Accounting Manager

WBEZ Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Vacation

Holidays

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Retirement savings

Commuter benefits plan

Job summary

WBEZ Chicago is seeking an Accounting Manager who will oversee daily accounting operations while ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in not-for-profit and/or public accounting, with management responsibilities. The position offers an annual salary range of $88,000 to $115,000 and comes with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement savings options. Join a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in financial management.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of not-for-profit and/or public accounting experience with increasing responsibility.
• Management experience with direct reports is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain general ledger accuracy and monitor accounting transactions.
• Lead the close operations of the accounting team.
• Oversee Accounts Payable and Fixed Assets subledger close.
• Lead departmental review meetings to analyze variances.
• Prepare monthly financial statements and variance analysis.
• Ensure readiness for annual financial audit and regulatory reporting.
• Assist with corporate sponsorship financial operations.

Skills

Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting

Proficiency in Sage Intacct

Advanced MS Excel skills

Excellent communication skills

Intellectual curiosity and strong work ethic

Strong attention-to-detail

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

Sage Intacct

Limelight

MS Excel

Job description

The Opportunity

The Accounting Manager is a hands‑on, highly analytical individual with a strong foundation in not‑for‑profit and/or public accounting that leads our daily accounting operations while ensuring appropriate accounting compliance and control. The Accounting Manager bridges the gap between technical GAAP compliance and day‑to‑day operational excellence. The Accounting Manager oversees the general ledger, drives month‑end close cycles, and ensures our organization is always "audit‑ready." This position is responsible for supervising the organization’s general accounting functions and managing three direct reports: an Accounting Supervisor and two Staff Accountants. The Accounting Manager interacts with individuals on all levels within the organization and provides accounting support to ensure compliance with agency and programmatic requirements.

The Accounting Manager must be a disciplined, analytical thinker who instinctively looks beyond the "what" of the numbers to investigate and understand the "why." This individual must be able to identify underlying trends and anomalies and translate and communicate them into a cohesive, actionable narrative.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain general ledger by monitoring and ensuring accuracy of accounting transactions, journal entries, and reconciliations performed by the Accounting Supervisor, Staff Accountants, Senior Accounts Payable Coordinator, and Senior Revenue Coordinator.
• Lead the close operations of the accounting team, ensuring that the team adheres to a prescribed close calendar.
• Oversee Accounts Payable and Fixed Assets subledger close.
• Lead monthly departmental review meetings to analyze variances, establish accruals, and document corrections in preparation of monthly financial reporting.
• Partner in preparation of monthly financial statements and variance analysis for CEO financial reporting package.
• Lead accounting support and ensure readiness for CPM’s annual financial audit, tax filings, and regulatory and grantor reporting.
• Assist with corporate sponsorship financial operations, as needed.
• Participate in ACH approval and initiate wire transfers, as needed.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting
• Proficiency in Sage Intacct, Limelight, and MS Excel (advanced skills)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly and concisely communicate to all levels of the organization
• Intellectual curiosity, initiative, and strong work ethic
• Positive team player who embraces collaboration
• Strong attention‑to‑detail and ability to assess accuracy and data integrity
• Fast learner who likes to solve problems in a dynamic environment
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• High level of discretion to maintain confidentiality

Minimum Qualification

10+ years of not‑for‑profit and/or public accounting experience with increasing levels of responsibility, including the management of direct reports.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.

Certificates and/or Licenses

CPA or CPA candidate preferred.

Compensation

The expected pay range for this position is $88,000 to $115,000 per ANNUM.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings, and a commuter benefits plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and are not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.