About the RoleThe
Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive leader responsible for building the "firm of the future" - combining best-in-class professional services operations with process engineering, data/AI enablement, and modern technology to deliver a step-change in client experience, margin, and scalability.
This is a hands-on operator who can:
- Translate strategy into operating cadence, measurable outcomes, and sustained execution
- Engineer and standardize end-to-end workflows across service lines
- Lead technology-enabled transformation (AI, automation, workflow, data, client-facing platforms)
- Influence partners and senior stakeholders through change while strengthening culture and client trust
Key responsibilitiesOperating model & performance leadership- Own firmwide operations across offices and functions; ensure consistent execution and a high-accountability culture.
- Establish an operating cadence: weekly metrics reviews, monthly business reviews, quarterly planning, and clear ownership of initiatives.
- Define and manage KPIs that matter (capacity utilization, cycle time, SLA adherence, quality/rework, realization, NPS/CSAT, talent retention).
- Identify constraints to growth and remove bottlenecks through systems, process, and org design.
Transformation, process engineering & continuous improvement- Map and redesign end-to-end workflows (onboarding delivery review billing renewal) with a focus on speed, quality, and scalability.
- Build a lean/process-improvement capability inside the firm (standards, playbooks, training, continuous improvement loops).
- Standardize SOPs, templates, and controls to ensure quality and compliance while enabling delegation/offshoring where appropriate.
Technology & AI enablement- Partner with leadership to define a practical tech roadmap (workflow tools, practice management, document management, data platforms, client portals, AI copilots/agents).
- Lead change management for technology adoption: pilot, measure, refine, and scale.
- Establish governance for AI use (risk, privacy, compliance, review controls) in collaboration with Risk/Compliance and IT.
- Drive automation of routine work and elevate the team to higher-value advisory activities.
Stakeholder leadership & change management- Serve as a trusted advisor to partners and practice leaders; influence without relying on authority.
- Align cross-functional teams (Tax, Audit/Assurance, CAS, Advisory, Client Service, HR, IT, Finance) around shared outcomes.
- Communicate clearly and consistently: what is changing, why, when, and how success will be measured.
- Reinforce a culture of excellence, learning, innovation, and client-first delivery.
Talent, organization & shared services- Build and develop a high-performing operations leadership bench (ops, client service operations, PMO, enablement).
- Partner with HR to design scalable org structures, role clarity, performance systems, and training.
- Oversee shared services and operational infrastructure (HR Ops, IT Ops, Finance Ops, Admin) as applicable; ensure service levels and reliability.
Integration (as relevant)- Support integration of acquired practices into the flagship operating model (process, technology, operating cadence, and culture).
- Create repeatable integration playbooks and "day 1 day 90" execution plans.
Ideal candidate profile- 12+ years of operational leadership in professional services (accounting, consulting, legal, or adjacent), with responsibility for multi-team execution.
- Proven track record leading technology-enabled transformation (workflow modernization, automation, data/analytics, AI enablement).
- Strong process engineering mindset (Lean/Six Sigma or equivalent experience welcomed but not required).
- Able to operate at both executive altitude (strategy, stakeholder influence) and in the details (process mapping, metrics, adoption).
- Demonstrated ability to lead change in partner-led or matrixed environments.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict navigation skills.
- High judgment around risk, quality, and compliance in regulated professional services.
Preferred (not required)- Experience in PE-backed platforms, roll-ups, or multi-site professional services organizations
- Experience building a delivery model that uses shared services / global delivery effectively
- CPA, MBA, or other relevant credential
Working style- Results-first, metric-driven operator who builds durable systems
- Comfortable in ambiguity; can structure problems and drive execution
- Collaborative, low-ego leader who raises the bar while bringing people along
- Curious and pragmatic about AI and technology - focused on adoption and outcomes, not hype
What success looks like (12-24 months)- Core delivery workflows are documented, measured, continuously improved, and scalable across offices
- The firm operates with clear operating metrics and predictable throughput (capacity, cycle time, quality)
- AI/automation is embedded into daily work in a controlled, compliant way - improving quality and freeing capacity
- Client experience is measurably stronger (responsiveness, proactive insights, consistency)
- A repeatable operating model is established and ready to export to other firms
Compensation & BenefitsThe total rewards package at Current includes base salary and benefits.
Our salary ranges are competitive within the accounting industry and are updated regularly using the most reliable compensation survey data for our industry. New hire offers are made based on a candidate's experience, expertise, geographic location, and internal pay equity relative to peers.
We provide a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (with options for fully paid employee only coverage for health and dental)
- Company-Paid Life and Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Ancillary Benefits such as supplemental life insurance, critical illness, and accident insurance
- Classic Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan with employer contributions
- Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development including access to Becker and LinkedIn Learning
