Accounting Business Partner Leader

Accountability: The Accounting Business Partner Leader is accountable for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting, financial close activities, and compliance with U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and company policies. This role develops a high-performing team that serves as both a financial steward and strategic business partner, delivering meaningful insights, driving continuous improvement, strengthening financial processes and controls, and supporting informed decision-making across the organization. Success is measured by the quality of financial reporting, effectiveness of business partnership, operational improvements, and the team's ability to support company objectives and profitable growth.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of Accounting Business Partners responsible for the financial and managerial reporting, month-end close, internal controls, and strategic business support for their assigned entities.
• Owner of the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes for total company, ensuring accurate financial statements, timely reporting, and compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Review and approve accounting workpapers and manual journal entries while driving continuous improvement in month-end close processes, controls, and procedures.
• Serve as the primary leader and coach for the Accounting Business Partner function, establishing expectations that extend beyond transactional accounting to proactive financial partnership and operational support.
• Partner with business & finance leaders to provide financial insights, performance analysis, and strategic guidance that support profitability, growth, capital allocation, and operational decision-making.
• Review and challenge financial results, forecasts, budgets, and key performance indicators, identifying risks, opportunities, trends, and drivers of business performance.
• Promote a segment Controller mindset across the team, fostering ownership of financial results, accountability for balance sheet integrity, and a deep understanding of operational activities and business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to financial reporting, business processes, internal controls, systems, and management reporting to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with Operations, Commercial, Procurement, and Executive Leadership, serving as a trusted advisor and ensuring alignment between financial objectives and business strategies.
• Research complex accounting matters and emerging U.S. GAAP requirements, providing recommendations and supporting the implementation of new accounting standards, policies, and disclosures.
• Oversee external financial statement audits by maintaining audit-ready documentation, coordinating audit deliverables, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring the timely completion of audit requirements.
• Assists FP&A, Tax, Legal, and Risk Management with information requests, as needed.

Specialized or Technical Knowledge, or Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is strongly preferred; Finance or a closely related business discipline will be considered.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience required; 10+ years preferred for Director-level consideration.
• Prior leadership experience managing and developing accounting professionals required.
• Experience interpreting and applying U.S. GAAP and preparing financial statements is required.
• Experience partnering with operational leaders and providing financial analysis to support business decision-making preferred.
• Public accounting experience is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential. Organization, problem-solving, and analytical skills will also allow a candidate to be successful in this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Limited lifting, no greater than 20 pounds in the movement of office materials and equipment. 
• Hand and finger dexterity for use of keyboard skills

Environmental Conditions: Performs duties in an indoor administrative office environment.

Job Dimensions: Performs Financial Reporting functions for an organization with multiple legal entities operating in different lines of business.  Position interfaces with and supports all levels of management and personnel across companies.  Responsibilities are performed with moderate degree of independence under general supervision.

R.J. Corman Railroad is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) that is committed to a safe and drug free workplace. R.J. Corman performs pre-employment criminal background checks and substance abuse testing which includes a urine drug test to detect the presence of illegal drugs. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping R.J. Corman a safe and drug free company.