Chief Operating Officer - Chartered Accountancy Firm

- The COO serves as the strategic and operational head of the Chartered Accountancy firm. This role is responsible for driving business growth, ensuring operational excellence, enhancing client value, and steering the firm toward innovation and long-term sustainability.

- The COO will work closely with the CEO, partners and department heads to lead strategy, operations, talent, risk, compliance, and technology transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth:

- Define and implement the firm's vision, mission, and growth strategy.

- Drive expansion into new markets, service verticals, or industries.

- Build and sustain senior-level client relationships and strategic partnerships.

- Represent the firm at industry bodies (e.g., ICAI), public forums, and client summits.

Operational Excellence:

- Oversee daily business operations (Audit, Taxation, Advisory, Compliance).

- Ensure streamlined workflows, timely client deliverables.

- SOP updates as and when required to enhance quality, productivity, and client satisfaction.

- Drive performance through structured KPIs, dashboards, and MIS reviews.

- Identify and address financial risks and ensure the financial health of the firm.

Financial Stewardship:

- Prepare and manage Budget vs actual comparisons and forecast.

- Billing, collections, profitability, and cost optimization.

Governance, Risk & Compliance:

- ICAI Peer review compliances.

Talent & Culture:

- Lead talent strategy including recruitment, L&D, performance reviews, and retention.

- Promote a culture of meritocracy, continuous learning, innovation, and integrity.

- Coach and mentor senior leadership and departmental heads.

Digital Transformation & Innovation:

- Improve operational efficiency and service delivery through tech adoption.

- Encourage innovation in client solutions and internal processes.

Key Requirements:

- Preferably a Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA).

- 15+ years of leadership experience in a big four CA firm / Business Advisory background.

- Proven expertise in strategic planning, operations, and client engagement.

- Strong understanding of audit, taxation, regulatory compliance, and consulting.

- Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

Preferred Attributes:

- Experience scaling up a professional services firm or managing multi-location operations.

- Familiarity with ICAI codes, statutory regulations, and industry best practices.

- Tech-savvy with exposure to ERP, practice management tools, and data analytics.