Manager, Accounting & External Reporting

FreightCar America, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Chicago seeks a Corporate Accounting & External Reporting Manager. The role includes managing accounting functions, ensuring compliance with GAAP, and overseeing SEC reporting processes. Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in Accounting, CPA certification, and significant experience in general accounting within a dynamic environment. Competitive salary range of $130,000 - $150,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of general accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with DFIN Active Disclosure reporting software is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and SOX compliance is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage the corporate accounting and reporting functions.
• Ensure the general ledger is maintained in conformance with GAAP.
• Lead the monthly accounting close process.

Skills

Problem-solving

Accountability

Self-starter

Analytical

Exceptional communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

CPA

MBA and/or CMA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Hyperion

Oracle ERP systems

DFIN Active Disclosure

Job description

Corporate Accounting & External Reporting Manager

FreightCar America, Inc. provides the following pay range for this role.

• Base pay range: $130,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr
• Actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Manage and oversee the corporate accounting and reporting functions for the organization, including the monthly, quarterly, and year‑end closing and SEC reporting, including Forms 10‑Q and 10‑K and earnings release materials. Manage the technical accounting review process as well as company‑wide accounting policy creation, review, and implementation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the general accounting and month‑end close for the corporation.
• Ensure the general ledger is maintained in conformance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Responsible for lease accounting according to company policy and GAAP.
• Lead equity and stock‑based compensation award administration for the Company, including month‑end accounting processes.
• Responsible for all intercompany accounting and corporate consolidation.
• Participate in the preparation of internal financial reports and monthly executive summary reports.
• Ensure timely reconciliation of balance sheet accounts on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Lead the monthly accounting close process to ensure proper cut‑off procedures and that all transactions are accounted for.
• Analyze and provide explanations and recommendations for material variances.
• Set up and maintain a strong system of internal controls over accounting transactions.
• Prepare analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results.
• Own all processes related to SEC reporting.
• Ensure accurate presentation of financial statements and disclosures in 10‑Q and 10‑K reports in accordance with US GAAP and SEC rules.
• Lead technical accounting research and implementation of new processes and procedures to ensure compliance with new accounting standards.
• Prepare required monthly/quarterly debt covenants from banks and other lenders.
• Support the preparation of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts as necessary.
• Assist management to ensure reporting requirements related to the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act.
• Support internal and external audits and regulatory examinations.
• Assist investor relations with the preparation of the quarterly earnings release and related documents.
• Lead and mentor direct reports, offering strategic guidance on high‑level projects while ensuring overall effectiveness and efficiency of the department.
• Participate and/or lead special projects and analysis as determined by the Corporate Controller or CFO.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university with a major in Accounting or a related field.
• CPA required.
• MBA and/or CMA preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5 to 8 years of general accounting experience in a manufacturing/corporate environment, preferably 3‑4 years in Big Four firms.
• Experience with DFIN Active Disclosure reporting software highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and SOX compliance is required.
• Some travel may be required.

Specialized Knowledge:

• Problem‑solver – you enjoy being presented with problems, delivering solutions, and doing whatever it takes to execute and deliver results.
• Accountable – you take ownership over outcomes and are comfortable owning some of our most important public‑facing information.
• Self‑starter – you take initiative and thrive in environments that require you to wear multiple hats.
• Builder – you enjoy building and rebuilding processes and relationships to drive consensus across teams, influence decision‑making, and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical – you know the highest‑impact questions to ask and can dive into the data to answer those questions.
• Strong technical accounting background with a thorough knowledge of US GAAP, SOX 404, and SEC reporting standards, as well as experience with technical research.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to draft original disclosures, MD&A, and other public and private communications.
• Able to work well with other parts of the business e.g., FP&A, Sales, Legal, and R&D.
• Ability to be flexible and work analytically in a dynamic environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Hyperion and knowledge of Oracle ERP systems preferred.

DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

FreightCar America provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.