M&A Integration Manager, Tax & Accounting
2 days ago
Rockford
Job Description Harrison Gray Search is partnering with a nationally recognized, fee-only, majority employee-owned RIA to identify an M&A Integration Manager. Our client is one of the more active acquirers in the wealth management space, with a differentiated M&A model that emphasizes long-term partnership over roll-up economics, and a growing platform that spans wealth advisory, financial planning, tax, and business consulting. This role sits at the center of the firm's acquisition strategy, focused specifically on the diligence and integration of tax and accounting firms into the broader wealth management platform. Role Overview The M&A Integration Manager leads the acquisition and integration of tax and accounting firms into a wealth management environment. The ideal candidate brings M&A integration experience and understands the unique operational, regulatory, and client-service considerations involved in integrating tax and accounting businesses. The role requires exceptional interpersonal and relationship management skills, the ability to build trust and credibility with advisors, firm leaders, and other key stakeholders, and strong project management experience coordinating multiple workstreams and integration activities. Primary Responsibilities Due Diligence • Manage the initial due diligence request list and interview sellers, • Present the initial due diligence request list and coordinate data gathering, • Conduct site visits, • Follow up on additional due diligence requests as needed, • Distribute due diligence findings to the Integration and M&A teams, • Summarize findings for the CEO, COO, Head of M&A, and other key stakeholders as needed Onboarding • Lead and organize initial discovery sessions with the Integration Team, • Establish and maintain regular communication with potential partner firms, • Manage project plans, including timelines, milestones, deliverables, and overall status, • Lead complex integration projects involving acquired tax and accounting firms, ensuring successful alignment of people, processes, technology, and client service models, • Facilitate and coordinate Integration Team and sub-group meetings, • Partner with potential firms, third-party vendors (including custodians), and internal teams to complete all activities required for a successful transaction close Integration • Initiate project teams to execute systems integration projects across network, applications, and operations, • Coordinate with Investment teams to plan and execute portfolio transitions as needed, • Partner with internal teams to ensure post-close training is planned and delivered, • Manage and monitor integration work plans across all required departments General • Manage communications across the Integration Team, ensuring timely distribution of information, • Act as a catalyst to resolve project issues and escalate concerns when appropriate, • Serve as a liaison between business units, technology teams, and support teams, • Serve as a trusted advisor to M&A and business leadership by providing insights and guidance on the integration of tax and accounting firms, • Leverage prior experience to identify integration risks, compliance considerations, operational dependencies, best practices, and mitigation strategies, • Support departmental objectives and key results (OKRs), • Facilitate and participate in onsite meetings at acquired firm locations Qualifications Strongly Preferred • Prior experience leading, supporting, or participating in the acquisition and integration of tax and accounting firms, preferably within a wealth management, RIA, accounting, tax, consulting, or other professional services environment Education • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred Experience • 5–10+ years of progressive experience in financial services or a related professional services environment in a similar role, • Demonstrated experience leading complex integration, onboarding, or transformation initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and cross-functional workstreams, • Experience working directly with advisors, clients, partner firms, or other external stakeholders in a client-facing capacity, • Knowledge of tax and accounting firm operations, workflows, and industry practices Skills & Competencies • Proven ability to build credibility and trust with acquired firm leadership, advisors, and internal stakeholders during periods of organizational change, • Ability to influence decisions, drive alignment, and foster strong working relationships across multiple stakeholder groups, including executive leadership, • Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship management skills, • Ability to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and represent the firm professionally throughout the integration process, • Strong client service mindset with the ability to establish trust and deliver a positive experience throughout the onboarding and integration process What Sets This Opportunity Apart • Collaborative, integrated model across advisory, tax, and planning — no silos, • Growth-oriented firm offering meaningful opportunities for career development and long-term impact, • Values-driven culture grounded in excellence, integrity, lifelong learning, respect, growth, and servant leadership, • Majority employee-owned, giving team members a shared stake in long-term success Compensation & Benefits • Base salary range of $100,000–$140,000, with final pay determined by experience, skills, and location, • Eligible for additional incentive compensation based on responsibilities and performance, • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective day one, • HSA/FSA options, company-paid life, AD&D, and disability coverage, • 401(k) with company match (Roth and Traditional options), • Generous PTO, at least 10 paid holidays, parental leave, and summer hours, • Wellness reimbursements and Employee Assistance Program