Debs, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Kelly Services, was selected by Execrank as a Top Chief Accounting Officer for 2012. The rankings are the result of two years of research and feedback from evaluation committees and top Chief Accounting Officers on their performance in 24 key areas. The number one area of focus for Top CAOs in 2012 was their role in maintaining financial controls and adherence to increasingly difficult reporting compliance. The CAOs that made this list represent the best of the best in their field.
There are over 30,000 Chief Accounting Officers and Controllers in the United States. Only the very best are awarded the distinction of being a part of ExecRank's "Top Chief Accounting Rankings" for 2012.
Kelly Services is a leader in providing workforce solutions—Debs is responsible for overseeing all finance systems and controls, all corporate accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting activities for Kelly globally.
Prior to joining Kelly in 2000 as vice president and corporate controller, Debs was employed by Chrysler Corporation and Deloitte &Touche. In 2005, he was promoted to senior vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer. In 2008, he served as interim chief financial officer. Later that same year, he was named to his current position
From his experience at Kelly, Debs has some solid advice for students. For future accountants, Debs encourages graduates to seek their first job at a large firm because 25 years down the road, a resume with large firm experience is much more noteworthy than one without. He also estimates that there is going to be a major shortage of engineers and scientists in the near future, simply because more are retiring than entering the market.
Above all else, Debs believes employees with integrity, those who are ethical—will seldom find their credibility in doubt.
EXECRANK—TOP CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICERS 2012