Head of Accounting and Financial Reporting

A leading wealth management firm is seeking a Head of Accounting & Financial Reporting to oversee all accounting operations within its family office services division, which provides bespoke operational and administrative services to ultra-high-net-worth families and complex entity structures.

This is a senior leadership role combining technical accounting expertise, operational management, risk oversight, and direct client engagement. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader capable of managing a growing team, driving process improvement, and maintaining best-in-class controls in a highly customized, client-service environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 16 accounting professionals
• Set clear performance expectations and manage capacity planning
• Oversee recruiting, onboarding, training, and career development across the department
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence
• Manage department budget and resource allocation
• Evaluate service model efficiency and scalability

Client Service Oversight

• Oversee accounting for complex family structures including individuals, trusts, partnerships, LLCs, and foundations
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of financial statements, 1099s, and tax preparer support packages
• Provide technical guidance to staff on complex accounting issues, including alternative investment accounting
• Participate in prospect and client meetings as needed
• Manage all aspects of client onboarding including fee proposals, service agreement administration, data migration from prior providers, and establishment of accounting procedures
• Administer accounting data files including staff and client access management and new client setup
• Oversee expense coding on bill payments processed through a third-party vendor and subsequent data syncing to the accounting system

Strategic & Operational Oversight

• Integrate regulatory requirements and operational risk considerations into all processes, maintaining a strong controls-focused mindset
• Manage accounting policy and procedure documentation and ensure consistency across the client base
• Review third-party service provider billings for accuracy and ensure timely payment
• Maintain client dashboard and billing on a monthly basis
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities, including evaluation of alternative accounting platforms
• Partner with technology and other internal teams on system enhancements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience
• CPA required
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Desktop and Microsoft Office preferred
• Experience with individual, partnership, and business accounting preferred
• Demonstrated progression in responsibility including direct staff management
• Proven track record of implementing process improvements, scaling workflows, and leading accounting system migrations
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; detail-oriented, highly motivated, and self-directed
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment when handling sensitive matters