Head of Accounting
Chicago
Role Overview
The Head of Accounting will lead the firm’s technical accounting and policy function, ensuring high-quality financial reporting under US GAAP and IFRS and strong US regulatory accounting outcomes. This role partners closely with Finance leadership, Risk, Legal/Compliance, and the business to translate complex transactions into clear accounting conclusions, scalable policies, and audit-ready execution. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong judgment, speed, and the ability to lead through ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Accounting & Policy Leadership
- Own the firm’s technical accounting agenda, including research, interpretation, and application of US GAAP and IFRS to complex transactions and new products.
- Lead the development, maintenance, and governance of global accounting policies, memos, and position papers; ensure conclusions are well-supported and practical to operate.
- Advise on accounting impacts of business initiatives (new products, legal entity changes, intercompany arrangements), including P&L and balance sheet implications.
Financial Reporting & GAAP/IFRS Compliance
- Ensure the firm’s financial statements, disclosures, and management reporting are prepared in accordance with US GAAP and/or IFRS, with consistent application across entities and regions.
- Drive accounting judgments related to financial instruments, consolidation, revenue recognition, leases, share-based payments, and impairments (as applicable to the firm’s activity).
- Partner with external auditors on technical positions, emerging issues, and audit requests; manage discussions to timely resolution.
US Regulatory Accounting & Oversight
- Own accounting support for US regulatory reporting (e.g., broker-dealer and other regulated-entity reporting requirements), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
- Interpret and implement regulatory accounting guidance that affects statutory capital, net capital, and regulated entity financial statements (as applicable).
- Coordinate with Compliance and Legal on regulatory inquiries, examinations, and ongoing reporting obligations.
Controls, Governance & Process Excellence
- Establish and maintain a strong accounting control framework, including documentation, review standards, segregation of duties, and evidence retention.
- Drive continuous improvement of close and reporting processes, including automation and systems enhancements that improve accuracy and speed.
- Build and mentor a high-performing team; set clear expectations, develop talent, and create durable operating rhythms.
Stakeholder Management & Leadership
- Serve as the senior accounting advisor to Finance leadership and key stakeholders.
- Communicate complex accounting topics clearly to non-accountants and senior executives; drive decisions with a bias toward timely execution.
- Monitor and prepare for changes in accounting standards and regulatory guidance; lead implementation and change management.
Qualifications
- 12–15+ years of progressive experience in technical accounting, financial reporting, accounting advisory, or controllership within financial services or other complex environments.
- Deep expertise in US GAAP; strong working knowledge of IFRS (or vice versa), with demonstrated ability to operate in multi-reporting frameworks.
- Experience with US regulatory accounting/reporting in a regulated environment (e.g., broker-dealer, bank, asset manager, fintech with regulatory reporting), including interaction with regulators or examinations.
- Proven track record leading technical accounting projects across multiple stakeholders and driving issues to resolution.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred (Master’s/MBA a plus).
Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional technical depth with practical, business-oriented judgment.
- Strong leadership presence; able to influence across levels and functions.
- Execution-focused and decisive; comfortable operating in ambiguity and under tight deadlines.
- Clear communicator with strong writing skills (policy memos, position papers, audit-ready documentation).
- High ownership mindset with a strong control orientation and commitment to quality.
Below is the expected base salary for this position. This is a good-faith estimate of the base pay scale for this position and offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. This position will also be eligible for a discretionary bonus (if determined by Optiver) and Optiver’s benefits package with the benefits listed above.