Associate Vice President of Accounting Operations

Advocate Health•Oak Brook, IL

2d•$87 - $139•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Vice President of Accounting Operations will be responsible for developing and implementing accounting strategies, policies, and procedures that align with the organization’s overall mission, values, and business objectives. This role contributes to financial planning and decision-making at the executive level and serves as a trusted financial advisor to senior leadership. The position oversees all accounting operations, including general ledger management, cash accounting and analytics, investments, insurance, grants and endowments, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and fringe benefits, fixed assets and leasing, and the financial close processes. It ensures the accuracy and timeliness of all financial transactions, reconciliations, and reports. The role also oversees cash accounting applications and analytics systems/processes, bank reconciliations, and the accounting team’s support of enterprise treasury operations, ensuring compliance with policies to support enterprise liquidity, debt management, and investment strategies. Additionally, the Associate Vice President of Accounting Operations is responsible for the preparation and presentation of financial reports in accordance with GAAP, regulatory standards, and internal control policies, and for establishing, monitoring, and improving internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance. The position requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of accounting, tax, and health care regulations, driving process improvements and automation, leading and developing the accounting team, supporting the budgeting and forecasting process, coordinating external audits, engaging with stakeholders, leading change management initiatives, identifying and mitigating financial and compliance risks, and leading special projects.

Requirements

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 7 years in a management or executive leadership role, preferably within a health care organization or similarly complex environment.
Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance.
Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday, or healthcare-specific platforms).
Proven track record of developing talent, leading teams, and driving organizational change.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
Strong problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and a capacity for strategic thinking.
Familiarity with health care industry operations, terminology, and regulatory requirements (Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, etc.).
High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical conduct.
Ability to think long-term, anticipate industry changes, and position accounting operations to support future growth and transformation.
Commitment to process improvement, efficiency, and quality in all aspects of accounting operations.
Effective in working across departments, building consensus, and driving results through teamwork.
Skilled at conveying complex accounting and financial concepts to diverse audiences, including board members, clinicians, and non-financial stakeholders.
Comfortable navigating ambiguity, leading through change, and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement accounting strategies, policies and procedures that align with the organization’s overall mission, values, and business objectives.
Contribute to financial planning and decision-making at the executive level and serve as a trusted financial advisor to senior leadership.
Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger management, cash accounting and analytics, investments, insurance, grants and endowments, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and fringe benefits, fixed assets and leasing, and the financial close processes.
Ensure accuracy and timeliness of all financial transactions, reconciliations and reports.
Oversee the cash accounting applications and analytics systems/processes, bank reconciliations and the accounting team’s support of the enterprise treasury operations.
Ensure accounting policies and procedures are followed to support the enterprise liquidity, debt management, and investment strategies.
Oversee the preparation and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, analyses and reconciliations in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable regulatory standards and internal control policies.
Ensure that financial reporting reflects the organization’s true financial position.
Establish, monitor, and continuously improve robust internal controls to safeguard organizational assets, ensure compliance with GAAP, laws and regulations (including HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley as applicable), and prevent fraud or errors.
Lead periodic reviews and audits to assess the effectiveness of controls.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of accounting, tax, and health care regulations.
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, including Medicare and Medicaid rules, IRS regulations, and other critical standards.
Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, standardization and system enhancements to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Evaluate current accounting workflows and lead technological solutions to streamline operations.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and promote professional growth through coaching, training, and succession planning.
Approves all teammate compensation changes, resolution plans of teammate concerns, corrective action plans and terminations.
Support the budgeting and forecasting process by providing accurate historical data, trend analysis, and insightful financial perspectives.
Collaborate with finance and operational leaders to develop budgets that support organizational priorities.
Coordinate annual external audits and internal audit reviews.
Serve as the primary liaison to auditors, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of required documentation and swiftly addressing audit findings.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leadership, department leaders, regulatory agencies, and vendors.
Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
Lead change initiatives related to accounting operations, including system implementations, policy updates, and process redesigns.
Guide teams through transitions and foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.
Identify financial and compliance risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and oversee the implementation of risk management practices tailored to the unique needs of the accounting department in a health care environment.
Lead the team in various special projects including mergers and acquisitions, system integrations, and new business initiatives, providing accounting expertise and due diligence.

Benefits

Comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs
Competitive compensation
Generous retirement offerings
Programs that invest in your career development
Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program