Director of Assurance

MDS Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Hybrid work model

Leadership development & partner track

Support for practice growth

Job summary

MDS Search is seeking an entrepreneurial Assurance Leader (Senior Assurance Manager or Assurance Director) to lead and expand our Manufacturing & Distribution practice in the Chicago market. You will serve as the primary advisor for a diverse client portfolio, drive growth, oversee high‑level audit engagements, and mentor a team of assurance professionals while leveraging national firm resources.

The role requires 8–10+ years of public accounting experience, an active CPA license, a Bachelor’s

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of progressive audit and assurance experience in public accounting with a focus on Manufacturing & Distribution
• Active CPA license required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA/MAcc preferred
• Track record in business development and client retention at Senior Manager or Director level
• Deep expertise in US GAAP, GAAS, PCAOB standards, ICFR

Responsibilities

• Lead assurance engagements for closely-held and public M&D clients (audit, review, compilation, financial reporting)
• Advise executives and audit committees on accounting standards, internal controls, and financial reporting risks
• Drive growth by generating new assurance business in Chicago and Midwest M&D corridor
• Cultivate relationships with lenders, private equity sponsors, attorneys, and industry associations
• Mentor and develop Assurance Managers and staff; manage engagement economics and profitability
• Drive quality control, risk management, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and staff retention

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Business Development

Project Management

C-suite Interaction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA or MAcc preferred

Tools

CPA

US GAAP/GAAS

ICFR

Job description

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and highly strategic Assurance Leader (Senior Assurance Manager or Assurance Director) to lead and expand our Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D) practice in the Chicago market.

As an Assurance Leader, you will serve as the primary advisor for a diverse portfolio of middle-market and enterprise-level manufacturing and distribution clients. You will be responsible for driving growth, directing complex audit and assurance engagements, and leading a high-performing team of assurance professionals. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned leader to leverage deep industry expertise to scale a localized practice while utilizing the resources of a national firm.

Key Responsibilities

Client Service & Strategic Advisory

• Serve as the lead assurance advisor and engagement leader for closely-held and publicly-traded M&D clients.
• Direct high-level audit, review, compilation, and financial reporting engagements, focusing on industry-specific technical accounting and auditing complexities (e.g., inventory valuation and accounting, revenue recognition under ASC 606, lease accounting under ASC 842, and complex supply chain accounting).
• Advise client executive teams and audit committees on accounting standards implementation, internal controls framework design, debt covenant compliance, and financial reporting risks during corporate restructurings, M&A due diligence, and capital raises.
• Navigate financial reporting considerations for clients with global supply chains, including international financial reporting standards (IFRS), consolidated reporting, and cross-border audit coordination.

Business Development & Growth

• Drive top-line practice revenue by generating new assurance business within the greater Chicago area and the Midwest M&D corridor.
• Leverage existing professional networks and cultivate relationships with lenders, private equity sponsors, attorneys, and industry associations to build a robust deal pipeline.
• Expand services within the existing client base by identifying opportunities for risk advisory, internal audit co-sourcing, SOC reports, and ESG reporting.
• Represent the firm as an industry thought leader through speaking engagements, webinars, and publications on emerging GAAP/assurance trends.

Leadership & Team Development

• Mentor, train, and develop a team of Assurance Managers, Senior Associates, and Staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Oversee engagement economics, including budgeting, realization, billing, collections, and team utilization to ensure optimal profitability.
• Champion firm initiatives regarding quality control, risk management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, while driving high team retention and morale.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 8–10+ years of progressive audit and assurance experience in public accounting, with a significant and proven focus on the Manufacturing & Distribution sector.
• Credentials: Active CPA license required.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Master’s degree in Accountancy (MAcc) or MBA preferred.
• Track Record: Demonstrated success in business development, audit engagement oversight, and client retention at the Senior Manager or Director level.
• Technical Skills: Deep expertise in US GAAP, GAAS, PCAOB standards, internal control evaluations (ICFR), and sector-specific financial accounting provisions.
• Leadership: Exceptional communication, executive-level presentation skills, and the ability to interact effectively with client C-suites and Boards of Directors.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive compensation package (base salary + performance bonus).
• Comprehensive benefits suite including top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• Dedicated marketing, technical accounting desk, operational, and recruiting support to help you scale your practice.
• Executive leadership development and clear partner track/career advancement pathways.