Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Rea & Associates is a growing Top 100 Accounting firm providing our clients services in tax, accounting, and business consulting. We have a ‘People First’ culture and we focus on our employees’ well-being and professional development. With over 400 professionals and thirteen offices in Ohio, our firm has a culture that respects a work-life balance for our team. We also provide competitive compensation and a robust benefits plan.

We are looking to add a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to our internal IT team. This position could be based out of any of our following Ohio locations: Avon, Lima, Mentor, Newark, Cleveland, Marietta, Millersburg, Wooster, Dublin, Medina, New Philadelphia, or Zanesville with opportunity for hybrid work.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for championing the use of information and technology in the overall enterprise business strategy development and design. This critical role reports to the COO and leads the IT team, developing and implementing a strategic technology plan with a focus on effective communication and relationship management with all firm leaders. The CIO will oversee all aspects related to information technology (IT) including infrastructure, operations, data, systems, and cybersecurity.

Responsibilities

Technology Strategy:

• Lead the future vision by leveraging information and technology while fostering innovation
• Develop and implement strategies and core objectives for the IT department
• Select and implement suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits
• Participate in the innovation committee, contributing to the firm's innovative initiatives

Team Leadership & Development:

• Supervise and provide leadership, coaching and development to the IT team
• Create a culture of collaboration, innovation and growth
• Nurture the partnership of IT and the firm through regular office visits, fostering alignment with organizational goals
• Develop and maintain department metrics to monitor and evaluate the efficiency of support solutions, programs, and initiatives

Infrastructure & Operational Management:

• Oversee the firm’s technological infrastructure (networks and computer systems) ensuring their optimal performance, reliability, scalability, flexibility, and security
• Ensure that the internal IT environment continues to remain designed to best suit the changing needs of Rea & Associates’ employees
• Develop, maintain and assure adherence to the IT budget, supporting the firm’s cost-effective operations
• Ensure the firm’s data remains secure by keeping up to date on the latest cybersecurity threats and findings

Transformation & Delivery:

• Direct and organizes IT-related projects
• Collaborate with firm's leadership to align technology with their needs
• Engage with regional presidents in strategic planning, technology decisions and investments, risk assessment, and transformational change
• Plan the implementation of new systems, guiding IT professionals and other staff throughout the firm
• Partner with the firm’s COO and finance department to approve technology purchases and establish partnerships with IT vendors

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent work experience
• A minimum of ten (10) years of direct experience working in a variety of IT functions
• Five (5) or more years of progressive IT leadership roles
• Prior experience working in a financial or professional services environment preferred
• Demonstrated experience in IT strategic planning, organization design, leadership, development, and operational management
• Outstanding leadership and strategic thinking skills with strong ability to effectively create and communicate the IT vision and inspire and motivate IT staff
• Effective influence and negotiation skills within IT and with business partners
• Strong business acumen with the ability to navigate a matrixed business environment
• Expertise in budget planning and financial management of IT
• Ability to drive organizational change within and beyond IT funct