Chief Accounting Officer

Our Client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) to oversee all accounting, financial reporting, and control functions across the firm and its portfolio entities. The CAO will play a key leadership role in ensuring the integrity of financial information, optimizing accounting operations, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, and supporting investment and fund management activities.

This executive will work closely with senior leadership—including the CFO, Chief Operating Officer, and investment professionals—to strengthen the firm's financial infrastructure and scalability as it continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Fund-Level Accounting & Reporting

Lead and manage the firm's accounting operations, including corporate, management company, and fund-level accounting.

Oversee the preparation and accuracy of GAAP financial statements and regulatory filings.

Ensure timely and accurate consolidation of results across funds, portfolio entities, and management companies.

Develop and implement accounting policies, controls, and procedures that align with private equity best practices.

Supervise fund accounting teams and third-party fund administrators, ensuring precision in NAV calculations, capital calls, distributions, and waterfall allocations.

Review and approve quarterly and annual fund financial statements, investor reports, and audit materials.

Coordinate with portfolio company CFOs and controllers to monitor performance, valuations, and accounting compliance.

Audit, Tax, and Compliance

Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities.

Oversee preparation of tax returns and investor tax reporting (K-1s, FATCA, CRS, etc.).

Maintain compliance with SEC, AICPA, and other applicable financial regulations.

Strategic Leadership

Partner with the CFO on capital structure, liquidity management, and financial strategy.

Support due diligence and integration for new acquisitions and fund launches.

Lead system and process enhancements to support automation, scalability, and efficiency.

Develop and mentor high-performing accounting and finance professionals.

Qualifications

CPA required; MBA or advanced degree in Accounting or Finance strongly preferred.

15+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior role within private equity, asset management, or investment management.

Deep understanding of U.S. GAAP, fund accounting principles, and consolidation of complex entity structures.

Strong technical expertise in financial reporting, audit management, and regulatory compliance.

Proven ability to lead teams, manage multiple stakeholders, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Experience with fund administration platforms and ERP / accounting systems (e.g., Investran, eFront, Workday, NetSuite).

Exceptional integrity, analytical ability, and communication skills.

Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus.

Equity.

Comprehensive health, retirement, and wellness benefits.

Opportunity to shape the financial foundation of a growing private equity platform.

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