Joe Friedl

About Joe Friedl

I’m a senior accounting leader with more than 30 years of experience guiding financial operations, compliance, and reporting across complex, global organizations. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building strong, people-centered accounting teams that deliver accuracy, transparency, and insight to help organizations achieve their goals.As Director of Global Accounting & Reporting at Cengage Learning, I lead cross-functional teams across the U.S. and India, ensuring integrity in global close, U.S. GAAP compliance, and financial stewardship. I’m known for creating collaborative environments where people thrive, processes improve, and results follow.Earlier in my career with Deloitte & Touche, I gained exposure to a broad range of industries — including nonprofit and public sector organizations — which shaped my enduring appreciation for mission-driven work and ethical financial management.I’m passionate about fostering trust through sound accounting practices, mentoring the next generation of finance professionals, and contributing to organizations that make a meaningful impact — whether in education, sustainability, or community advancement.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: Stabilized a team whose tenure ranged from zero to six months. Led General Accounting segment of RTR track of SAP implementation, minimizing customization by utilizing standard SAP framework. Led implementation of Blackline task and reconciliation modules. Partnered with Royalty Team to enhance 1042 withholdings of foreign authors and improve prepaid royalty processes. Led multiple T&E system implementations including Extensity and Concur. Led Accounts Payable imaging a workflow solution resulting in 50% reduction of AP staff. Led multi-function outsourcing initiative resulting in over $1M annual savings.INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE:Experience in Publishing, Education including Ed-Tech, Service Sector, Construction, Investment Company, Manufacturing, Not-for-Profit

Experience

1. Director, Global Accounting & Reporting

   Cengage

   Aug 2022 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

   Lead global accounting and reporting functions, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and international standards across a multinational organization. Strengthen internal controls, streamline global close, and drive consistency across regions. Collaborate closely with Cognizant teams in India to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and cross-cultural alignment. Build a values-driven, high-performing team culture grounded in trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Lead and mentor team with tenure ranging from zero to six months to become high performing, well respected team. Workforce Enablement Lead for RTR track of multinational SAP implementation, redesigning processes to align with standard SAP. Liaise with multiple functional areas due to the far-reaching scope of RTR.

Education

• Thomas More University

  BS, Accountancy

Skills

• Software Implementation Management
• Auditing
• Project Management
• Tax Accounting
• Reporting & Analysis
• Financial Reporting
• Small Business
• Business Process Improvement
• Solution Implementation
• Accounting
• Financial Analysis
• Leadership
• Ad Hoc Reporting
• T&E
• Finance
• Accounts Payable
• Cpa
• Extensity
• Microsoft Excel
• Jd Edwards
• General Ledger
• Tax
• Concur
• Financial Accounting
• Process Improvement