Chief Accounting Officer

Chief Accounting Officer
Our client, a leading financial services organization, has begun the process of going public and is seeking a Chief Accounting Officer to lead its accounting function through this transition and beyond. This executive will play a central role in preparing the organization for public company reporting, establishing a strong internal control environment, and building an accounting team equipped to support its next stage of growth.
The ideal candidate brings deep technical accounting expertise, extensive experience in SOX environments, and the ability to turn complex reporting requirements into clear processes that work across the business. Experience taking a financial services company or bank public is strongly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Lead public company accounting readiness
Develop and execute the accounting and financial reporting workstreams for the company’s transition to public ownership.
Lead preparation of financial statements, supporting schedules, accounting disclosures, and other materials required for the public company process.
Partner closely with executive leadership, legal counsel, external auditors, and other advisers to meet transaction and reporting milestones.
Establish policies and procedures that support accurate, timely, and consistent reporting as a public company.
Build a strong control environment
Lead the design, documentation, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting.
Drive SOX readiness and compliance, including risk assessments, process documentation, control testing, and remediation.
Identify gaps in current processes and systems, then implement practical improvements that can scale with the organization.
Own accounting and financial reporting
Oversee the general ledger, month-end and year-end close, consolidations, technical accounting, and external financial reporting.
Serve as the organization’s senior accounting authority on complex transactions and significant accounting judgments.
Manage the annual audit process and maintain strong relationships with external auditors.
Ensure accounting practices align with U.S. GAAP and applicable reporting requirements.
Develop the team and partner across the business
Assess the accounting organization’s capabilities and build the team needed to support public company requirements.
Set clear standards for accuracy, accountability, and timely execution.
Work across finance and other functions to improve the quality of financial information and strengthen reporting processes.
Qualifications
Active CPA license required.
Extensive accounting leadership experience in a SOX compliant, public company environment.
Strong command of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, audit requirements, and public company financial reporting.
Demonstrated experience leading complex accounting projects and managing relationships with auditors, advisers, and senior executives.
Experience building or improving accounting processes, controls, and teams during a period of significant organizational change.
Financial services or banking experience strongly preferred.
Direct experience helping take a financial services company or bank public strongly preferred.
Location and Compensation
This role requires relocation to the company’s headquarters location. Relocation assistance will be provided. Our client offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the scope of the position and the candidate’s experience.

Work arrangement
Yes