Associate Vice President of Accounting Operations

Advocate Health•Oak Brook, IL

3d•$87 - $139

About The Position

The Associate Vice President of Accounting Operations provides strategic leadership for accounting operations, aligning accounting strategies, policies, and procedures with organizational objectives. The role advises senior leadership and contributes to executive-level financial planning and decision-making. It oversees accounting functions including general ledger, cash accounting and analytics, investments, insurance, grants and endowments, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and fringe benefits, fixed assets and leasing, and financial close processes. The position oversees financial reporting, cash accounting applications, analytics systems and processes, bank reconciliations, and accounting support for enterprise treasury operations. It ensures accurate and timely financial transactions and reporting in accordance with GAAP, regulatory standards, and internal control policies. The leader maintains compliance with applicable accounting, tax, health care, and other regulatory requirements, including Medicare, Medicaid, IRS requirements, HIPAA, and Sarbanes-Oxley as applicable. The role drives process improvement, automation, standardization, and system enhancements; leads and develops the accounting team; supports budgeting and forecasting; and coordinates external audits and internal audit reviews. It builds relationships with executive leaders, department leaders, regulators, vendors, and other stakeholders, communicates financial information to varied audiences, and leads change initiatives and risk-management practices. The position also leads accounting work on special projects such as mergers and acquisitions, system integrations, and new business initiatives. The role is typically based at the organization’s divisional headquarters, with occasional travel to regional sites, external meetings, or industry conferences. The environment is dynamic and deadline-driven, with competing priorities in a large, complex health care and academic enterprise.

Requirements

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience.
At least 7 years of experience in a management or executive leadership role.
Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance.
Proficiency in accounting software such as Oracle, SAP, Workday, or health care-specific platforms.
Proven ability to develop talent, lead teams, and drive organizational change.
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, attention to detail, and strategic thinking ability.
Familiarity with health care operations, terminology, and regulatory requirements, including Medicare, Medicaid, and HIPAA.
High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical conduct.
Ability to think strategically, anticipate industry changes, and support future growth and transformation.
Commitment to process improvement, efficiency, and quality in accounting operations.
Ability to collaborate across departments, build consensus, and drive results through teamwork.
Ability to communicate complex accounting and financial concepts to diverse audiences, including board members, clinicians, and non-financial stakeholders.
Comfort navigating ambiguity, leading through change, and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Comfort working in a dynamic, deadline-driven setting and managing competing priorities.
Occasional travel to regional sites, external meetings, or industry conferences is required.

Nice To Haves

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is strongly preferred.
Experience in a health care organization or similarly complex environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement accounting strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives; advise senior leadership and contribute to executive financial planning and decision-making.
Oversee accounting operations, including general ledger, cash accounting and analytics, investments, insurance, grants and endowments, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and fringe benefits, fixed assets and leasing, and financial close processes.
Oversee cash accounting applications and analytics systems and processes, bank reconciliations, and accounting support for enterprise treasury operations.
Ensure accurate and timely transactions, reconciliations, and financial reports.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, regulatory standards, and internal control policies.
Establish, monitor, and improve internal controls; lead periodic control reviews and audits.
Maintain knowledge of accounting, tax, and health care regulations and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Drive process improvements, automation, standardization, and accounting system enhancements.
Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team; set goals, provide feedback, and support professional growth, training, and succession planning.
Approve teammate compensation changes, resolution plans for teammate concerns, corrective action plans, and terminations.
Support budgeting and forecasting with historical data, trend analysis, and financial perspectives; collaborate with finance and operational leaders on budgets.
Coordinate annual external audits and internal audit reviews, serve as the primary auditor liaison, provide documentation, and address audit findings.
Build relationships with executive leadership, department leaders, regulatory agencies, vendors, and other stakeholders; communicate complex financial information clearly.
Lead accounting-related change initiatives, including system implementations, policy updates, and process redesigns.
Identify financial and compliance risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and oversee risk-management practices for the accounting department.
Lead accounting work on special projects, including mergers and acquisitions, system integrations, and new business initiatives, providing accounting expertise and due diligence.

Benefits

Paid Time Off programs
Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program
Premium pay, such as shift and on-call pay, for eligible positions
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Career development programs