Chief Accounting Officer

Job Description

Location: Cebu, Philippines

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is a key executive leader responsible for driving the financial integrity, strategic direction, and operational excellence of the organization's finance and accounting functions. This role oversees end-to-end financial management, including statutory reporting, compliance, internal controls, and strategic financial planning across all entities within the enterprise.

The CAO holds ultimate accountability for the preparation and accuracy of IFRS-compliant financial statements, group reporting, and adherence to global accounting standards. This includes leading and empowering finance teams across multiple geographies, ensuring robust governance, and fostering a culture of transparency and performance excellence.

As a strategic partner, the CAO provides critical financial insights to support business decisions, drives transformation initiatives, and ensures harmonization of processes across the organization. The role also champions compliance with regulatory requirements, corporate policies, and ethical standards, while proactively managing financial risks and supporting audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Stewardship: Lead the preparation, review, and submission of accurate financial statements in accordance with IFRS and local GAAP.

• Strategic Leadership: Oversee global accounting operations and provide high-level financial guidance to the executive board.

• Compliance & Governance: Ensure strict adherence to Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) standards, tax regulations, and corporate legislation.

• Process Transformation: Drive the harmonization and implementation of accounting processes within an international shared services environment.

• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison for internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings.

• Team Empowerment: Manage and mentor finance leaders across multiple regions to ensure a high-performing and unified global finance function.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field CPA or equivalent certification is highly preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in accounting and financial management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of accounting principles (ICFR, Local/IFRS GAAP, tax, and legislation).

• Industry Knowledge: In-depth market know-how of MPC/MOC operations within the automotive industry.

• Systems: Proficiency in financial software and enterprise tools (specifically SAP Finance, reporting packages, and advanced communication tools).

• Global Mindset: Proven experience in process harmonization in an international environment ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic setting.

• Communication: Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Languages: Fluent in English. Proficiency in German or any local language of assigned markets is considered a significant added value.