Chief Accountant

Job description

The Chief Accountant is responsible for leading the accounting function in Brazil, ensuring compliance with Brazilian accounting standards, tax regulations, labor legislation, and the company's global financial policies. This role plays a critical part in maintaining accurate financial records, delivering timely month-end closings, supporting audits, and partnering with internal stakeholders to ensure strong financial governance.

An ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong technical accounting expertise, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to build efficient accounting processes in a fast-paced, international environment.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure accurate bookkeeping and compliance with Brazilian GAAP (CPC) and IFRS reporting requirements. Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. Manage month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring deadlines are met. Perform account reconciliations and maintain the integrity of the general ledger. Ensure compliance with all Brazilian accounting, tax, labor, and corporate regulations. Coordinate statutory obligations and reporting requirements.

Support tax calculations and filings alongside external providers. Coordinate internal and external audits. Ensure documentation is complete and audit-ready. Strengthen internal controls and identify process improvement opportunities. Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures. Supervise Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets, and General Ledger activities. Review accounting entries and ensure financial accuracy.

Support payroll accounting and reconciliation with HR and payroll providers. Monitor cash flow from an accounting perspective. Partner with Finance, HR, Operations, Procurement, and Global Finance teams. Provide accounting guidance to business stakeholders. Support budgeting and forecasting activities. Lead and develop the local accounting team. Establish KPIs and ensure high-quality service delivery. Foster a culture of compliance, accountability, and collaboration.

Qualifications

Strong knowledge of Brazilian accounting standards (CPC) and IFRS. 8+ years of accounting experience and active CRC registration. 3+ years in a leadership position. Experience in multinational or shared service environments. Solid understanding of Brazilian tax and labor legislation. Experience with external audits. Experience with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, NetSuite, Dynamics, or similar). Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Excellent communication and stakeholder management. Business partnering mindset. Continuous improvement and process optimization orientation. High ethical standards and integrity.