Cars Commerce is an audience-driven technology company empowering automotive that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars. The Cars Commerce platform includes the flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site Cars.com, innovative digital marketing technology and services from Dealer Inspire, industry-leading trade-in and appraisal technology from AccuTrade, an exclusive in-market media network, and powerful and predictive AI technologies that enable more efficient and profitable retail operations. Cars Commerce is the essential partner to stay one step ahead in automotive.

Cars Commerce

The platform to simplify car buying and selling

Be Essential At Cars Commerce

At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry.

No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable.

But don't take our word for it. We are proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S. Ready to make your mark? Join a team that's driving real change in the automotive industry.

About The Role

CARS is seeking a Director, Accounting and Reporting to lead our Accounting and SEC Reporting teams. Reporting to the Assistant Controller and directly managing a team of 5, this role owns day-to-day external financial reporting, SEC compliance, US GAAP adherence, and SOX controls for a publicly traded company. If you are a strong technical accountant with proven management experience in a public company environment - someone who partners effectively across Finance, Legal, and Investor Relations to deliver accurate, timely external disclosures, this role is for you!

Please note this role is based in Chicago in a hybrid schedule (expected to work at the office at least once a week).

Responsibilities

Accounting and SEC Reporting

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with US GAAPOversee preparation and filing of all SEC reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and other required regulatory filingsCoordinate with internal and external auditors on quarterly reviews and the annual audit

Technical Accounting

Serve as the primary technical accounting resource, researching and documenting complex accounting issues including revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, leases, and business combinationsOwn and maintain the company's ASC 606 revenue recognition framework, including technical accounting memos, SSP analyses, and principal vs. agent assessments, while partnering with Sales, Legal, and FP&A to evaluate deal structures, identify performance obligations, and ensure timely documentation of key judgmentsMonitor FASB and SEC pronouncements, assess their impact on financial statements, and lead implementationDevelop and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and proceduresAdvise on structuring revenue streams and contracts to optimize revenue recognition and operational efficiencyAct as an escalation point for day-to-day accounting issues, driving practical resolutions that balance commercial needs with risk mitigation

Special Projects

M&A Due Diligence and Integration: Lead accounting and reporting workstreams in due diligence and drive Finance integration for acquired businesses, including OTC process planningERP Integration: Serve as a key stakeholder in systems migration, partnering with Technology and third-party providers from requirements gathering through go-live

Other

Execute and maintain internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirementsDevelop, manage, mentor, and coach accounting team members, fostering a high-performance culture through ongoing feedback, professional growth opportunities, and succession planningBuild strong relationships across peers, stakeholders, and team members to support a high-performing, collaborative environmentContinuously simplify processes and optimize technology use to deliver cost-effective, high-quality finance services

Required Skills

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Accounting or FinanceCPA required10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience including 3+ years in SEC reporting at a US-listed companyBig 4 public accounting experience combined with a corporate accounting background strongly preferredDeep knowledge of US GAAP and SOX internal controlsStrong understanding of revenue recognition principles, including experience with complex transactionsExperience with financial systems; proficiency in SEC reporting tools such as Workiva preferredExceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detailTrack record of leading large-scale, cross-functional projects and driving changeAbility to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environmentProficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, policy drafting, financial narrative writing, and workflow efficiencyAdvanced Excel and Google Suite skillsCollaborative, approachable, and self-directed with a strong sense of ownershipClear, effective communicator — written and verbal

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. In addition to base salary, some roles are eligible for our bonus and/or equity programs, depending on level and role. Regular full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package. If you are hired at Cars Commerce, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills and/or experience. If the salary range is close to what you're seeking, then we encourage you to apply and learn more about the total compensation package for this position.

Salary Range

$154,200.00-192,750.00

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes

Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare PlansNew Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-UpGenerous PTOPaid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day

Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages!

For US-based Positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Applicants: Click here to review our Privacy Policy for Applicants. For current employees, please click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Employees.

Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting

What the job involves