Associate Director, Accounting and M&A

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.Reporting to the Firm Controller, the Associate Director – Technical Accounting & M&A is a high-impact role, serving as the subject matter expert for complex accounting issues and acquisition-related accounting. This position serves as a key advisor to Controllership and Finance leadership, providing technical accounting guidance that directly influences accounting policy, financial reporting outcomes, and the design of scalable accounting processes. The role has primary responsibility for supporting and executing accounting across strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other non-routine activities. This includes leading purchase accounting (ASC 805), evaluating complex transaction structures, and ensuring conclusions are well-supported, operationalized, and aligned with U.S. GAAP. In addition, this role plays a critical role in advancing the Company’s technical accounting posture more broadly, with a strong focus on revenue recognition (ASC 606) and other complex areas. This role is ideal for a collaborative, technically strong accounting professional who communicates effectively across stakeholders and can navigate complex transactions while delivering clear, well-supported accounting outcomes.Key Responsibilities:Lead technical accounting research, providing guidance on complex accounting matters and ensuring positions are clearly documented and supportable under U.S. GAAP.Own technical accounting for revenue recognition (ASC 606), including evaluation of complex arrangements and evolving business models, while ensuring policies are clearly defined, consistently applied, and effectively embedded across the organization.Drive accounting execution for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions.Integrate acquired entities into the company’s accounting and reporting environment. Align acquired companies’ accounting policies with corporate standards, incorporate opening balance sheets into consolidation, and ensure a smooth transition of close processes, controls, and systems post-acquisition.Drive accounting policy development and enhancements, building scalable processes and maintaining documentation aligned with U.S. GAAP.Partner with Corporate Development, Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders to provide accounting insights during transactions and ensure a consistent understanding of accounting treatments. Support the deal team in evaluating accounting implications of potential deals as needed.Monitor evolving accounting standards and regulatory requirements, lead adoption of relevant new guidance, and update company accounting policies and documentation to reflect best practices.Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes in technical areas and for acquisitions, enhancing internal controls and operational efficiency within Controllership.Support the preparation and review of quarterly financial reporting, including financial statements and disclosures provided to external stakeholders.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. CPA strongly preferred.7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a mix of public accounting (Big 4 or similar) and corporate accounting. Deep exposure to technical accounting issues (e.g. consolidations, revenue recognition, financial instruments) and hands-on M&A accounting experience (purchase price allocation, integrating acquisitions).Strong U.S. GAAP knowledge with expertise in accounting for business combinations (ASC 805), revenue recognition (ASC 606) and other complex transactions. Proven ability to research and apply authoritative guidance and prepare clear, audit-ready documentation.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail. Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex accounting issues to diverse stakeholders. Self-motivated and organized, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines. Experience working with external auditors and cross-functional teams is highly valued.About the Ideal Candidate:The ideal candidate is a technically savvy accounting professional who thrives on solving complex accounting challenges. They are proactive and passionate about staying current with evolving accounting standards, and they bring a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to their work. This person relishes the opportunity to lead accounting for significant transactions, exhibits a strong sense of ownership, and is comfortable being the primary point of contact for technical accounting questions. They excel at building relationships across teams, communicating the “why” behind accounting conclusions, and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines. A natural problem solver and collaborator, the ideal Senior Manager instills confidence through expertise and sound judgment.Why Join Us:This role offers the chance to be at the center of high-impact business events and shape how our company navigates complex financial transactions. As Senior Manager – Technical Accounting & M&A, you will play a key part in safeguarding our financial integrity and driving business growth through careful accounting of acquisitions. You will work closely with senior finance leadership and gain exposure to diverse strategic initiatives. If you are an experienced technical accountant who enjoys a mix of broad strategic impact and hands-on problem solving, this is a unique opportunity to make a significant mark and advance your career in corporate finance.At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people. We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients. Learn more about our total rewards at .All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership. RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at View phone number on click.appcast.io or send us an email at View email address on click.appcast.io does not intend to hire entry level candidates who will require sponsorship now OR in the future (i.e. F-1 visa holders). If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and relevant work experience in a same or similar role to the one for which you are applying, excluding internships, you may be eligible for hire as an experienced associate.RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.At RSM, an employee’s pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.Compensation Range: $120,000 - $205,200Individuals selected for this role will be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance.SummaryLocation: ChicagoType: Full time