Accounting Manager

STRM Recruiting; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Health savings account

PTO

Professional development assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Job summary

STRM Recruiting partners with a fast-growing industrial and janitorial supply distributor in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, seeking an Accounting Manager with a path to Controller. This leadership role offers direct exposure to ownership and a chance to help build a modern, technology-driven finance function.

The role covers monthly close, financial statement analysis, margin visibility, budgeting, and overseeing AP/AR/billing.

Qualifications

• Attention to detail with strong controls and clean financials.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and drive decisions.
• Look for ways to make systems faster, cleaner, and more scalable.
• Comfortable working with accounting staff and sales teams.
• Able to handle ambiguity, disputes, and edge cases.
• Curious about using modern tools, including AI.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly close, reporting, and accuracy.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements.
• Improve visibility into margins, profitability, and cost drivers.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Oversee accounting, AP, AR, and billing functions.
• Lead ERP optimization and automation initiatives across finance.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Quantitative Analysis

Process Improvement

Natural Communicator

Problem Solving

Tech Savvy

Education

CPA preferred

Tools

Dynamics 365 BC

Excel

Financial Modeling

Job description

STRM is partnering with a fast-growing industrial and janitorial supply distributor
based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Our client is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented,
and forward-thinking Accounting Manager with a path toController to join our team.

This is a key leadership role with direct exposure to ownership and a unique
opportunity to help build a modern, technology-driven finance function.

Growth Opportunity (Accounting Manager Track):

We are excited to hire a high-potential Accounting Manager who is motivated to
grow into a Controller role within 3–5 years. This role offers hands‑on exposure to
all aspects of the finance function and direct mentorship from ownership.

Job Description:

• Own monthly financial close, reporting, and accuracy
• Prepare and analyze financial statements
• Improve visibility into margins, profitability, and cost drivers
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
• Oversee accounting, AP, AR, and billing functions
• Handle commission questions, disputes, and sales‑related financial issues
• Work directly with a large, dynamic sales team (~130 reps)
• Improve internal processes, controls, and accountability
• Optimize and manage ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business
  Central)
• Lead implementation of automation and AI tools across finance
• Support cloud‑based workflow transitions and system improvements
• Assist with special financial and operational projects as needed

Relevant Skills:

You must possess the following skills:

• Attention to Detail – You take pride in clean, accurate financials and strong controls
• Quantitative Orientation – You can interpret financial data, identify trends, and drive decisions
• Process Improvement Mindset – You look for ways to make systems faster, cleaner, and more scalable
• Natural Communicator – You can work effectively with both accounting staff and sales teams

• Problem Solver – You are comfortable handling ambiguity, disputes, and edge cases
• Technology Forward – You are curious and comfortable using modern tools, including AI

Relevant Experience & Education:

• Strong accounting background (CPA preferred but not required)
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, or similar environment preferred
• ERP experience required (Business Central or Dynamics NAV a plus)
• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills
• Prior leadership or team management experience preferred
• Candidates must be willing to learn the business deeply and grow into increased responsibility

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation: $100,000 – $180,000 + bonus potential
• Clear path to Controller / CFO‑level leadership
• Direct access to ownership and decision‑making
• Opportunity to modernize and shape the finance function
• Fast‑paced, entrepreneurial work environment
• Professional growth tied to company expansion

What Success Looks Like (First 12 Months):

• Faster, cleaner monthly financial reporting
• Improved commission clarity and fewer sales disputes
• Better visibility into product and customer profitability
• Implementation of 2–3 meaningful automation or efficiency improvements
• Stronger structure across accounting, AP, and AR teams

Elgin, IL (on‑site preferred, some flexibility)

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance