Sr. Director, Operations Finance Controller; CAO Track

Overview

Korn Ferry is proud to partner exclusively with our client—a global, publicly traded manufacturer recognized as a market leader in its industry—to recruit their next Sr. Director, Operations Financial Controller (CAO Track). This corporate-level role is based in the Greater Minneapolis area
. Our client’s products are sold and distributed in multiple countries across the globe.

Reporting to the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) and overseeing a global team of 20+, this role will direct worldwide accounting and reporting while ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of all financial operations across NA, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions.

This visible role is a critical hire to succeed the CAO
. Our client is seeking a forward-thinking accounting leader who is passionate about transformation, technology, and driving operational excellence in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in global manufacturing, strong analytical and communication skills, executive presence, and the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.

Join our client for the opportunity to make a significant impact at a critical time of growth!

• Greater Minneapolis area (3 days in-office / open for relocation)

• Act as a strategic finance partner to Business Unit GM's, building trusted relationships and delivering actionable insights that drive operational and financial performance.
• Oversee accurate and timely month-end close processes across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM, ensuring compliance and efficiency at both regional and location levels.
• Lead global initiatives to standardize accounting processes, optimize ERP systems, and implement automation for improved accuracy and speed.
• Review and analyze general ledger activity to maintain integrity of account balances and provide meaningful business insights.
• Drive integration efforts for acquisitions and legacy platforms, partnering cross-functionally to ensure smooth transitions and system alignment.
• Design and implement robust internal controls to meet U.S. GAAP, SOX, and local statutory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Corporate Controllership team on policy interpretation, revisions, and compliance strategies.
• Champion technology adoption—including AI and machine learning—to transform financial operations and reporting.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing global accounting team of 20+, fostering growth through training, coaching, and career development opportunities.
• Support financial and operational due diligence for acquisition targets and contribute to statutory reporting efficiency.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives that enhance global finance capabilities.

• An undergraduate degree and CPA are required, an MBA or equivalent Master’s degree is an asset.
• 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience, including Big 4 public accounting and global operations.
• Prior experience as Assistant Controller or Controller in a public company environment.
• Proven success managing shared service models and leading large, geographically dispersed teams.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX compliance, internal control frameworks, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Advanced proficiency working with ERP systems —SAP implementation experience is a strong asset.
• Strong Microsoft skills, especially Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) is a plus.
• Experience driving process automation and leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and machine learning in accounting operations.
• Exceptional ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills to partner effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a track record of implementing scalable, efficient processes.