SkyWater has been retained by an investment firm in Chicago to identify their next Chief Financial Officer:
A great repeat client of ours, this company is a 75-year old mission-driven organization that is known for their phenomenal corporate culture, strong senior leadership team, and challenging work. One of the largest faith-based pension funds in the world, the firm employs about 300 people, managing around $25B in assets for their 100,000 members, including their retirement, investment & benefit plans. Only open due to the current CFO’s upcoming retirement, the Chief Financial Officer sits on the executive leadership team, reporting to the CEO, and oversees the firm’s financial strategy, planning, and operations, ensuring alignment with their mission and long-term growth objectives.
*** We offer a very strong overall package; including a competitive base salary, bonus incentives, and robust benefits. ***
*** We are currently only considering candidates in the Chicago area, or willing to relocate to the Chicago area. It is expected that the CFO is on-site at their HQ in Glenview ~50% of the time. ***
My client, a wealth management and registered advisor, has approximately $100 billion of assets under management and has had an annual growth rate of nearly 50% over the last five years. The company is owned by private equity and is highly acquisitive. This role will lead a team of 28 through 4 direct reports. We are targeting a candidate that can drive business and process improvement within the Controllership function.
The Controller oversees all accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting in compliance with GAAP, SEC and other regulatory requirements and overseeing the financial controls associated with these activities.
Job Functions:
Drive accounting results
Direct all aspects of accounting operations, overseeing all transactions related to general ledger, receivables, payables, fixed assets, payroll, equity, hedges, debt and purchase accounting
Oversees calculation and proper accounting for all accruals and reserves (revenue accruals, advisor compensation accruals, errors reserve, bad debt, legal reserves, benefit accruals, post-closing consideration, etc.)
Understand the complexities of each new, unusual or material transactions to ensure compliance with GAAP.
Coordinate monthly close timing and ensure adherence to schedule
Establish KPIs, monitoring process for metrics and reporting standards
Ensure all accounting policies adhere to GAAP, SEC and FINRA standards. Remain up-to-date on all proposed legislation and accounting guidance updates.
Develop and lead the accounting team
Leads, coaches and develops the accounting department (25+ members)
Promote continuous improvement through leadership, guidance and education
Drive operational efficiencies to reduce monthly close timing from 8 days to 3 days
Serve as the primary interface to SEC, FINRA, bank and external audits
Responsible for annual selection and relationship management of external financial auditors
Plan the audit process and timeline. Ensure proper resources are available and adequately trained to achieve clean audits.
Coordinate the work requested for both internal and external audits of the company financial records and implement agreed-upon recommendations related to areas of responsibility resulting from audit findings.
Develops and/or enhances, implements, and enforces policies and procedures by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the organization.
Establish technical accounting guidance policies and ensure accounting memos are updated timely. Review all new or unusual transactions with CFO to ensure alignment.
Drive a daily focus on continuous improvement and utilization of GL system functionality (Workday), written procedures, standardized processes, etc.
Oversee accounting and operational processes for M&A activity. Develop standard processes for firm integration and a reporting process for all non-standard decisions.
Build or enhance internal controls on key risk areas. Enforce compliance of all internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures and workflows.
Establish review and sign off process to ensure accuracy of regulatory reporting.
Ensure completeness of all books and records
Education / Experience
Bachelor of Science required. Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting preferred.
MBA/CMA/CPA preferred.
10+ years in a related role is required. Prior experience working for a broker-dealer, RIA firm or financial services organization in a publicly traded company is preferred
Inter-personal and communication skills working with people at all levels
Microsoft Offices proficiency to develop presentations; decks & reports
Experience communicating sensitive information
Experience coaching, developing and building a team of accounting professionals
SkyWater has been retained on behalf of a long-term mid-sized (<$250M in revenue) client to identify their next Chief Operating Officer. Our client is has been a well-established organization in the health insurance & benefits space for the past 50 years, and they are looking for this COO to work with the CEO to help facilitate their continued growth through developing a best-in-class Operations foundation.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) directs, coordinates, and administers all aspects of the organization’s operations teams (excluding the General Counsel, Finance, & Technology) in support of goals, policies, and objectives established by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The COO will be instrumental in developing an infrastructure for accountability within the organization and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in all business processes.
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