Director, Performance

Founded in 2023, Crete Professionals Alliance (Crete PA) delivers big four firepower to local American firms. Our rapid growth has made us a magnet for leading firms nationwide, eager to join our revolution in accounting. We empower small to mid-market firms with PE-backed capital, strategic technology partnerships, and innovative workforce solutions—including national recruiting and offshore support—while preserving a personal, local touch.

With a presence in over half the US, 30+ regional offices, 1,000+ dedicated professionals, and offshore operations in Asia, we're the fastest-growing accounting firm in the nation and well on our way to the Top 20. At Crete PA, our culture and relationships are the cornerstone of our success, and we’re always looking for talented, ambitious people to join our team.

Position Summary

The Director of Performance is responsible for designing, executing, and continuously improving a unified (80/20) performance management strategy. This role ensures that all acquired firms successfully transition to a consistent performance philosophy, goal framework, rating system, and talent processes that support growth, accountability, leadership development, and client excellence.

The Director will partner closely with firm leaders, HR Business Partners, acquisition integration teams, and service line leaders to implement scalable performance practices that align with the organization’s culture and future-ready capabilities. This includes leading the performance cycle calendar, implementing system enhancements, ensuring data consistency across firms, strengthening manager capability, and supporting succession, promotion, and talent planning.

This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role ideal for a builder who can work in ambiguity, influence leaders across firms, and create harmony within a multi-entity accounting environment.

Position Responsibilities

Performance Strategy & Framework

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of a standardized performance management framework across all firms.

• Drive adoption of the firmwide goal-setting methodology, competency models, rating guides, and feedback tools.

• Partner with service line leaders to ensure performance expectations reflect accounting industry standards (Tax, Audit, CAS, Advisory, and support functions).

• Ensure performance processes support high growth, integration maturity levels, and cross-firm consistency.

• Develop a cohesive approach for interim reviews, coaching cycles, annual cycles, promotions, and partner evaluations.

M&A Integration & Change Management

• Own the performance workstream of firm integrations, ensuring newly acquired firms transition smoothly into platform standards, systems, and timelines.

• Conduct discovery with incoming firms (current evaluation methods, rating culture, goal cadence).

• Build transition roadmaps and onboarding materials for new firms.

• Partner on training and communications around performance to ensure new firms understand expectations and adoption milestones.

Systems Leadership & Data Governance

• Serve as system owner or co-owner for the performance platform (PerformYard).

• Ensure data accuracy, workflow integrity, and consistent rating and goal structures across firms.

• Develop dashboards and reporting that support executive decision-making (calibration, completion rates, performance distribution, promotion readiness, and retention risks).

• Lead system upgrades, automation opportunities, and integration with HRIS and LMS tools.

Leader Enablement & Capability Building

• Help partner and scale trainings for managers and partners on: giving feedback, writing goals, conducting evaluations, leading difficult conversations, using the performance system effectively, etc.

• Partner with Learning & Development to embed performance principles into leadership academies and new-manager training.

• Coach leaders on performance differentiation, escalation protocols, and talent decisions.

Talent Planning, Calibration, & Culture

• Help train/lead mid-year and year-end calibration sessions by sharing resources, training, and/or hands on prep sessions with HRBP’s/firms.

• Ensure performance culture reinforces accountability, equity, and recognition.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in performance management, talent management, or related functions.

• Experience in accounting, professional services, or multi-entity environments.

• Strong understanding of goal frameworks, competency models, rating systems, and manager enablement.

• Demonstrated success in leading performance cycles and cross-functional initiatives within an accounting firm taking in annual cycle timing, engagement feedback, etc.

• Proven ability to influence leaders and navigate sensitive conversations.

• Experience with performance or HRIS systems (PerformYard, UKG Pro, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting or integrating acquired firms (M&A).

• Experience creating or implementing standardized performance frameworks in a decentralized environment.

• Knowledge of firm operational structures and service line dynamics within tax, audit, and advisory.

• Strong analytics and reporting skills.

Working Conditions & Compensation

This position operates as part of a US East Coast-based team, with typical working hours aligning with EST to facilitate effective collaboration. We offer flexibility in managing your schedule to maintain a healthy work-life balance while meeting business needs.

We are excited to invite talented individuals to join our dynamic team! This position offers a competitive salary range of $130,000-156,000 annually, to commensurate with experience and qualifications and 20% bonus (prorated).

In addition to a rewarding career, we provide a robust benefits package, including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (with options for fully paid employee only coverage for health and dental)

• Company-Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Ancillary Benefits such as supplemental life insurance and short-term disability options

• Classic Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan with employer contributions

• Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development including access to Becker and LinkedIn Learning

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where every team member can thrive. Apply today to be part of a company that values its people and their contributions!

Crete Professionals Alliance is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state of federal law.