Accounting Manager

Clarity Partners LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarity Partners LLC in Chicago, IL seeks an Accounting Manager to lead accounting operations in a hybrid work environment. You will manage day-to-day processes, ensure accurate monthly closes, and contribute to scalable finance systems.

A strong background in GL, payroll, and controls is required. The role emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders, analytical rigor, and a proactive mindset in a fast-growing startup-friendly company.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of accounting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/accounting; CPA preferred.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
• Independent, proactive self-starter who owns work.
• Proficient in general ledger software (QuickBooks, Sage Intacct) and Excel; open to new platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, month-end and year-end close.
• Review and direct work of team members, providing training as needed.
• Supervise payroll preparation and related deductions.
• Assist with employee benefits administration and 401k plan audits.
• Research and apply technical accounting concepts (revenue, tax).
• Evaluate and enhance current systems to support growth and reporting needs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinker

Communication skills

Independent self-starter

MS Excel advanced

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/accounting

Tools

QuickBooks

Sage Intacct

MS Excel

Job description

Description

Voted one of Chicago's Best Places to Work by the Chicago Tribune for the ninth year in a row, Clarity Partners is hiring!

Clarity Partners is seeking a Accounting Manager local to Chicago, IL with a demonstrated understanding of accounting processes and procedures. This position will be a strong individual contributor, team builder, and team player. This position will report in a hybrid setting.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, month-end, and year-end, including but not limited to accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking/cash management and various journal entries and accruals to ensure all business transactions are recorded timely and accurately to facilitate financial reporting.
• Review and direct work of other team members, while providing training, development, and building relationships.
• Supervise payroll (i.e., PTO, overtime, payroll deductions) preparation; experience with Paylocity or other payroll systems is helpful but not required.
• Gain comprehensive understanding of employee benefits and policies to assist in administration and address team member questions, including 401k plan audit and operational activities.
• Research and apply technical accounting (i.e., revenue, investments, tax), as well as financial and operational concepts.
• Oversee administration of current systems; evaluate current systems and implement new solutions to support significant business growth.
• Partner with resources across the organization to build scalable processes that help provide timely, accurate and insightful reporting or address company operational needs and support routine and ad hoc work activities.
• Enhance and maintain policies and procedures pertaining to all department and company activities, including internal controls and systems, to ensure strong recordkeeping, appropriate authorizations, and safeguarding of assets and information.
• Contribute to tax activities and filings.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in accounting.
• Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/accounting from an accredited college or university is required; CPA preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and enjoys spending most of the day with numbers and analytical projects; desire and ability to complete tasks accurately and timely.
• Independent and proactive self-starter who takes ownership of his/her work.
• Organized and able to prioritize deadlines and tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communicator including the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Trustworthy and reliable with highly confidential information.
• Intellectually curious, quick learner who is able to research solutions independently and also seeks help from others when needed.
• Proficiency in general ledger software (i.e., QuickBooks, Sage Intacct), intermediate/advanced MS Excel with a willingness to adopt new platforms/tools, automation, and AI-enabled workflows as the finance function evolves.
• Proficient in identifying and implementing processes and procedures to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and tolerate ambiguity and frequently changing priorities is necessary; previous experience working in a startup or growth stage environment is a plus.

Clarity is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. For the Accounting Manager role, the base salary pay rate is $120,000 - $135,000. The pay rate represents a good faith estimate that Clarity reasonably expects to pay for this job at the time of posting.