Assurance Senior Manager

MDS Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Search is seeking an Assurance Senior Manager for Manufacturing & Distribution in Chicago, IL. You will lead audits for manufacturers, distributors, and supply chain clients, advising C-suite and operations leaders on cost accounting and regulatory compliance.

The role focuses on GAAP, inventory valuation, and internal controls, while mentoring a high-performing team and identifying cross-service opportunities to grow client relationships within a top-tier firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
• Active CPA license required.
• 5+ years of progressive public accounting experience.
• Experience with manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain clients.

Responsibilities

• Audit leadership: plan, execute, and oversee audits for manufacturers, distributors, and supply chain entities.
• Strategic advisory: guide C-suite and operations leaders on standard costing, LIFO/FIFO, overhead allocation, BOM, and regs.
• Process & internal controls: assess manufacturing processes and procurement to identify risks and drive efficiency.
• Financial reporting & budgeting: ensure GAAP compliance for materials, WIP, finished goods, and freight costs; help establish budgets.
• Team mentorship: coach staff on audit techniques, inventory observations, and risk assessments.
• Business growth: identify cross-service opportunities like ERP advisory and supply chain optimization.

Skills

GAAP

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Job description

Hiring: Assurance Senior Manager – Manufacturing & Distribution in Chicago, IL.

Are you a technical accounting leader ready to step into a high-impact advisory role?

Our client is a leading Tax, Assurance & Advisory firm that is looking for an Assurance Senior Manager to lead audit engagements, advise top-tier clients, and mentor an exceptional team.

If you bring strong expertise in manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations, this is your opportunity to drive growth and deliver real value beyond compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit Leadership: Plan, execute, and oversee audits for manufacturers, distributors, and supply chain companies, navigating complex areas like cost accounting, inventory valuation, and multi-location operations.


• Strategic Advisory: Guide C-suite executives, plant controllers, and operations leaders on standard costing, LIFO/FIFO methods, overhead allocation, bill of materials, and regulatory compliance.


• Process & Internal Controls: Assess manufacturing processes, procurement, and order fulfillment to identify operational risks and boost efficiency.


• Financial Reporting & Budgeting: Ensure GAAP compliance across raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and freight costs while establishing engagement budgets that align with manufacturing cycles.


• Team Mentorship: Coach and develop team members on industry-specific audit techniques, inventory observations, and risk assessments.


• Business Growth: Identify cross-service opportunities—such as R&D tax credits, ERP advisory, and supply chain optimization—to expand client relationships.

What We’re Looking For

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.


• Credentials: Active CPA license required.


• Experience: 5+ years of progressive public accounting experience, with a heavy focus on manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain clients.


• Skills: Deep technical knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, inventory mechanics, and internal control frameworks.