Associate Director, Accounting and M&A

RSM • Chicago, IL

8d

About The Position

Reporting to the Firm Controller, the Associate Director – Technical Accounting & M&A is a high-impact role, serving as the subject matter expert for complex accounting issues and acquisition-related accounting. This position serves as a key advisor to Controllership and Finance leadership, providing technical accounting guidance that directly influences accounting policy, financial reporting outcomes, and the design of scalable accounting processes. The role has primary responsibility for supporting and executing accounting across strategic transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other non-routine activities. This includes leading purchase accounting (ASC 805), evaluating complex transaction structures, and ensuring conclusions are well-supported, operationalized, and aligned with U.S. GAAP. In addition, this role plays a critical role in advancing the Company’s technical accounting posture more broadly, with a strong focus on revenue recognition (ASC 606) and other complex areas. This role is ideal for a collaborative, technically strong accounting professional who communicates effectively across stakeholders and can navigate complex transactions while delivering clear, well-supported accounting outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including a mix of public accounting (Big 4 or similar) and corporate accounting.
• Deep exposure to technical accounting issues (e.g. consolidations, revenue recognition, financial instruments) and hands-on M&A accounting experience (purchase price allocation, integrating acquisitions).
• Strong U.S. GAAP knowledge with expertise in accounting for business combinations (ASC 805), revenue recognition (ASC 606) and other complex transactions.
• Proven ability to research and apply authoritative guidance and prepare clear, audit-ready documentation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex accounting issues to diverse stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and organized, capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience working with external auditors and cross-functional teams is highly valued.

Nice To Haves

• The ideal candidate is a technically savvy accounting professional who thrives on solving complex accounting challenges.
• They are proactive and passionate about staying current with evolving accounting standards, and they bring a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to their work.
• This person relishes the opportunity to lead accounting for significant transactions, exhibits a strong sense of ownership, and is comfortable being the primary point of contact for technical accounting questions.
• They excel at building relationships across teams, communicating the “why” behind accounting conclusions, and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines.
• A natural problem solver and collaborator, the ideal Senior Manager instills confidence through expertise and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical accounting research, providing guidance on complex accounting matters and ensuring positions are clearly documented and supportable under U.S. GAAP.
• Own technical accounting for revenue recognition (ASC 606), including evaluation of complex arrangements and evolving business models, while ensuring policies are clearly defined, consistently applied, and effectively embedded across the organization.
• Drive accounting execution for mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic transactions.
• Integrate acquired entities into the company’s accounting and reporting environment.
• Align acquired companies’ accounting policies with corporate standards, incorporate opening balance sheets into consolidation, and ensure a smooth transition of close processes, controls, and systems post-acquisition.
• Drive accounting policy development and enhancements, building scalable processes and maintaining documentation aligned with U.S. GAAP.
• Partner with Corporate Development, Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders to provide accounting insights during transactions and ensure a consistent understanding of accounting treatments.
• Support the deal team in evaluating accounting implications of potential deals as needed.
• Monitor evolving accounting standards and regulatory requirements, lead adoption of relevant new guidance, and update company accounting policies and documentation to reflect best practices.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes in technical areas and for acquisitions, enhancing internal controls and operational efficiency within Controllership.
• Support the preparation and review of quarterly financial reporting, including financial statements and disclosures provided to external stakeholders.

Benefits

• competitive benefits and compensation package
• flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients.
• discretionary bonus based on firm and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior