Vice President of Accounting (Successor to CFO)- 3613687

Our client, a highly respected investment-focused organization, is seeking a Vice President of Accounting to join its executive leadership team and assume the Chief Financial Officer position upon the planned retirement of the current CFO at year-end.

This is a unique succession opportunity for an accomplished accounting executive who combines strategic leadership with deep technical accounting expertise. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading a large accounting organization, partnering with executive leadership, and personally diving into complex accounting entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting issues when necessary.

The VP of Accounting will oversee the accounting and financial operations of two affiliated entities, lead a team of 12 accounting professionals through direct oversight, and play a critical role in the organization's continued growth and financial excellence.

• Serve as the second-in-command to the CFO with a clearly defined transition into the CFO role.
• Provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to executive management.
• Oversee all accounting functions across two affiliated entities.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Direct preparation and review of financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Support long-term financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and organizational growth initiatives.

• Maintain ownership of general ledger activities, financial reporting, and accounting controls.
• Review and analyze complex accounting transactions and journal entries.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies, reporting issues, and balance sheet variances.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Partner with external auditors, tax advisors, and other professional service providers.
• Strengthen internal controls and accounting processes while identifying opportunities for operational improvements.

• Oversee complex commission structures and related accounting processes.
• Ensure accurate calculation, reporting, and reconciliation of commission-related expenses and liabilities.
• Evaluate commission plans for accounting impact and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on commission accounting and reporting.

• Lead and mentor a team of 12 accounting professionals, including direct oversight of the Controller, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and related accounting functions.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and succession planning across the department.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Establish priorities and ensure alignment of departmental goals with broader business objectives.

• Partner closely with executive leadership on financial strategy and organizational initiatives.
• Evaluate and improve financial systems, reporting capabilities, and operational workflows.
• Drive process improvements that enhance efficiency, scalability, and reporting accuracy.
• Support mergers, acquisitions, investment activities, and other strategic initiatives as applicable.

• Active CPA designation required.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Progressive accounting leadership experience within the investment management, asset management, private equity, hedge fund, wealth management, or broader investment industry.
• Proven experience leading accounting teams in a complex, multi-entity environment.
• Deep understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Strong experience overseeing and accounting for complex commission structures.
• Ability and willingness to work both strategically and tactically, including hands-on review of accounting entries and reconciliations when necessary.
• Demonstrated success managing senior-level accounting professionals, including Controllers and other department leaders.

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Prior experience serving as Controller, VP of Accounting, Corporate Controller, Assistant CFO, or equivalent senior finance leader.
• Experience participating in executive leadership and succession planning initiatives.
• Exposure to investment advisory, broker-dealer, asset management, or related financial services environments.

• Defined and imminent path to CFO.
• Executive-level visibility and influence.
• Oversight of two established entities.
• Lead a high-performing accounting organization with 12 direct reports.
• Competitive compensation package including bonus and comprehensive benefits.
• Hybrid work environment with 2-3 days onsite in Chicago.
• Relocation assistance available for outstanding candidates.
• This position is ideal for a seasoned accounting executive who is ready to step into a CFO role in the near future while continuing to leverage both strategic leadership and strong technical accounting expertise.