Director of Accounting

ABOUT APELLA Apella Wealth is an employee-owned, wealth advisory firm (RIA) headquartered in West Hartford, CT with offices across the nation serving thousands of investors, families, businesses and institutions. Founded in 2014, we are growing rapidly with approximately $12B in assets under management. We are scaling both organically and through strategic acquisitions as we enter new regional markets and develop world-class, client-relevant capabilities. Most importantly, we are growing by identifying the right partners that embrace our culture, share in our values, and are dedicated to putting client service first in all they do. We compete for talent. We owe it to our clients and our co-workers to find the right people for them and us. At Apella, we do meaningful financial planning with people we genuinely enjoy working with. THE ROLE As the Director of Accounting , you will lead Apella's accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance activities, and audit readiness. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this role oversees the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. The Director of Accounting will partner closely with leadership to support strategic decision-making, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and strengthen the organization's financial infrastructure as Apella continues to grow. Beyond traditional accounting responsibilities, this role will evaluate existing processes, identify opportunities for automation and technology optimization, and drive initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability, and data visibility across the organization. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, technology minded leader who enjoys digging into the details, challenging the status quo, and developing practical solutions that enhance the effectiveness of the accounting function. This individual will be comfortable operating both strategically and tactically, leading the team while remaining close enough to the work to identify opportunities for improvement. As Apella experiences continued growth, this individual will play a key role in transforming the accounting department from a largely transaction-processing environment into a more proactive, analytical, and technology-enabled function capable of delivering meaningful insights to support business decisions. This leader will help build capacity within the team, improve processes and reporting, shorten close timelines, and create a scalable foundation that supports the organization's long-term growth and success. What you will be responsible for: Financial Reporting & Close Process Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes. Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules. Analyze financial results and provide explanations of significant variances. Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and accounting records. Continuously improve month-end and quarter-end close processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting timeliness. Accounting Operations Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and general accounting functions. Establish and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and best practices. Ensure accurate accounting for complex transactions, including revenue recognition, leases, and accruals. Support cash management and treasury-related activities. Evaluate existing accounting processes & identify opportunities for automation, standardization & efficiency gains Partner with stakeholders to optimize accounting systems and reduce manual processes. Internal Controls & Compliance Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls. Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and company policies. Coordinate annual external audits and serve as the primary liaison with auditors. Support SOX or other regulatory compliance initiatives. Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovative problem-solving. Strategic Finance Support Partner with the CFO and business leaders to provide financial insights. Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning. Evaluate and enhance accounting systems, reporting capabilities, and technology solutions to support a scalable finance function. Where you will work: This role is based in our West Hartford, CT office. We believe our best work happens through in-person collaboration, partnership, mentorship and relationship building with flexibility for remote work as needed at the discretion of team leadership. What qualifications we’re looking for: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, or a related field CPA designation required 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership and people management responsibilities Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements Experience managing month-end close, financial reporting, and external audit processes Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining effective internal controls Technical accounting expertise with the ability to analyze complex accounting matters Experience in a high-growth, multi-entity, professional services, financial services, or wealth management environment, preferred Proven leadership and team development skills Strategic thinker with a continuous improvement mindset Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills Experience evaluating and improving accounting processes, systems, and workflows Ability to leverage technology and automation to improve efficiency, scalability, and reporting effectiveness Proven ability to build, implement, and scale accounting processes, controls, and infrastructure within a growing organization WHAT WE OFFER A base salary range of $160K - $175K with annual discretionary bonus and equity potential along with the ability to drive the in-organic growth strategy for a rapidly scaling financial services firm. A comprehensive benefits package including: Day 1 Medical, Dental, and Vison health insurance coverage for you and your specific needs Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options w/company contributions 401(k) retirement plan with company match to help you achieve your financial goals Unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy to ensure you have time to rest and recharge when needed Employer-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage options 16-week fully paid Parental Leave programs and adoption assistance support to help you start a family Continuing education and certification fee reimbursement for professional development Discount perks on travel, childcare, fitness, electronics, meal delivery, pet insurance, and more Most importantly: The chance to help shape the future of a rapidly growing wealth management firm