Chief Information Officer

Classification: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Chief Information Officer ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the information technology department by providing managerial direction to staff, planning, purchasing, implementing and supporting technology systems and software, overseeing desktop and application support, researching and recommending new technology. He/she ensures the stability, reliability and speed of the organization’s network. He/she Oversees the computer network, telecommunication system and copiers.

Required Experience and Education

Four year degree in Information Technology, Accounting, or related area. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing IT processes, staffing, and budget at an upper management level. 3 years’ experience in implementing, operating, and maintaining IT systems in a public accounting firm preferred. Demonstrated knowledge/background in accounting practices and processes.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes of the business organization as a member of the senior management team
• Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the organization
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the work flow processes of ABBB and how that relates to IT.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate IT organizational structure that supports the needs of the business
• Establish IT departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures
• Leads, plans, and directs staffing, to include the development of staff for the efficient and effective operation of the IT Department.
• Identify opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development
• Assess and communicate risks associated with IT investments
• Develop, track, and control the information technology annual operating and capital budgets
• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives
• Direct development and execution of an enterprise-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plan
• Assess and make recommendations on the improvement or re-engineering of the IT organization Acquisition & Deployment
• Coordinate and facilitate consultation with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations
• Approve, prioritize, and control projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major information systems
• Review hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts and pursue master agreements to capitalize on economies of scale
• Define and communicate corporate plans, policies, and standards for the organization for acquiring, implementing, and operating IT systems
• Travel to other offices on a regular basis to maintain a good understanding of quality of technology service provided and maintain a current knowledge of work flows affecting each office; and also maintain positive working relationships with partners and office managers. Establish and maintain strong communication lines with partners and office managers to efficiently and effectively provide quality IT service to the firm.
• Provide management direction and support to staff to ensure consistency and accuracy of work products, to provide regular and annual performance assessments, to recommend and support staff development activities, to provide disciplinary counseling when required, to hire and train new employees, and to establish and monitor department goals and objectives which supports the mission of ABBB.
• Participate as a member of ABBB Technolgoy Committee in the role of subject matter expert Provide leadership to the committee and on projects as determined by the committee.
• Attend assigned Association, Circle meetings and user conferences and use consultants as provided for on projects and plans for additional guidance and direction.

Operational Management

• Ensure continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of service level agreements with end users and monitoring of IT systems performance
• Ensure IT system operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations
• Establish lines of control for current and proposed information systems
• Keep current with trends and issues in the IT industry, including current technologies and prices. Advise, counsel, and educate executives and management on their competitive or financial impact
• Promote and oversee strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including government, vendors, and partner organizations
• Provide management direction and support to staff to ensure consistency and accuracy of work products, to provide regular and annual performance assessments, to recommend and support staff development activities, to provide disciplinary counseling when required, to hire and train new employees, and to establish and monitor department goals and objectives which supports the mission of ABBB.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Desired Skills, Abilities, & Characteristics

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of firm and client information
• Effectively communicate through oral and written means
• Client service oriented
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
• Demonstrated successful experience as a supervisor.
• Substantial exposure to data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications
• Good understanding of computer systems characteristics, features, and integration capabilities
• Experience with systems design and development from business requirements analysis through day-to-day management
• Proven experience in IT planning, organization, and development
• Demonstrated ability to apply IT in solving business problems
• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT

Working Conditions

Normal office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additional hours are required. There may be occasional overnight travel out-of-town.