Our client is an organization in the Rockford, IL area looking for an Accounting Manager. Our client is seeking an experienced accounting professional to oversee financial operations, strengthen accounting procedures, and support continued business growth. This position offers a broad range of responsibilities, including financial reporting, inventory accounting, budgeting, compliance, and systems improvements. The ideal candidate is a hands-on professional who enjoys taking ownership of accounting processes, working closely with leadership, and helping an organization navigate change.
The Accounting Manager will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee the monthly accounting close process and ensure timely preparation of accurate financial statements.
- Lead improvements to accounting practices to strengthen compliance with accrual accounting principles and U.S. GAAP.
- Maintain general ledger accuracy through journal entries, account reconciliations, and detailed financial reviews.
- Establish and enhance internal controls to improve financial accuracy, safeguard assets, and support operational efficiency.
- Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable activities, providing hands-on support when needed.
- Coordinate recurring payment processing and ensure appropriate review and authorization procedures are followed.
- Maintain accurate inventory costing information and evaluate manufacturing cost variances.
- Partner with operations to monitor inventory balances, improve inventory accuracy, and support physical inventory procedures.
- Review inventory valuation and investigate discrepancies affecting financial reporting.
- Collaborate with business leadership to develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and performance expectations.
- Analyze financial results, identify significant variances, and communicate key business trends to management.
- Develop financial reports and performance metrics that provide greater visibility into operational and financial results.
- Review sales and use tax reporting and support compliance with applicable filing requirements.
- Coordinate with external payroll providers to ensure accurate payroll processing and related tax reporting.
- Assist with employee-related administrative activities, including personnel documentation, benefits coordination, and insurance renewals.
- Support the implementation of new accounting technology, including data conversion, system testing, process improvements, and user training.
- Collaborate with corporate finance leadership on financial reporting, accounting initiatives, and other business priorities.
- Assist with audit preparation, year-end tax documentation, and external accounting requests.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality when handling sensitive financial, employee, and organizational information.
- Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve reporting capabilities, and strengthen overall financial operations.
- Participate in special projects involving financial systems, internal procedures, and broader business initiatives.
The Accounting Manager will possess the following:
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including direct responsibility for managing the complete month-end close process.
- Strong understanding of accrual accounting principles and U.S. GAAP required.
- Experience with inventory accounting, product costing, and manufacturing-related financial analysis required.
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, or maintaining internal accounting controls.
- Strong general ledger accounting background with experience preparing financial statements and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyze complex financial information.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of accounting responsibilities.
- Sound professional judgment with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
- Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
- Experience improving accounting practices or transitioning an organization to more comprehensive accrual-based financial reporting preferred.
- Familiarity with sales and use tax requirements, payroll processes, and related compliance activities preferred.
- Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance analysis preferred.
- Exposure to ERP implementations, accounting system conversions, or financial process redesign preferred.
- CPA or CMA designation, or active pursuit of either certification, preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify discrepancies and recommend practical solutions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with operational and corporate leadership.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accuracy while managing multiple deadlines.
- Adaptable and proactive with a willingness to contribute beyond traditional accounting responsibilities.
- Comfortable working in a smaller organization where responsibilities are varied and business processes continue to evolve.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The compensation philosophy reflects the Company's reasonable expectation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience level, and overall qualifications. This role may also be eligible to participate in company-sponsored benefits, subject to the rules governing those programs.