Chief Accounting Officer

Our client is seeking a high-impact CAO to serve as a strategic architect for their financial operations. Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a pivotal leadership appointment for an established financial services firm currently undergoing a period of aggressive scaling. We aren’t looking for a traditional caretaker; we need a transformative leader who will act as the CFO’s right hand—possessing the operational tenacity to overhaul legacy workflows and the interpersonal influence to guide a talented team through significant cultural and technological shifts. This high-visibility role demands a unique "player-coach" who can seamlessly pivot between high-level fiscal strategy and the granular mechanics of automation. Working in lockstep with executive leadership, you will be the primary driver of change—integrating sophisticated automation tools, sharpening internal controls, and mentoring staff to ensure the accounting function’s not just keeping pace with growth, but actively accelerating it. If you have a proven managerial pedigree and the vision to build a world-class, tech-forward infrastructure, this is your opportunity to define the future of an industry leader. Key Responsibilities Direct all accounting operations including the month-end close process, Financial Reporting, and the preparation of GAAP-compliant financial statements. Serve as the definitive internal expert on US GAAP; proactively structuring, evaluating, and documenting the accounting framework for complex private equity-backed transactions, including M&A activity, debt financing, and revenue optimization. Own the production of internal and external financial reporting packages, including footnote disclosures and GAAP checklists, ensuring 100% accuracy and compliance. Continuously evaluate and improve the general ledger structure and accounting workflows. Lead the implementation of automation within the ERP to simplify and standardize the close cycle. Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors; manage the PBC list, drive timely resolution of technical accounting inquiries, and ensure a "no-surprises" audit cycle. Develop, document, and maintain corporate accounting policies. Establish a robust control environment that ensures data integrity and protects company assets. Support FP&A, Treasury, and Legal on ad-hoc projects, including capital raises, M&A due diligence, and specialized financial analysis. Qualifications 10+ years of accounting experience, ideally starting in a Big 4/Large National firm followed by significant "hands-on" private industry experience in a Professional/Financial services or high-growth environment . You have a deep, practical understanding of US GAAP. You don't just know the rules; you know how to apply them to real-world business scenarios. You have a proven track record of managing teams and mentoring staff to meet critical deadlines without sacrificing quality. Highly proficient in ERP systems and financial reporting tools; you look for ways to use technology to eliminate manual work. You possess the interpersonal skills to work effectively across all levels of the organization and the ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-accounting stakeholders. BS in Accounting and a CPA. #J-18808-Ljbffr