**About Us** Sparks is a live + digital brand experience agency. We specialize in creating connection–-real human connection–-onsite, online, or anywhere. Through a mix of sound strategy, breakthrough creative and flawless execution, we create memorable trade show exhibits, live and virtual events, brand activations, retail stores, corporate environments and other immersive experiences that deepen relationships, inspire action, and build trust--and we do it all over the world. **Summary** We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Director of Cost Accounting to join our accounting team. This pivotal role involves playing a key part in the Sparks’ project costing, revenue recognition, and month-end closing process under the guidance of the VP, Controller. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the cost accounting team, monitoring the progress of projects, investigating variances, reviewing expenses, and ensuring that project billings are issued to customers. This position will support our Accounting team. It is eligible to work a hybrid schedule, generally requiring work in-office 2-3 days per week. This position is based out of Philadelphia, PA. **Essential Duties & Responsibilities** + Lead and manage the cost accounting team, guiding workload distribution and removing obstacles to ensure efficient operations. + Gain a comprehensive understanding of the costing system to accurately accumulate costs. + Enhance team productivity by developing and implementing key performance indicators (KPIs). + Document and streamline cost accounting processes for greater efficiency. + Collaborate with the Account Management team/AEs to ensure accurate and timely job closures. + Identify and implement opportunities to improve margins on jobs. + Participate in the month-end closing process, including project closeouts for period end. + Ensure compliance with accounting policies and internal controls. + Provide value-added reporting and insights for leadership to support decision-making. + Ensure timely and appropriate expense accruals to projects. + Monitor and approve transfers of expenses into and out of specific project accounts or job numbers. + Verify the completeness of all transactions posting to project accounts, including labor, materials, and add-ons. + Confer with receivables staff regarding unpaid billings. + Compile and provide necessary information for external auditors. + Foster close, supportive, and professional relationships with other Corporate Departments, including HR, Accounting and Finance, Account Management, Account Directors, and IT. + Develop in-depth knowledge of various business processes and understand their impact on transactional systems. Where automation is lacking, ensure manual processes with proper controls and documentation support accounting and finance. + Assist the accounting manager with analyses of key balance sheet GL accounts and the sorting and analyzing of quarterly/annual sales budgets. + Undertake other duties as assigned to support the finance team. **Education & Experience** + Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting required. + A minimum of 5 years of experience in the accounting field. + Proven ability to manage a team and create an atmosphere of trust and integrity. + Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong customer service focus. + Ability to communicate accounting and financial information effectively to various stakeholders. **What We Offer** Freeman provides benefits that aim to empower our people and their families to thrive mentally, physically, and financially. These are a handful of the types of programs and benefits our full-time people may be eligible for. There may be some variances in specific benefits across regions. + Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance + Tuition Reimbursement + Paid Parental Leave + Life, Accident and Disability + Retirement with Company Match + Paid Time Off **Diversity Commitment** At Freeman, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is helping us to create not only a great place to work, but also an environment where our employees, our customers and our communities around the world can reach their goals and connect with each other. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status and other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. \#LI-Hybrid