Head of Accounting Job at Optiver (Chicago)

Head of Accounting

Optiver

Location:
United States , Chicago

Category:
Finance

Contract Type:
Employment contract

Salary:

270000.00 - 350000.00 USD / Year

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Job Description:

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.

Job Responsibility:

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
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
Partner with external auditors on technical positions, emerging issues, and audit requests
manage discussions to timely resolution
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
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
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

Requirements:

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)
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

What we offer:

discretionary bonus
benefits package

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
April 23, 2026

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

On-site work

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