Director, Global Accounting (CPA)

About us- Cognex is the largest, most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong, international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of what’s being seen. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, guided by our "Work Hard, Play Hard, Move Fast" culture, which celebrates employee innovation, determination, and dedication in a dynamic, fun, and distinctive atmosphere.

We are working on a hybrid schedule, 3 days in the office, 2 at home.

The Role:

The Director, Global Accounting role is responsible for overseeing the global end-to-end RTR process, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting while driving the evolution of the finance operating model toward a digitally enabled, data-driven, and increasingly autonomous future state. This role oversees global accounting operations including general ledger accounting, intercompany accounting, consolidation, reconciliations, statutory compliance, and financial reporting, while also leading transformation initiatives focused on standardization, automation, scalability, operational excellence, and AI-enabled finance processes.

The Director will play a key leadership role in shaping the future-state finance organization by leveraging automation, advanced analytics, intelligent workflows, and emerging technologies including AI and GenAI capabilities to modernize the close and reporting environment.

This position partners closely with IT, FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Legal, and Shared Services teams to ensure alignment between finance operations, strategic priorities, and technology transformation initiatives.

The role requires a strong combination of technical accounting expertise, operational leadership, digital transformation capability, and strategic vision.

Essential Functions:

Global RTR Leadership & Controllership

• Lead a global team of accounting professionals responsible for the end-to-end RTR process, including:

  • General ledger accounting

  • Intercompany accounting

  • Group consolidation

  • Financial reporting

  • Account reconciliations

  • Fixed assets

  • Journal entry governance

  • Statutory reporting compliance

• Oversee the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end accounting close processes, ensuring all financial data is accurately reported in accordance with US GAAP and applicable statutory requirements

• Ensure timely completion and review of account reconciliations, including root cause identification and resolution of reconciling items

• Oversee statutory financial statement preparation and regulatory filing compliance across global entities

• Manage coordination of internal and external audit activities and ensure successful audit outcomes

• Maintain and strengthen robust internal controls and governance frameworks to ensure the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements

• Support integration of acquired businesses into global RTR systems, processes, and controls

Finance Transformation & Digital Enablement

• Lead the digital transformation of the global RTR function, including the adoption of automation, AI/GenAI capabilities, workflow technologies, and intelligent close solutions

• Develop and execute a future-state RTR operating model focused on simplification, standardization, scalability, automation, and operational excellence

• Partner with IT and Finance leadership teams to identify and implement opportunities to modernize accounting processes and improve user experience

• Champion the responsible use of AI and automation within finance operations while ensuring strong governance, transparency, auditability, and regulatory compliance

Operational Excellence & Global Partnership

• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and SLAs to measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of the RTR process

• Partner with Shared Services, FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Legal, Employee Services, and Commercial finance teams to ensure alignment of finance operations with broader business objectives

• Act as a strategic advisor to senior finance leadership regarding RTR operations, transformation priorities, risks, and opportunities

• Drive organizational change management and adoption of new technologies, processes, and ways of working across global teams

• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and continuous improvement culture across the global RTR organization

• Mentor and develop finance talent, strengthening organizational capability and succession planning within the RTR function

Management Structure:

• RTR Global Process Owner

• Americas RTR Finance Manager

• Europe RTR Finance Manager

• Asia RTR Finance Manager

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong technical accounting skills and knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS, and other relevant financial reporting standards

• Proven experience leading global RTR operations within a multinational, fast-paced environment

• Strong understanding of digital finance transformation trends, including AI/GenAI applications within finance operations

• Experience leading finance transformation, ERP modernization, shared services, or automation initiatives

• Strong data literacy with the ability to leverage operational and financial data to drive insights and process optimization

• Ability to balance strong controllership and compliance requirements with innovation and transformation objectives

• Excellent global leadership abilities with success building a positive team culture and developing talent

• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization

• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and drive adoption of new technologies and operating models

• Strategic mindset with the ability to envision and execute a future-state finance organization

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment

• Demonstrated high ethical standards and commitment to compliance, governance, and transparency

Minimum education and work experience required:

• B.S. degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• Professional accounting qualification required (CPA required; ACA, ACCA, or equivalent qualifications will also be considered).

• 10+ years of progressive RTR, controllership, or global finance operations experience

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing global accounting or shared services teams

• Experience working within multinational organizations with complex global operations

• Experience with ERP systems, financial reporting platforms, and finance transformation technologies

• Experience leading or supporting finance automation and digital transformation initiatives preferred

• Ability to travel internationally

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.

A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is $160,000.00 - 241,000.00 USD Annual. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance or a sales incentive plan.  

This position is also eligible for equity under the Cognex Equity Program.

This position provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching; employer-paid disability, family leave, life insurance, paid time off (including holidays), optional voluntary benefits, and recognition and wellness programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cognex is an equal opportunity employer. Cognex evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.