Director of Accounting Operations/Assistant Controller

SUMMARY

The Director of Accounting Operations/Assistant Controller will play a key leadership role within the finance team, overseeing critical financial processes for a large, publicly traded asset manager. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of the monthly close process, coordinating compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements, managing the company's Travel and Entertainment (T&E) policy and continuing to improve efficiencies in the corporate accounting group. This role requires deep expertise in corporate accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting in a global environment.

As an onsite/hybrid employee, you are expected to be in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

RESPONSIBILITIES           

The individual will be involved in the following critical activities:

• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process utilizing Floqast to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements for US and foreign subsidiaries.
• Collaborate with various departments, including fund accounting, legal, and tax, to gather necessary financial data.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS) and corporate policies.
• Drive continuous improvement and reduce cycle time in the monthly close process through the increased utilization of technology and tools.
• Coordinate and oversee SOX compliance efforts across the corporate accounting team.
• Ensure adequate documentation of internal controls over financial reporting.
• Serve as the key liaison between internal and external auditors regarding SOX processes.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen internal controls.
• Manage the company’s Travel & Entertainment (T&E) policy, ensuring adherence to internal guidelines and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage T&E vendor relationships.
• Monitor expense reports for accuracy, compliance, and proper approvals.
• Conduct periodic reviews of T&E policy for relevance and recommend updates as necessary.
• Explore automation of approvals for out of policy requests
• Lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals, providing guidance, development, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability within the corporate accounting team.
• Collaborate with fund accounting, tax, legal, and other departments to ensure alignment on financial reporting, compliance, and operational matters.
• Act as a key point of contact for external auditors, providing necessary documentation and explanations during the audit process.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA or equivalent certification required.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including experience at a publicly traded company with at least 5 years in a leadership role demonstrating strong managerial skills and team development.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and SOX compliance requirements.
• Experience working in asset management, financial services, or a similar industry is preferred.
• Proven track record in managing financial close processes and overseeing compliance initiatives.
• Experience with managing global entities and foreign subsidiaries is a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions and geographies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in financial systems including PeopleSoft, OneStream and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with Concur or other Travel & Expense reporting systems.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment, showing flexibility and adaptability.

In terms of cultural fit, the successful candidate will be self-motivated and energized by working amongst a group of thoughtful, smart and successful colleagues. He or she will enjoy being part of an organization focused on excellence and will be a naturally collaborative person who enjoys interacting with individuals at all levels. Additionally, he or she will be a strong team player with a proactive approach and the ability to exercise discretion and judgment.

It is expected that the annual base salary range for this Chicago based position will be $160,000 - $210,000. Actual base salary may vary based on factors such as individual's experience, skills, and qualifications for the role.  Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on factors such as individual, team, and company performance as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

CULTURE

We are not afraid to think differently. Embrace new ideas. Dream big. Welcome change. We are a culture of empowerment, accountability, high performance, and trust. Successful team members are self-motivated and energized by working alongside thoughtful and smart colleagues in a fast-paced environment. Individuals who thrive on this team enjoy being a part of an organization focused on excellence. We look for naturally collaborative individuals who enjoy interacting at all levels of the organization. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

A diverse, engaged team is critical to our ability to successfully create and deliver value to our clients. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse professionals can thrive professionally, and we are dedicated to training, retaining, and promoting minorities, women, LGBTQ employees, veterans and individuals with disabilities. Over 55% of GCM Grosvenor employees and 43% of executive management are women and/or ethnically diverse individuals. In addition, we seek to drive a more diverse, inclusive industry through our partnership with diverse professionals organizations and by consciously working with subcontractors and vendors that are certified as minority-, women-, or persons with disabilities-owned businesses.