Guidepost montessori

Director of Accounting, Audit and Tax

Austin, Texas Full Time

We're hiring a proven leader to serve as Director of Accounting, Audit and Tax in the Austin, Texas area.

About Us

Guidepost Global Education (GGE) is a leading provider of world-class education and the world’s largest Montessori network, operating more than 100 schools across the United States and Asia under the Guidepost Montessori brand. We are mission-driven, growth-oriented, and deeply committed to building teams that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and educators.

About the Role

We’re hiring a proven leader to serve as Director of Accounting, Audit & Tax, with primary ownership of our audit and financial reporting functions and oversight of tax coordination. This role is ideal for a hands-on accounting leader who thrives in complex environments, can independently research and apply GAAP, and is comfortable owning the full audit lifecycle from planning through issuance.

As a key member of the Finance team, you will partner closely with Accounting Operations and FP&A, balancing strategic oversight with deep technical execution. This position reports directly to the CFO (U.S.).

Core Competency: Audit & GAAP Ownership

The #1 competency for success in this role is the ability to fully own the audit and GAAP compliance function. This goes beyond managing auditors and timelines.

You will:

  • Prepare all audit-related schedules and respond directly to auditor requests
  • Independently research and implement accounting guidance from FASB and other standard setters
  • Draft formal accounting memos and internal policies
  • Produce complete GAAP financial statements, including required disclosures
  • Serve as the primary technical accounting resource for the organization

Experience leading or playing a central role in major accounting implementations—such as ASC 842 (lease accounting) or ASC 606 (revenue recognition) is strongly preferred.

On the tax side, this role requires ownership and coordination, not in-house preparation. You will:

  • Understand key book-to-tax differences
  • Prepare schedules and documentation for external tax advisors
  • Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across jurisdictions
  • Independently research issues and manage deadlines

Deep tax specialization is not required; strong GAAP expertise, attention to detail, and independence are critical.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee the monthly close process and financial reporting
  • Own and manage the external audit process end-to-end
  • Prepare GAAP financial statements and disclosures
  • Research and implement new accounting guidance and business activities
  • Draft accounting policies and technical memos
  • Coordinate global, multi-entity consolidation
  • Partner with external accounting and tax firms to maintain compliance
  • Supervise and develop the Financial Reporting team
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Accounting Operations and FP&A

Our Ideal Candidate Will Possess

  • Experience leading teams of accounting professionals
  • Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP and technical accounting research
  • CPA and/or CMA designation
  • Experience with accounting systems (e.g., Sage Intacct)
  • Experience with multi-entity consolidation, ideally including international operations
  • Strong ownership mindset and comfort working independently
  • Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution
  • Alignment with our mission and values

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience guiding a company through an IPO
  • Audit experience at a Big 4 firm
  • Prior ownership of ASC 842, ASC 606, or similar major pronouncements

Location

Based in or willing to relocate to Austin, Texas, where we are headquartered.

 

Ready to make an impact?
Submit your application today and help shape the financial foundation of a mission-driven, high-growth organization.

 

Guidepost Global Education and Guidepost Montessori are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We will not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Our leadership is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy. When requested, we are committed to reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities or special needs that may require an accommodation.