Associate Vice President of Accounting Operations

Advocate Health Care; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health Care is seeking an accomplished Accounting Operations leader to shape strategy, oversee all accounting functions, and ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting for a major health system.

This executive role requires CPA, a Bachelor's in accounting/finance, 10+ years in accounting with 7+ in management, and proven ability to drive process improvements, risk management, and regulatory compliance in healthcare.

Qualifications

• CPA designation required.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, 7+ in management or executive leadership.
• Healthcare industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement accounting strategies, policies and procedures.
• Oversee all accounting operations including GL, cash, payroll, and close processes.
• Lead internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with GAAP and HIPAA/SOX as applicable.
• Coordinate external audits and interface with auditors.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements for efficiency.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting with senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop the accounting team.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to communicate complex financial information.

Skills

GAAP expertise

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Communication skills

Healthcare knowledge

Analytical ability

Ethical standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

MBA

Tools

Oracle

SAP

Workday

Job description

Strategic Leadership:

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.

Major Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

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.

Accounting Operations Management

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.

Cash Accounting Applications & Treasury Support

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.

Financial Reporting

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.

Internal Controls

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.

Compliance And Regulatory Oversight

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.

Process Optimization

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.

Team Leadership And Development

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.

Budgeting And Forecasting

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.

Audit Management

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.

Stakeholder Engagement

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.

Change Management

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.

Risk Management

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.

Special Projects

Lead the team in various special projects including mergers and acquisitions, system integrations, and new business initiatives, providing accounting expertise and due diligence.

Certification Required

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required.

Work Experience 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Technical Skills: Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Workday, or healthcare-specific platforms).
• Leadership Abilities: Proven track record of developing talent, leading teams, and driving organizational change.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail and a capacity for strategic thinking.
• Health Care Knowledge: Familiarity with health care industry operations, terminology, and regulatory requirements (Medicare, Medicaid, HIPAA, etc.).
• Ethical Standards: High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical conduct.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to think long-term, anticipate industry changes, and position accounting operations to support future growth and transformation.
• Operational Excellence: Commitment to process improvement, efficiency, and quality in all aspects of accounting operations.
• Collaboration: Effective in working across departments, building consensus, and driving results through teamwork.
• Communication: Skilled at conveying complex accounting and financial concepts to diverse audiences, including board members, clinicians, and non-financial stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, leading through change, and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• The role is typically based at the organization's divisional headquarters, with occasional travel required to regional sites, external meetings, or industry conferences. The Accounting Operations leader must be comfortable working in a dynamic, deadline-driven setting and adept at managing competing priorities within a large, complex health care and academic enterprise.

Preferred Job Requirements

Preferred Education

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

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.