Data Governance Lead

As CohnReznick grows, so do our career opportunities. As one of the nation’s top professional services firms, CohnReznick creates rewarding careers in advisory, assurance, and tax with team members who value innovation and collaboration in everything they do! CohnReznick helps organizations optimize performance, manage risk, and maximize value through CohnReznick LLP (assurance services) and CohnReznick Advisory LLC (advisory and tax services). Together, the firm provides leaders with deep industry knowledge and relationships, solutions to address clients’ unique business goals and risks, and insight on how emerging market forces can drive opportunity. With offices nationwide, the firm serves organizations around the world as an independent member of Nexia. We currently have an exciting career opportunity for a Data Governance Lead to join the Global Digital & Cybersecurity group. CohnReznick is a hybrid firm and most of our professionals are located within a commutable distance to one of our offices. This position is considered remote which means it does not require job duties be performed within proximity of a CohnReznick office location. However, as a remote employee, you may be required to be present at a CohnReznick office with scheduled notice for client work, team meetings, or trainings. YOUR TEAM. We are seeking an experienced Data Governance Lead to establish and drive comprehensive data governance frameworks across our global professional services organization. This senior leadership role will be responsible for developing enterprise-wide data strategies, ensuring data quality and compliance, and enabling data-driven decision making across Tax, Assurance, and Advisory service lines. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in professional services environments with a proven track record of implementing data governance programs that support business objectives while maintaining regulatory compliance. WHY COHNREZNICK? At CohnReznick, we’re united by a common mission to create opportunity, value, and trust for our clients, our people, and our communities. Whether it’s working alongside your peers to solve a client challenge, or volunteering together at the local food bank, there are so many ways to find your “why” at the firm. We believe it’s important to balance work with everyday life – and make time for enjoyment and fun. We invest in a robust Total Rewards package that includes everything from generous PTO, a flexible work environment, expanded parental leave, extensive learning & development, and even paid time off for employees to volunteer. YOUR ROLE. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Strategic Leadership & Program Development Develop and execute enterprise data governance strategy aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements Establish data governance frameworks, policies, and procedures across all service lines and geographic locations Lead the design and implementation of data quality management programs and data stewardship models Create and maintain data governance charter, roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures Drive data governance maturity assessment and continuous improvement initiatives Data Management & Quality Assurance Oversee data lineage documentation, data cataloging, business glossaries and metadata management across enterprise systems Implement data quality monitoring, profiling, remediation and incident management processes Establish master data management (MDM) strategies and reference data standards Design and monitor key data quality metrics, KPIs, and reporting dashboards Lead data privacy and protection initiatives, ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations Technology & Platform Management Collaborate with IT teams to implement data governance tools and platforms Oversee integration of governance frameworks with existing enterprise systems (SAP, Power BI, Azure, etc.) Lead evaluation and selection of data governance technology solutions Ensure data governance integration with data warehousing, analytics, and AI/ML initiatives Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Partner with service line leaders to understand data requirements and business objectives and manage stakeholder expectations Facilitate data governance committee meetings and cross-functional working groups Communicate data governance value proposition to executive leadership and Board Develop training programs and change management strategies for data governance adoption Compliance & Risk Management Ensure data governance compliance with professional services industry regulations and standards Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams on data-related policies and procedures Lead data risk assessments and incident response procedures Maintain audit trails and documentation for regulatory and client requirements Required Technology Experience Data Governance Platforms & Tools Data Governance Platforms: Collibra, Alation, Informatica Axon, Microsoft Purview, or similar enterprise platforms Data Quality Tools: Informatica Data Quality, Collibra DQ, Talend, DataRobot, or equivalent solutions Master Data Management: Informatica MDM, Microsoft MDS, IBM InfoSphere, or similar platforms Data Cataloging: Apache Atlas, Alation, DataRobot, or enterprise catalog solutions Analytics & Business Intelligence Microsoft Power BI: Advanced experience with data modeling, DAX, and governance features SQL & Database Technologies: Expert-level SQL, experience with SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure (Data Factory, Synapse, Purview), AWS, or Google Cloud Data Warehousing: Dimensional modeling, ETL/ELT processes, data mart design Enterprise Systems Integration ERP Systems: SAP (preferred), Oracle, NetSuite, or similar enterprise applications Professional Services Tools: Familiarity with tax, audit, and advisory software platforms API Management: Experience with REST/SOAP APIs, integration patterns, and data flows Frameworks & Methodologies Data Governance Frameworks DAMA-DMBOK: Deep understanding of Data Management Body of Knowledge principles COBIT: Experience with Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies Data Governance Institute (DGI): Familiarity with DGI framework and best practices ISO 8000: Knowledge of data quality standards and international frameworks Project Management & Process Agile/Scrum: Experience leading data projects using agile methodologies ITIL: Understanding of IT service management principles for data operations Six Sigma/Lean: Process improvement methodologies for data quality initiatives Change Management: Prosci, Kotter, or similar change management frameworks Compliance & Risk Frameworks SOX Compliance: Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley data controls and documentation Data Privacy Regulations: GDPR, CCPA, PIPEDA, and other privacy frameworks