Chief Accounting Officer

Position Overview Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) is responsible for leading all accounting operations and ensuring compliance with GAAP, SOX 404, and regulatory requirements. This role together with the Company Controller oversees general ledger management, external financial reporting, technical accounting, revenue recognition, and accounts payable/receivable. The CAO assists in developing and implementing accounting policies and standards, assists in managing monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, and ensures timely preparation of financial statements and debt covenant certifications. Acting as the primary liaison for external audits and regulatory examinations, the CAO evaluates new accounting standards, partners with third-party valuation firms, and maintains corporate accounting policies specific to mortgage banking operations. Additionally, the CAO assists in mentoring and scaling a high-performing accounting team, supports acquisition integration, and collaborates with executive leadership on strategic financial planning, variance analysis, and board reporting. Core Functions and Responsibilities: Act as primary contact for external auditors, various other field examinations; manage all audit and review processes. Assist in developing and executing strategies and standards related to accounting policy, financial reporting, general ledger maintenance, and financial systems and controls specific to the mortgage banking business. Assist monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close processes and in the preparation of financial statements and filings in compliance with GAAP including periodic upload to consolidating parent organization and quarterly NMLS Mortgage Call Reports. Evaluate new accounting standards and changes in regulatory requirements and implement changes to ensure organizational readiness and compliance. Perform specified Treasury Management functions to enhance internal controls and assist in implementing and maintaining a robust internal control framework, ensuring full SOX 404 compliance. Assist in managing quarterly work with third-party valuation firms. Assist in leading and mentoring a high-performing accounting team. Assist in maintaining a robust Permanent File Data Room. Review and assist in validating all periodic remit reports from third party loan servicers. Assist in verifying that all loans being sold recoup escrow and corporate advances reported on servicer remits. Assist with GAAP and Tax Research Matters, including providing support for year-end 1099, 1098, W2 and W3 transmittal reporting processes. Support the CFO and executive leadership with strategic financial planning, variance analysis, and board reporting. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in relevant field (MBA, Finance, Accounting) preferred 10+ years' progressive accounting experience 5+ years' experience in the mortgage or financial services industry Strong understanding of GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance Experience with revenue recognition specific to mortgage banking Skills and Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation skills with executive presence and maturity Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships internal and external to the organization; strong influencing skills Strength of leadership with the demonstrated ability to quickly establish credibility with key stakeholders and confidence in the Internal Audit capability Effective management skills to build strong teams through effective talent selection, training, communication, coaching, mentorship, and performance management Strong analytical skills: solid decision-making abilities coupled with sound judgment Effective at managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; ability to prioritize, organize time and resources to consistently bring projects to successful completion Consultative and collaborative work style; ability to share knowledge and expertise in a productive manner Ability to lead and manage through change, comfortable working with ambiguity and uncertainty Strong execution skills and results orientation Strong attention to detail; strong quality and compliance orientation High degree of professional maturity, integrity, ability to maintain confidential data and information High degree of business acumen; strong fiscal and technical aptitude Compensation and Benefits Hiring Range: $150K-$180K plus annual discretionary bonus Compensation within this range may vary based on each candidate's job-related expertise, skills, and experience. Final offers are determined individually, reflecting the unique qualifications of each candidate. Benefits Include: Paid Time Off (PTO) Floating Holiday Paid Parental Leave Medical Dental Vision Life & Disability FSA/HSA Fidelity 401(k) with employer match Location Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181