Description
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) serves as the firm’s executive leader for technology, data, IT operations, people, and innovation. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CIO aligns technology strategy with the firm’s growth objectives—balancing operational excellence and cybersecurity with forward-looking innovation, client enablement, and employee empowerment. This role is responsible for setting and executing the overall technology vision, strategy, and governance, while fostering a high-performing culture that attracts, develops, and retains top talent. The CIO ensures that all systems, data, and digital capabilities drive business growth, efficiency, innovation, and risk management. Acting as both a strategic and people leader, the CIO bridges business strategy and technology execution, ensuring that technology investments create measurable value for clients, staff, and the firm’s long-term success.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and communicate a technology roadmap that accelerates growth in assurance, tax, and advisory services.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to firm leadership, translating emerging technology into business opportunities.
- Oversee enterprise architecture and integrations, SaaS platforms, portfolio management, and technology investment prioritization.
- Rationalize systems and platforms to reduce redundancy, strengthen integration, and maximize ROI.
- Provide executive oversight of information security, regulatory compliance, and IT governance.
- Ensure the firm meets or exceeds standards including NIST CSF, IRS WISP, GLBA, and evolving data privacy laws.
- Lead the adoption of AI, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and enhance advisory services.
- Partner with directors to develop modern data infrastructure, dashboards, and real-time reporting solutions.
- Enhance client-facing portals and digital engagement with secure, interactive tools and dashboards. Strengthen staff productivity through modern platforms, training programs, and end-user enablement.
Oversee IT due diligence, integration, and onboarding for mergers and acquisitions.
- Standardize systems and processes to ensure seamless expansion into new markets.
- Lead and mentor leaders overseeing information security, SaaS platforms, AI/data innovation, enterprise architecture, and end-user enablement.
- Cultivate a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across the firm.
Skills And Requirements
- BS/BA in computer science, engineering or relevant field; MS/MBA preferred
- 15+ years of progressive experience in IT leadership, with 5+ years in an executive or senior management role.
- Proven ability to balance operational IT excellence with innovation and client- facing digital strategy.
- Expertise in cybersecurity, compliance, SaaS ecosystems, and enterprise platforms.
- Experience in professional services, accounting, or other regulated industries preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multi-vendor ecosystems and negotiate enterprise agreements.
- Exceptional people skills with the ability to influence senior executives and engage clients.
- Demonstrated success in managing senior technology leaders and large-scale initiatives.
- Strong relationship-building skills with partners, clients, and cross-functional leaders.
Preferred Skills
- Demonstrated success in managing senior technology leaders and large-scale initiatives.
- Experience in professional services, accounting, legal, or consulting firms— understanding practice management, client data confidentiality, and audit/tax
technologies.
- Familiarity with CPA industry applications (CCH Axcess, Thomson Reuters, CaseWare, DataSnipper, or similar).
- Knowledge of M&A IT integration and post-acquisition technology onboarding.
- Experience implementing hybrid-cloud environments
