IT Manager, Applications

Summary/Objective

Reporting to Chief Information Officer, the IT Manager, Applications is responsible for leading the firm’s applications support and enhancement function within the information technology department, overseeing the development, testing, implementation, maintenance, and support of software applications to ensure they meet organizational needs and operate efficiently.

Essential Functions

1. Oversee the development, testing, and deployment of software applications to align with organizational goals and user requirements.

2. Ensure ongoing support, troubleshooting, and maintenance of applications to optimize performance, resolve issues, and minimize downtime.

3. Plan and manage project schedules and product enhancement roadmaps

4. Manage and mentor a team of IT professionals, including programmers and support staff, to foster collaboration, skill development, and project/product success.

5. Collaborate with vendors, business units, and stakeholders to select, integrate, and manage application solutions that meet business needs and promote continuous business process improvement and efficiency.

6. Develop and execute strategies for application lifecycle management, including budgeting, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and technology upgrades to support organizational objectives.

Responsibilities & Duties

1. Assign and track tasks for application team members to meet project/product deadlines and support needs.

2. Develop, execute, and manage robust test planning processes.

3. Respond to and resolve application-related issues reported by users or identified through monitoring tools.

4. Engage with business units to gather requirements, discuss application needs, and align project/product goals.

5. Oversee and manage ongoing application related projects and product enhancements, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, scope, and quality standards.

6. Interact with applications vendors for updates, licensing, or support agreements to maintain application functionality.

7. Lead team meetings to discuss project/product updates, prioritize tasks, and address challenges.

8. Review and implement security protocols for applications to protect data and comply with regulations.

9. Schedule and oversee application updates, patches, or upgrades to improve functionality and security.

10. Address escalated user inquiries or coordinate with support teams to resolve technical issues.

11. Track project/product and operational budgets to ensure cost-effective use of resources for application management.

12. Research and assess new software tools or technologies to enhance application capabilities.

13. Maintain documentation for application configurations, processes, and support procedures to ensure consistency.

14. Organize training sessions for team members or end-users to improve application usage and technical skills.

15. Review system performance metrics to ensure applications run smoothly and address any issues promptly.

16. Prepare and present reports on application performance, project/product status, and IT initiatives to senior management.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential functions and responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business and/or technology or equivalent number of years of experience

• 5+ years of progressive experience in IT roles

• 2+ years of experience leading or managing technical teams

• 2+ years planning and managing IT and business projects

• Strong experience in supporting business applications

• Strong experience in Microsoft business applications

• Self-motivated problem solver with a passion for learning and adopting new technologies

• Strong ability to interpret technical documentation and apply resources to resolve complex issues

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities

Preferred:

• Experience in financial services or a highly regulated environment

• Experience in finance, accounting, tax, wealth advisory, etc. business applications

• Experience leading product development or product management

• Experience envisioning, establishing, and supporting citizen development programs

Travel

No travel is expected for this position.

Work Environment

This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 

Physical Demands

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing may be required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. 

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work

This is a full time, exempt position. Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend hours may be required based on business need. Some flexibility in hours is allowed based on management’s approval.   

Job Compensation & Benefits
Through our competitive compensation and benefits program, we seek to attract, retain and motivate a high-performing and increasingly diverse Associate population. Our compensation and benefit structure is comprised of many factors, including but not limited the size of our Firm, our financial position, the industry, business objectives, market salary information, benchmark pay levels and practices against the respective peer group (to ensure equal pay for equal work, with allowable pay differences based on factors not prohibited by law), and unique circumstances of the Firm that are subject to change.

Compensation
Minimum: $130,000.00 - Maximum: $140,000.00 USD

Benefits

Heavily subsidized medical insurance options

Generous employer HSA contributions

100% employer-paid Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accident, Basic Life Insurance, and Telehealth/Virtual Urgent Care/Whole Mental Health

Dental and Vision plans

Unlimited PTO

Organization-paid holidays, including an extended Winter Break

Safe Harbor 401k Plan

Employer-paid professional dues, licenses, and renewals

Continuing Education resources

Family Planning Assistance Program and Paid Parental Leave

Subsidized fitness programs

CWA has consistently been recognized from rating services and publications such as:

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023, 2024)

Top Workplaces - Financial Services (2024)

Top Workplaces - Culture Excellence (2024)

Accounting Today - Top Firm by AUM (2024)

USA Today - Top Workplaces (2024, 2025)

Accounting Today - Top 100 Firms (2022, 2023, 2026)

Forbes America's Best Tax & Accounting Firms (2022, 2023)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 100 Fastest Growing Firms (2022)

Dallas Morning News - Top Workplace (2022, 2023)

Accounting Today - Beyond Top 100: Firms to Watch (2020)

Accounting Today - Regional Leaders Top Firms (2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Beyond the Top 100 (2015, 2016, 2018, 2020)

INSIDE Public Accounting - Top 200 Firms (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

Cain Watters & Associates is committed to upholding the principles of the Equal Pay and Opportunity Act (EPOA). If you have any concerns regarding compliance with this policy, we encourage you to report them immediately by contacting HR at hr@cainwatters.com. Your concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and care.