Accounting Manager

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search is seeking an Accounting Manager - SOX, Process Improvement in Chicago. You will be the key link between Corporate Accounting, SOX Compliance, and Operational Finance, driving standardization and internal controls across locations.

You will lead cross-functional teams, translate complex accounting guidance into practical processes, and partner with executives to influence how the business operates in a Fortune 500-like environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Active CPA required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting, audit, or internal controls experience.
• Big 4 or large public accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with SOX compliance, internal controls, and process improvement.
• Strong US GAAP knowledge and ability to translate concepts for business stakeholders.
• Experience with SAP or other large ERP systems is a plus.
• Willingness to travel roughly 10–30%.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Corporate Accounting, SOX, and Operational Finance to improve processes and strengthen controls.
• Lead SOX coordination, ensuring control owners understand and document key controls.
• Identify, remediate, and track control deficiencies with timely resolution.
• Translate technical guidance into practical, business-friendly policies.
• Standardize accounting and reporting across locations.
• Improve reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close via automation.
• Guide topics like revenue recognition, inventory, leases, fixed assets, and operational accounting.
• Collaborate with plant finance and executives to maintain US GAAP and SOX compliance.

Skills

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication to stakeholders

SOX awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA

Tools

SAP

Job description

Accounting Manager - SOX, Process Improvement

Chicago | 4 days in the office, 1 day work from home

In this role, you'll serve as the key link between Corporate Accounting, SOX Compliance, and Operational Finance, helping translate technical accounting requirements into practical business solutions. You'll lead process improvement initiatives, strengthen internal controls, and drive standardization across multiple manufacturing locations, giving you exposure to executive leadership and the opportunity to influence how the business operates. This is an outstanding opportunity to leverage your public accounting background while partnering with finance and operations leaders across a large, publicly traded organization.

If you're looking for a role that combines technical accounting, operational finance, process improvement, and cross-functional leadership, this is an excellent next step in your career.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with Corporate Accounting, SOX, and Operational Finance teams to improve accounting processes and strengthen internal controls across multiple business locations.
• Lead SOX coordination efforts, ensuring control owners understand, execute, and document key controls effectively.
• Work with Internal Controls teams to identify, remediate, and track control deficiencies while driving timely resolution.
• Help implement new accounting policies by translating technical guidance into practical, business-friendly processes.
• Standardize accounting and financial reporting processes across manufacturing and distribution operations.
• Improve balance sheet reconciliations, journal entry processes, and month-end close activities through automation and best practices.
• Guide key accounting topics including revenue recognition, inventory, leases, fixed assets, and operational accounting.
• Partner with plant finance and business leaders to improve financial processes while maintaining compliance with US GAAP and SOX.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Active CPA required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting, audit, or internal controls experience.
• Big 4 or large public accounting experience auditing publicly traded manufacturing, industrial, or distribution companies strongly preferred.
• Experience with SOX compliance, internal controls, and process improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and the ability to communicate technical accounting concepts to business stakeholders.
• Experience with SAP or other large ERP systems is a plus.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10 to 30%.

Why This Role?

• Excellent opportunity for experienced public accountants looking to transition into industry.
• Gain exposure to Corporate Accounting, Operational Finance, Internal Controls, and executive leadership.
• Lead projects that improve processes across a large, complex organization.
• Influence how accounting and finance operate—not just how they're audited.
• Build leadership experience while working cross-functionally with finance and operations teams.
• Clear opportunity for long-term career growth within a Fortune 500 environment.