Professional Services Standards: Understanding of AICPA, PCAOB, and industry-specific requirements Leadership Attributes Strategic Vision & Execution Proven ability to translate business strategy into actionable data governance programs Experience building governance programs from ground up in complex, multi-location organizations Strong business acumen with understanding of professional services revenue models and client requirements Ability to balance competing priorities and drive consensus across diverse stakeholder groups Change Leadership Demonstrated success in leading organizational change and cultural transformation Experience building buy-in for governance initiatives across skeptical or resistant stakeholders Ability to articulate the business value of data governance in measurable terms Proven track record of sustaining governance initiatives beyond initial implementation Executive Presence & Communication Strong presentation skills with ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences Experience presenting to Board-level executives and C-suite leadership Ability to build credibility and trust with senior business leaders Strong written communication skills for policy development and documentation Collaboration & Team Building Cross-Functional Partnership Experience collaborating with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and Audit teams on data-related initiatives Proven ability to work effectively with IT, Business Intelligence, and Analytics teams Strong relationship-building skills with service line leaders and practice groups Experience partnering with external auditors and regulatory bodies Team Development & Management Experience building and leading high-performing data governance teams Proven ability to mentor and develop data stewards and governance professionals Strong coaching skills for developing data literacy across the organization Experience managing both direct reports and matrixed team structures Stakeholder Engagement Demonstrated ability to facilitate complex, multi-stakeholder governance committees Experience building communities of practice around data management Strong negotiation and consensus-building skills Ability to influence without direct authority across organizational boundaries Soft Skills & Personal Attributes Communication & Interpersonal Exceptional verbal and written communication skills Active listening and empathy for understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives Ability to translate technical requirements into business language and vice versa Strong facilitation and meeting management skills Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking Systems thinking approach to complex organizational challenges Strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities Ability to balance perfectionism with pragmatic implementation approaches Creative problem-solving for unique professional services data challenges Adaptability & Resilience Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing business requirements Resilience in face of organizational resistance or setbacks Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies Flexibility to work across different time zones and cultural contexts YOUR EXPERIENCE. The successful candidate will have: Experience: 10-12+ years in data management, governance, or related roles Industry Background: Preference for professional services (tax, audit, accounting, consulting) Leadership Experience: Minimum 6+ years in leadership or senior individual contributor roles Education: Bachelor's degree in relevant field (Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, etc.) Preferred Qualifications Advanced Degree: Master's degree in Data Science, Information Management, or MBA Professional Certifications: CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional), DGSP (Data Governance and Stewardship Professional), or similar Industry Certifications: CPA, CIA, CISA, or other professional services certifications Technology Certifications: Microsoft Azure, AWS, or vendor-specific data platform certifications Industry Experience Preferences Big Four/Mid-Tier Accounting Firms: Experience with firm-wide data initiatives and regulatory requirements Professional Services Networks: Understanding of multi-entity, partnership structures Tax Technology: Familiarity with tax compliance systems and data requirements Audit Technology: Experience with audit data analytics and continuous monitoring Advisory Services: Understanding of data requirements for consulting and advisory engagements Success Metrics & Expectations Year One Objectives Complete enterprise data assessment and maturity evaluation Establish data governance framework and organizational structure Implement initial data quality monitoring and reporting capabilities Build stakeholder engagement and governance committee structure Long-term Success Indicators Measurable improvement in data quality scores across critical business systems Successful regulatory audits with minimal data-related findings Increased business user confidence and adoption of data-driven decision making Cost savings through improved data efficiency and reduced manual processes Enhanced client service delivery through better data insights and analytics In addition, please take a moment to review our Universal Job Standards. Studies have shown that we are less likely to apply to jobs unless we meet every single qualification. At CohnReznick, we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our other roles. "CohnReznick" is the brand name under which CohnReznick LLP and CohnReznick Advisory LLC and their respective subsidiaries provide professional services. CohnReznick LLP and CohnReznick Advisory LLC (and their respective subsidiaries) practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. CohnReznick LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients. CohnReznick Advisory LLC provides tax and business consulting services to its clients. CohnReznick Advisory LLC and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms. CohnReznick is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive team to drive business results and create a better future every day for our team members, clients, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. For more information, please see Equal Employment Opportunity Posters If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at CRaccommodation@CohnReznick.com Please note: This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and are not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. CohnReznick does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are currently engaged by CohnReznick Talent Acquisition Team by way of a written agreement to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that CohnReznick will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity. #LI-CM1 #LI-Remote #GD #CB #IND123