Chief Innovation Officer

Department: Administrative

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Cleveland, OH

Description

Firm:

Meaden & Moore is a leading CPA and business consulting firm, recognized for excellence in both the workplace and with our clients. We are a nine-time winner of The Plain Dealer’s Top Workplaces, a seven-time recipient of Ohio Magazine’s Best Places to Work and consistently ranked among the Top 50 Best of the Best Firms by Inside Public Accounting. These accolades highlight how our firm is managed and reflect our commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic environment—one that nurtures career growth and provides long-term opportunities for advancement, leadership, and potential ownership.

Since 1919, we have been dedicated to delivering exceptional professional services across accounting, tax, forensic, and consulting disciplines. Our expert team—CPAs, CFEs, CFFs, advisors, and auditors—brings deep expertise, insight, and tailored strategies to help clients navigate complex challenges, enhance business success, and thrive in today’s global economy.

 

Opportunity:

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) to lead innovation and transformation across our public accounting firm. This executive-level role will be instrumental in driving the adoption of emerging technologies, reimagining service delivery, and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement to enhance both client value and internal efficiency.

The CINO will combine a disciplined, detail-oriented approach with the ability to challenge convention and push bold ideas forward. This leader will be fast-paced, precise, and focused on ensuring high-quality execution of all innovative initiatives. They will thrive in operational excellence while encouraging the firm to adapt quickly and embrace change. The CINO will influence through expertise, careful analysis, and results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an innovative strategy aligned with the firm’s mission, growth goals, and commitment to exceptional client service.
• Identify, evaluate and implement emerging technologies (e.g. AI, automation, data analytics, cloud platforms) to modernize audit, tax, and advisory services to bring more value to our clients and teams.
• Collaborate with practice leaders to redesign workflows, co-develop digital products, and embed innovation into day-to-day operations that enhance client satisfaction and create new revenue streams.
• Champion a culture of innovation by encouraging idea-sharing, experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration at all levels of the firm across multiple service lines.
• Evaluate and report ROI of innovation initiatives with clear KPIs tied to efficiency, client satisfaction, revenue growth, and employee engagement; oversee large-scale technology portfolios and budgets to ensure measurable cost savings, process optimization, and scalable digital transformation.
• Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and technology advancements impacting the accounting profession.
• Build and maintain external partnerships with technology vendors, startups, academic institutions, and industry organizations to pilot new technologies and enhance the firm’s competitive advantage.
• Lead firmwide change management initiatives to support successful adoption of new tools, technologies, and innovative practices with precision and compliance while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Oversee the maintenance and continuous improvement of learning and development programs with HR and department leaders to support upskilling, reskilling, and digital fluency aligned with strategic innovation priorities across the firm.
• Balance innovation with the CPA profession’s regulatory, compliance, and ethical requirements by ensuring robust cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk management practice.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in public accounting, consulting, or innovation strategy.
• Understanding of the CPA profession, regulatory environment, and evolving client needs.
• Proven success leading digital transformation and implementing scalable, tech-enabled solutions, with expertise in AI-driven transformation, data warehouse development, automation, and advanced analytics tailored to professional services.
• Strong communication, leadership, and change management skills.
• CPA, MBA, or relevant technical certifications preferred.
• Additional credentials for Lean Six Sigma, digital strategy, AI, or design thinking preferred.