Director of U.S. Accounting

McDermott Will & Schulte; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 203,000 - 288,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte in Chicago seeks a Director of Accounting to lead the firm's U.S. accounting operations, financial reporting, and governance.

You will shape the accounting strategy, strengthen internal controls, and drive process improvements to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant reporting across the organization. The ideal candidate has a CPA and/or MBA, at least ten years of related experience, and advanced knowledge of Excel and analytics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• At least ten years of related work experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis concepts, frameworks, and principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the firm’s accounting strategy to support organizational growth, operational excellence, and long-term business objectives.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of accounting standards, reporting requirements, and financial control enhancements.
• Oversee the integrity of the firm’s general ledger and financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and transparency.
• Partner with leadership to enhance financial reporting capabilities, analytics, and business performance insights.
• Monitor key financial trends, performance indicators, and balance sheet activity to proactively identify risks and opportunities impacting the firm.
• Lead cross-functional transformation projects involving accounting systems, reporting platforms, workflows, and data governance.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that streamline accounting operations, strengthen controls, and improve service delivery.
• Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess control performance and compliance with firm policies.

Skills

Strong written and verbal comm.

Excel & analytics

Project management

Organizational skills

Attention to deadlines

Confidential information handling

Accounting strategy knowledge

Communication with leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

CPA and/or MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With Us, You’ll Find

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!
• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.
• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description

The Director of Accounting provides strategic leadership for the firm’s U.S. accounting operations, financial reporting, general ledger integrity, and accounting governance. This role is responsible for developing and executing the accounting strategy, strengthening internal controls, driving process transformation, and ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and compliance of financial reporting across the organization.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the firm’s accounting strategy to support organizational growth, operational excellence, and long-term business objectives
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and governance frameworks that ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices
• Lead the evaluation and implementation of accounting standards, reporting requirements, and financial control enhancements
• Oversee the integrity of the firm’s general ledger and financial reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and transparency
• Partner with leadership to enhance financial reporting capabilities, analytics, and business performance insights
• Monitor key financial trends, performance indicators, and balance sheet activity to proactively identify risks and opportunities impacting the firm
• Lead cross-functional transformation projects involving accounting systems, reporting platforms, workflows, and data governance
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that streamline accounting operations, strengthen controls, and improve service delivery
• Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms to assess control performance and compliance with firm policies

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, CPA and/or MBA preferred
• At least ten (10) years of related work experience
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
• Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis concepts, frameworks, and principles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $203,000 - $288,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.