Chief Operating Officer

at  Durward Jones Barkwell Company LLP

Durward Jones Barkwell is one of the largest public accounting firms in the Niagara, Hamilton, and Halton regions with offices spanning from Burlington to Welland. The firm was founded in 1940 and features a dynamic group of professionals.
“Big enough to know, small enough to care.” At DJB, these are the words we live by. We value our clients and taking care of their unique needs is what drives our business. As part of our team, you will realize that to us nothing is trivial. We have the experience to handle any situation from complex mergers and acquisitions to assisting new entrepreneurs through the many facets of starting a small business. We do all this while remaining personally involved with our clients and the communities where we work and live.

As one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2024, we lead in offering our employees an exceptional place to work. We offer all our employees:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Performance-based incentive program designed to reward and recognize individual and team contributions
• Flexible work/life balance and summer hours
• Professional development, learning, and growth support

We are seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the operations of our Firm. Reporting to the Firm Managing Partner and working closely with the Executive Committee, the COO will lead strategic initiatives, drive operational efficiency, and foster a culture of collaboration and high performance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or professional designation is an asset.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, preferably as a COO or equivalent in the public accounting or professional services industry.
• Proven success in financial management, strategic planning, and change management.
• Strong leadership abilities with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of industry trends, regulations, and best practices.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, as inter-office travel is required.
  If you are a confident, dedicated, and hard-working professional who is motivated to achieve high standards of quality service and value to clients, we would love to hear from you!
  We appreciate all who express interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
  In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, DJB will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. Please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require

• Collaborate with the Firm Managing Partner and Executive Committee to develop and execute short- and long-term strategies aligned with the Firm’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Lead the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance operational effectiveness and streamline workflows across all offices.
• Oversee several internal functions to ensure optimal efficiency and alignment with Firm goals.
• Foster authentic communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to support growth and innovation.
• Champion a high-performance culture, providing mentorship and guidance to direct reports and teams.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, and other senior leaders to align operational efforts with strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and maintain strong partnerships within the accounting and professional services sectors.