Sr. Director, Asset Accounting

The Sr. Director, Asset Accounting is a strategic finance leader responsible for the global accounting strategy, governance, operations, and transactional execution for inventory, fixed assets, real estate, and freight/logistics accounting processes. This role leads global teams responsible for ensuring accurate accounting, compliance, financial reporting, account reconciliations, operational analytics, and continuous process improvement across all asset-related accounting activities. The position partners closely with Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, Real Estate, and Sherwin Business Services (SBS) leadership to drive standardization, automation, strong internal controls, and operational excellence while ensuring compliance with accounting policies and regulatory requirements. 

This position is not hybrid/remote and will be located at our Global Headquarters in Cleveland, OH. 

Because this role involves access to confidential financial information, the Company has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and to provide similar protections for its clients and potential investments.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS 

1. Lead Global Asset Accounting Strategy and Governance

• Establish and execute the global strategy for Inventory Accounting, Fixed Asset Accounting, Real Estate Accounting, and Freight/Logistics Accounting in alignment with enterprise financial objectives.
• Provide enterprise-wide leadership and governance over asset accounting processes, ensuring consistency, scalability, and operational excellence across all regions.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, standards, and procedures related to inventory valuation, fixed assets, capital expenditures, lease and real estate accounting, and logistics accounting activities.
• Serve as the senior accounting leader and escalation point for asset-related accounting, operational, compliance, and system issues.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a global organization of Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and finance professionals across multiple geographies and time zones.

2. Oversee Global Inventory Accounting and Working Capital Reporting

• Direct global inventory accounting activities, including inventory valuation, reserves, account reconciliations, close processes, financial reporting, and related balance sheet governance.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory accounting across manufacturing, distribution, and operating locations globally.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance leadership to develop working capital analytics, inventory reporting, and performance metrics that support strategic decision-making.
• Oversee inventory-related accounting controls and ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as executive liaison with Internal and External Audit teams on inventory accounting matters.

3. Direct Fixed Asset and Real Estate Accounting

• Provide strategic oversight of enterprise fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, disposals, transfers, and capital project accounting.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of fixed asset subledgers, reconciliations, and financial reporting across the global organization.
• Direct global real estate accounting activities, including accounting governance, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Partner with Corporate Real Estate, Operations, and Finance leadership to support asset investment decisions, asset utilization initiatives, and long-range planning activities.
• Oversee accounting policies and controls related to fixed assets, leased assets, and real estate transactions.

4. Lead Freight and Logistics Accounting

• Provide strategic oversight for freight and logistics accounting processes, including freight accruals, transportation accounting, distribution accounting, and related financial reporting activities.
• Oversee accounting and reconciliation of transportation and distribution-related accounts to ensure financial accuracy and completeness.
• Partner with Logistics, Supply Chain, and Operations leadership to improve visibility into freight spending, distribution costs, and logistics-related financial performance.
• Direct financial governance over key logistics accounting processes and relationships supporting transportation and distribution operations.
• Ensure effective financial controls, reporting, and compliance across logistics accounting activities globally.

5. Ensure Financial Controls, Compliance, and Audit Readiness

• Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment across all asset accounting processes, ensuring compliance with SOX requirements, corporate policies, and applicable accounting standards.
• Monitor control effectiveness and implement enhancements that reduce risk and improve operational efficiency.
• Lead global audit support activities related to inventory, fixed assets, real estate, and logistics accounting.
• Ensure timely identification, escalation, and resolution of accounting, compliance, and operational risks.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

6. Drive Transformation, Analytics, and Continuous Improvement

• Lead the modernization and optimization of asset accounting processes through automation, standardization, and technology-enabled solutions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators and operational metrics to measure organizational effectiveness and service delivery.
• Partner with Finance Transaction Systems and business stakeholders to implement process and system enhancements that improve efficiency, data quality, and scalability.
• Develop and distribute analytical reporting that supports executive decision-making and operational excellence.
• Identify opportunities to improve asset visibility, optimize working capital, strengthen governance, and enhance financial performance across the enterprise.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting
• 12+ years of demonstrated Finance leadership experience with a focus on aligned process area and business partnership
• Experience in aligned process areas across the globe (e.g., Inventory Accounting, Fixed Asset Accounting, Real Estate Accounting, Freight/Logistics Accounting, etc.) 
• Experience leading teams in a customer-centric project environment and transactional activities in a tiered operating model
• Experience with relevant technologies (e.g., Oracle, OneStream, Data Services, POS, etc.)
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future for employment visa status 
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age

Preferred:

• Masters degree in Finance or Accounting, CPA

• CFA/MBA

• 10+ years of people management experience preferred

Travel: 20%