Job Description

LOCATION

London

DEPARTMENT

Operational & Technical Accounting Advisory



Company Overview



There's a better way to work in finance--and more specifically, a better way to unlock value potential in private equity-backed portfolio companies. Working at the intersection of sponsors and management teams across every stage of the investment lifecycle, our team provides hands-on, execution-oriented support to elevate the office of the CFO.



So, what does it mean to work at Accordion? It means joining 1,400+ finance & technology experts in a high-growth, collaborative, and agile environment while changing the way portfolio companies drive value. It also means making your mark on Accordion's future.



With the London office launching our European footprint, London-based Accordionites will have a unique opportunity to flex their entrepreneurial muscles and drive our business forward in the European market.



Accordion is headquartered in New York City with 10 offices around the globe. Come join us as we build something great, together.



Operational & Technical Accounting Advisory Practice



With the increase in complexity of the business environment and transactions, CFOs of private equity-backed companies are increasingly being looked towards to drive strategic insights for their business. Finance organizations are no longer simply result reporters, but rather, they couple these results with forward-looking data to provide strategic insights which are leveraged to make business decisions. Efficiency of process and meaningful control environments allows for speed of financial reporting with increasingly accurate measures, leaving more time for the finance team to add future enterprise value, rather than look backwards.



Accordion's Operational & Technical Accounting Advisory (O&T) Practice is comprised of a dedicated team providing accounting and financial advice to support PE-backed portfolio companies on a wide range of transactions and events, including Accounting Policies & Procedures, ERP/Financial System Execution, Financial Statement Close Process, Process & Controls Implementation, Technical Accounting, Finance/Accounting Assessment & Design and Finance & Accounting Organization Standup resulting from a Carve-Out or Merger transaction. We are doers and problem solvers - making sense of complexity and bolstering sponsors' value creation theses.



This role can be based in our London office. Ideal candidates should be local to the desired location, with the flexibility to work remotely 1-2 days a week, blending the best of both worlds for efficiency and collaboration.

What You'll Do:

The O&T Director will partner with Accordion's leaders to service clients in the areas of Carve-Out transactions and other complex accounting focused within operational and technical matters. The O&T Director will be expected to work collaboratively with the Carve-Out Solutions Lead to service clients during a Carve-Out Transaction focused on the Finance and Accounting function, specifically including:



Designing Day 1 readiness plans around core accounting processes (order to cash, procure to pay, record to report)

Standing up interim accounting functions in fast-paced, low-resourced and unsophisticated environments

Overseeing and managing cross functional constituents in a stressful environment to ensure the Office of the CFO is being setup for success

Establishing a high-performing and efficient F&A function by assessing current capabilities versus needs in a PE environment, identifying gaps and ensuring remediation steps are incorporated in detailed exit plan

Reviewing and modifying TSA and rTSAs to ensure the right support and details are identified

Preparing financial statements, including ensuring GAAP compliance and adoption of key areas including ASC 805, ASC 718, ASC 350, ASC 810, ASC 842, ASC 606, among others

Assisting in the design and implementation of new accounting policies and procedures

Assessing and designing finance and accounting organizational structure

Onboarding and managing third party firms, including driving successful outcomes and mitigating risk and disruption to the client

Overall, bringing leadership and executive presence to all conversations, representing expertise in our skill sets and our firm while coordinating a collaborative solution for our clients

Additionally, coaching and mentoring junior team members including hands-on teaching of complex areas around carve outs and overall client-based work

Assisting in growing the firm by supporting business development activities

Identifying and sponsoring internal initiatives

Regular and extensive travel across Europe to work with clients in the relevant jurisdictions

Ideally, You Have:

Minimum of 8-10 years of relevant professional experience, including direct Carve-Out experience, working in a client serving role at a top-tier public accounting or financial advisory firm, and/or mix of client service and private industry experience at a senior level

Proven experience successfully managing multiple projects at the same time, managing not only client/sponsor dynamics but internal team dynamics as well

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; CPA is a plus

A strong and up-to date knowledge of US GAAP (exposure to IFRS is a plus)

Experience preparing financial statements and drafting footnote disclosures, experience with first-time audits a plus

Experience with Carve-Outs, specifically in supporting operational needs within the F&A function

Practical knowledge and success in managing the separation of business units as it relates to Carve-Outs

Experience performing financial and operational internal control reviews

Knowledge of performing IT assessments and financial system implementation experience is a plus

Experience working with Private Equity, with an understanding of the unique requirements of the Private Equity consulting environment

Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills

Strong client service mindset

Ideally, You Are:

A self-starter with a strong work ethic

A leader of others; you lead by example

A strong team player, able to work with team members across all levels

Able to effectively communicate complex issues and solutions, and raise issues to senior team members when necessary

Comfortable managing projects with multiple complex workstreams while also focused on your single workstream (you are managing and doing).

Excited to be part of a growing team, with a focus on driving future growth

Full of entrepreneurial spirit and comfortable in a fluid, flat organization

Knowledgeable about the relationship between Private Equity sponsors and their portfolio companies

Passionate about delivering exceptional client service

Someone who enjoys mentoring others and doing meaningful work

Willing to get your hands dirty in the details of a project while simultaneously seeing the whole picture

Willing to travel according to client needs



Accordion is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.



Please note that as per Accordion policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters are engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening and in alignment with our inclusive diversity values. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Accordion will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.



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