Chief CPA

Chief CPA - Remote - National (UA101001) Location: New York, NY, us, Remote

Company Description

A growth-oriented accounting and CPA firm who is redefining the accounting industry by creating a national presence through thoughtful acquisitions and partnerships by offering independent CPA firms a succession solution that respects their unique culture and client ties is seeking a Remote Chief CPA to lead the administrative and operational management of their growing family of practices. The firm provides CPA firm owners to preserve the acquired firm’s identity, team, and client relationships while adding resources to improve operations and fuel growth. It offers a structure that allows for two possible outcomes for firm owners

• A smooth exit for owners who are ready to retire
• The opportunity to stay on and retain equity for those who want to scale their firm with support.

This is accomplished by adding new resources and expertise, including operational support and modern technology, while sharing resources across the network.

Job Description

This is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary Director level or rising Partner track leader from a Top 100, mid-market, or regional firm (e.g., RSM, BDO, CLA). You will start at the foundational stage to build a new firm from the ground up, not simply inherit a practice. Your leadership will directly shape the firm’s future, defining how successor CPAs operate, how they measure quality, and how AI and automation are integrated into modern professional workflows. The Remote Chief CPA will act as a strategic and technical leader, responsible for the performance and integration of all acquired practices. This position ensures consistent quality and operational discipline as independent firms are transitioned into a unified organization. This blended role is defined by three core pillars:

• Technical Authority: Establish and enforce the highest professional standards for all tax and accounting services.
• Performance Oversight: Strategically manage firm-level results, enhance efficiency, and build a strong framework of accountability.
• Integration Management: Guide teams through the complexities of M&A, drive cultural alignment, and oversee the implementation of new systems and automation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Professional & Technical Excellence: Responsible for ensuring firmwide professional and technical excellence by defining, codifying, and enforcing all quality standards. This role involves overseeing critical quality control processes, including peer reviews, complex tax consultations, and continuous technical development. The individual will maintain a high level of professional credibility across all CPAs, effectively serving as the authoritative internal Partner-of-record for the group.
• Integration & Change Management: Drive successful M&A outcomes by leading strategic integration and change management efforts. This includes orchestrating the cultural and operational harmonization of acquired businesses and establishing scalable playbooks for onboarding and leadership transition. Proactively partner with diligence teams to assess leadership fit and cultural alignment, facilitating smooth transitions from entrepreneurial structures to professionally managed organizations with enhanced accountability.
• Performance and Operations: Directly manage and optimize practice performance by owning the comprehensive scorecard that tracks utilization rates, profit margins, client satisfaction scores, and retention metrics. This role involves actively coaching and mentoring successor Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), clearly defining performance expectations, monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Furthermore, you will collaborate closely with the shared services and automation teams to transform potential operational efficiencies into quantifiable and measurable results.
• People and Culture: Lead the creation of a cohesive, strong community of CPAs that transcends individual firms, fostering a shared professional identity. Instill an ownership mindset by recognizing high performance, celebrating excellence, and empowering future leaders. Manage culture and value alignment during periods of rapid growth through targeted internal communication and learning initiatives.
• Strategic Partnership: Provide executive counsel to the CEO and CPTO on professional standards, client-service models, and the strategic deployment of automation. Act as firms’ representative to key external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, banks, and investors. Critically, serve as the strategic bridge connecting traditional CPA practice management with AI-driven transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience: 10–15 years in public accounting, ideally in a regional or large independent firm (Top 100). Deep tax and accounting expertise; exposure to multi-office operations or integration environments
• Level: Currently Senior Manager, Director, or non-equity Partner with clear Partner-track credentials — ready to step into a firm-wide leadership role
• Change Management: Proven experience driving transformation — integrating acquired teams, modernizing workflows, or leading cultural change initiatives
• Leadership Style: Respected by peers for technical mastery and fairness. Balances high standards with empathy and clarity. Acts as a coach, not a bureaucrat.
• Technology Fluency: Familiar with cloud accounting stacks (QuickBooks, Drake, CCH Axcess, UltraTax, etc.) and open to working with AI-powered automation.
• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, disciplined, and future-oriented. Enjoys ambiguity, scaling, and system-building.
• Credentials: CPA license (active) in good standing (Required)

Additional Information Annual salary plus generous equity compensation. If you feel you have the necessary qualifications, please forward a current copy of your resume and state your salary requirement.