Role Overview for Chief Accounting Officer with a Global Healthcare System – Baltimore, MD
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a world-renowned global healthcare system in their search for a visionary and strategic Chief Accounting Officer (CAO). Based in the vibrant city of Baltimore, MD, this executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the organization’s financial integrity and strategic growth. The successful candidate will be an exceptional leader, responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal control systems for a complex, multi-billion dollar enterprise dedicated to advancing patient care, research, and education on a global scale.
This is more than a traditional accounting role; it is an opportunity to make a significant impact within an organization at the forefront of medical innovation. The CAO will serve as a key advisor to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the executive leadership team, providing critical insights and guidance on all accounting-related matters. You will be tasked with navigating the intricate financial landscape of the healthcare industry, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and driving efficiency across the accounting function. Your leadership will be instrumental in building and mentoring a high-performing global accounting team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of technical accounting principles, a strategic mindset, and the proven ability to lead through transformation and growth in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
As the CAO, you will be the ultimate guardian of the organization’s financial data, ensuring its accuracy, timeliness, and transparency for all stakeholders, including the board of directors, investors, regulatory bodies, and the public. You will direct the preparation of all financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other regulatory requirements. This role demands a leader who can balance meticulous attention to detail with a broad, strategic perspective, capable of translating complex financial information into actionable business intelligence that supports the organization’s long-term objectives and its noble mission to improve human health worldwide.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Accounting Officer with a Global Healthcare System – Baltimore, MD
The Chief Accounting Officer will have a broad and critical set of responsibilities, overseeing the entire accounting function and ensuring its strategic alignment with the organization’s goals. Key duties include:
Financial Reporting & Compliance
Lead the accurate and timely preparation of all internal and external financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and related footnotes. Ensure full compliance with GAAP, SEC regulations (if applicable), and other relevant financial and healthcare-specific regulatory requirements. Oversee the coordination and successful completion of annual audits and quarterly reviews with external auditors.
Technical Accounting Leadership
Serve as the organization’s primary expert on complex technical accounting issues. Proactively research, interpret, and implement new accounting standards and regulations. Provide clear and concise guidance to the finance team and executive leadership on the impact of accounting changes on the business. Author and maintain comprehensive accounting policies and procedures.
Internal Controls & SOX Compliance
Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls over financial reporting to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data. Lead the organization’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance efforts, including risk assessment, control documentation, testing, and remediation of any identified deficiencies.
Global Accounting Operations
Direct and oversee all aspects of accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and financial systems. Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of the accounting function through automation and best practices.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber global accounting team. Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance culture. Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular feedback and coaching, and support the professional growth and career development of team members.
Strategic Business Partnership
Collaborate closely with the CFO, FP&A team, and other senior leaders across the organization. Provide financial expertise and support for strategic initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions, new business ventures, and major capital investments. Participate in M&A due diligence and lead the financial integration of acquired entities.
Treasury & Cash Management
Oversee treasury functions, including cash management, forecasting, debt management, and banking relationships. Develop and implement strategies to optimize liquidity and manage financial risk effectively.
Systems & Technology
Champion the continuous improvement and optimization of financial systems and technologies (e.g., ERP systems). Lead or play a key role in the selection and implementation of new financial software and tools to support the organization’s growth and evolving needs.
Requirements for the Chief Accounting Officer with a Global Healthcare System – Baltimore, MD
Candidates must possess a distinguished track record of financial leadership and technical expertise. The following qualifications are essential for success in this role:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. An active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is mandatory. A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a related advanced degree is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Corporate Controller, VP of Accounting, or existing CAO). A combination of experience in a ‘Big Four’ public accounting firm and a large, complex, publicly-traded or non-profit organization is strongly preferred.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the healthcare industry is required. A deep understanding of healthcare finance, including revenue cycle management, reimbursement models (Medicare/Medicaid), and industry-specific regulations, is critical.
Technical Skills
Expert-level knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting standards, and SOX 404 compliance. Proven experience managing the full scope of accounting operations in a multi-entity, global environment. High proficiency with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday Financials).
Leadership & Communication
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, diverse teams. Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex financial concepts to both financial and non-financial audiences, including the executive team and Board of Directors.
Strategic Acumen
Proven ability to think strategically and act as a true business partner. Experience supporting M&A activities, system implementations, and other significant business transformations. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable integrity, ethics, and credibility. A proactive, hands-on leader with a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous improvement. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and collaborative culture.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
An attractive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Robust wellness programs, mental health support, and employee assistance programs.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan with a substantial employer match and potential for additional contributions.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and numerous paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Executive Perks
Potential for benefits such as a car allowance, executive financial planning services, and club memberships.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuing professional education, industry conferences, and leadership development programs to support your ongoing growth.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to be a part of a globally recognized organization making a profound difference in the lives of patients and communities worldwide.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative accounting leader with the requisite experience and a passion for the healthcare mission, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role.
