Vice President of Accounting

About the Role:

Strongpoint Partners is seeking an ambitious, strategic, and experienced Vice President of Accounting to lead and scale the accounting function in a fast-paced, private equity-backed organization. This is a new role intended to help lead growth for an accounting function that can support the rapid growth of Strongpoint and our affiliated entities. With 14+ acquisitions completed and additional deals under LOI, we will benefit from a hands-on leader who can bring vision, technical expertise, and strategic leadership to integrate acquired entities and build a world-class accounting team.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is based in our Chicago office and follows a hybrid work model and requires in-office work a minimum of 3 days per week.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Team Building

• Act as the strategic partner to the CFO, helping grow and shape the Finance organization. 
• Build, lead, and scale the accounting team to support current operations and future growth.
• Assess current team and develop a roadmap for when and where to add new hires in support of Strongpoint partner expansion.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration by partnering with executive leadership, finance, operations, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment on financial strategies, compliance initiatives, and business objectives. 

Acquisition Integration

• Lead the integration of newly acquired companies into the accounting function. 
• Oversee opening balance sheet setup, closing statements, and audit readiness for all acquisitions. 
• Develop scalable processes for rapid onboarding of future M&A targets. 

Technical Accounting & Financial Compliance

• Manage complex revenue recognition across a range of business services with contract variability. 
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, including technical accounting for M&A and other non-routine transactions. 
• Drive the monthly close process and coordinate with external auditors. 
• Oversee tax compliance and coordinate tax filings with external tax preparers. 

Process Optimization & Systems

• Create and execute a roadmap for accounting systems and process improvements. 
• Collaborate with the enterprise software administrator to ensure tools and technology meet the company’s growing needs.
• Promote continuous improvement in financial reporting and internal controls.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with the finance team, (debt covenant reporting), and operational finance leaders to ensure seamless communication and shared goals. 
• Support shared services and ensure proper alignment of billing and financial reporting teams. 

Key Competencies:

• Intelligence & Analysis Skills - Ability to quickly understand and solve complex financial challenges. 
• Business Insight & Strategic Skills - Ability to align financial strategies with business objectives. 
• Integrity & Resourcefulness - Uphold ethical standards and find innovative solutions. 
• Judgment & Decision Making - Make sound financial decisions that benefit the company. 
• Organization & Planning - Effectively manage multiple priorities and streamline financial processes. 
• Leadership & Team Building - Inspire and develop a high-performing finance team. 
• Enthusiasm & Passion - Exhibit a commitment to company success and financial excellence. 
• Entrepreneurial – Ability to think independently with resilience and a comfort with taking risks and setbacks.  
• Adaptability- Demonstrate an openness for change, with new ideas in a fast-paced environment. 
• Growth-oriented – Making decisions with an analytically rigorous mindset.  
• Results Driven – Ability to focus with a sense of urgency in meeting deadlines and goals.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
• CPA is preferred.
• MBA certification is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of finance experience, including relevant leadership roles.
• Experience in a high-growth environment, preferably within a private equity-backed organization.
• Demonstrated M&A experience integrating acquisitions into accounting processes and teams.
• Strong understanding of complex revenue recognition under ASC 606.
• Proven ability to build and scale accounting teams, including inorganically via acquisition.
• Expertise in financial systems and tools for scaling finance operations.