MD Chief Accounting Officer

Posted:
3/10/2026, 9:39:13 AM

Location(s):
Chicago, Illinois, United States ⋅ Illinois, United States

Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Accounting

Chief Accounting Officer (CAO):


We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) to lead our global accounting
function. This is a critical leadership role responsible for the integrity of our financial reporting, internal controls, and
overall accounting strategy. This role requires an individual who can operate with precision, ensure regulatory and
reporting accuracy, and work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver on both routine and ad-hoc priorities. The
ideal candidate will have extensive experience in a large, complex, and regulated financial services environment, with
a proven track record of managing a global team and navigating the intricacies of a publicly listed company as well as
the ability to balance leadership oversight with practical, day-to-day execution.


Role Summary:


The CAO maintains overall responsibility for financial integrity and financial controls of the organization. The
incumbent is responsible for maintenance of the books and records of CME Group and its global subsidiaries. The
CAO is responsible for all external financial filings including SEC filings, statutory and regulatory financial filings. The
CAO oversees the Sarbanes-Oxley control documentation and testing team which supports the CEO/CFO quarterly
SEC certifications. The CAO also manages organizational transaction processing for billing, collection, cash
application, payroll, accounts payable, travel & entertainment and procurement. The role is also responsible for
assessment and review of actual and potential accounting implications of complex transactions and new accounting
standards.


Key Responsibilities:


● Financial Reporting and Disclosure: Oversee the preparation and filing of all financial statements, including SEC
filings. Ensure compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and other regulatory reporting requirements including
preparation of the annual report, local statutory reports, financial regulatory filings, financial information in
proxy, debt compliance reporting and other government filings.
● Financial Statements and Analysis: Maintains books and records of CME Group and subsidiaries, consisting of
over 50 U.S., UK and other international subsidiaries of CME Group. This includes monthly, quarterly and
annual financial statements. This also includes reviewing financial information on a regular basis and
analyzing financial trends and relationships. Also presents financial information to the Board of Directors,
Audit Committee and Senior Management.
● Accounting Operations: Lead and manage all aspects of the accounting function, including general ledger,
accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. Optimize and enhance accounting processes, vendors
and systems to improve efficiency and accuracy. Ensuring that day-to-day accounting functions are
performed in a timely and accurate manner.
● Oversee Accounting Policy: Closing/Consolidation, and Valuations. Formulating, recommending, and
auditing processes to ensure adequate financial control and that financial accounting and administrative
practices are sound and conforming to company policies.
● Internal Controls and Compliance: Design, implement, and maintain a robust system of internal controls over
financial reporting (SOX compliance). Ensure strict adherence to all regulatory and legal requirements,
including those from the SEC, FASB, and other relevant bodies while supporting the CEO/CFO SEC
certifications.
● Strategic Leadership: Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic guidance on
accounting matters, mergers and acquisitions, and business initiatives. Partner with finance, legal, and
operational teams to drive business objectives. Responsible for assistance on inorganic growth opportunities
including due diligence, closing and financial integration.
● Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global accounting team.
Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

● Auditor and Regulator Relationship Management: Act as the primary liaison for external auditors, managing
the annual audit process. Interact regularly with regulators to ensure compliance and maintain strong
relationships.
● Committee Representative: Acts as a representative in various capacities, including Retirement Committee,
Risk Management Team and Disclosure Team.


Qualifications:


● A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in accounting , with a preference for candidates who have
served as a in a senior leadership role such as Corporate Controller, Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) or VP of Finance for at least 5 years
● Experience in the above roles in a large, global, publicly listed financial services institution is required
● A Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance or a related field is required
● An MBA or advanced degree is preferred
● Active CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation is mandatory


Skills:


● Deep knowledge of Accounting, Auditing, and SEC filings
● Strong understanding of Corporate Budgeting and Forecasting, and internal control frameworks
● Deep knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and SEC reporting requirements
● Strong understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and internal control frameworks
● Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
● Proven ability to manage a diverse, international team
● Technically strong in all aspects of accounting and financial reporting, have excellent written and verbal
communication skills, and be equally comfortable dealing with members of the Board of Directors and staff.
● Strategic and analytical thinker with meticulous attention to detail. A proactive and results-oriented leader
who can thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

CME Group is committed to offering a competitive total rewards package for our employees that recognizes their contributions to the business and reflects our long-term investment in their future. The pay range for this role is $274,800-$458,000. Actual salary offered will be dependent on a wide array of factors including but not limited to: relevant experience, skills, education and comparison to internal employees (where relevant). Our compensation program also includes an annual target bonus opportunity for all employees, as well as the opportunity to become an owner in the company through our broad-based equity program. Through our benefits program, we strive to offer flexibility, value and choice. From comprehensive health coverage, to a retirement package that includes both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, to highly competitive education reimbursement provisions, paid time off and a mental health benefit, CME Group offers a holistic benefits package for our team and their dependents.

CME Group: Where Futures are Made

CME Group is the world’s leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it – all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we’re looking for more.

At CME Group, we embrace our employees' unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone’s perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal-opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.

Important Notice: Recruitment fraud is on the rise, with scammers using misleading promises of job offers and interviews to solicit money and personal information from job seekers. CME Group adheres to established procedures designed to maintain trust, confidence and security throughout our recruitment process. Learn more here.

CME Group

Website: https://www.cmegroup.com/

Headquarter Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Employee Count: 1001-5000

Year Founded: 2007

IPO Status: Public

Last Funding Type: Post-IPO Equity

Industries: Finance ⋅ Financial Services ⋅ Marketplace ⋅ Stock Exchanges