New York
Feb 20, 2026
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 Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.