Corporate Accounting Manager

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Chicago is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead a team in overseeing day-to-day accounting operations and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This role involves financial reporting, process innovation, and managing a collaborative accounting team. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in Accounting, a CPA, and over 8 years of experience in accounting, including 5 years in leadership roles. The position offers competitive benefits and the chance to impact financial strategy significantly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is mandatory.
• CPA certification is required; MBA is a plus.
• At least 8 years of experience in accounting roles and 5 years in leadership.
• Must be proficient with ERP systems and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead consolidated monthly financial reporting for all entities.
• Oversee core accounting functions including AP, payroll, and revenue recognition.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
• Manage and mentor a team of accountants.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Proactive mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA required, MBA preferred

Tools

JD Edwards

OneStream

Sage Fixed Asset

LeaseQuery

Job description

Step into a leadership role where your accounting expertise fuels operational excellence, shapes financial strategy, and drives meaningful impact across a global organization. This hands‑on, results‑driven Accounting Manager position offers the opportunity to lead a talented corporate accounting team in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment. If you thrive on solving complex problems, elevating processes, and guiding others to success, this role puts you at the center of it all.

You’ll oversee critical day‑to‑day accounting operations, safeguard the integrity of financial systems, and influence decisions that span both U.S. and international operations. From consolidated reporting to process innovation, this is a chance to own high‑visibility work and help shape the future of the company’s financial infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead consolidated monthly financial reporting across domestic and international entities, ensuring accuracy and insight.
• Oversee core accounting functions including accounts payable, fixed assets, cash, leases, payroll, and revenue recognition.
• Prepare and review complex journal entries and deliver clear, compelling variance analyses.
• Support SEC reporting and press release preparation, contributing to high‑stakes external communications.
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure full compliance with U.S. GAAP, SOX, and corporate policies.
• Leverage OneStream to manage close checklists, streamline reconciliations, and enhance reporting efficiency.
• Ensure accuracy in Sage Fixed Asset and LeaseQuery, supporting both tax and accounting compliance.
• Champion continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance speed, accuracy, and scalability.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing team of four accountants and one AP specialist.
• Oversee accounts payable operations, ensuring timely payments, proper cut‑off, and 1099 compliance.
• Optimize Blackline usage to elevate reconciliation quality and consistency.
• Serve as a key partner to external auditors, supporting quarterly and annual audit cycles.
• Maintain and enhance accounting policies and SOX‑compliant internal controls.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit on compliance and risk‑management initiatives.
• Manage state and local sales/use tax compliance and support income tax data requests.
• Partner cross‑functionally on strategic initiatives that shape the company’s financial future.
• Take on special projects that expand your impact and visibility across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• CPA required; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in public accounting and/or industry, including 5+ years of leadership experience.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred), OneStream, Sage Fixed Asset, LeaseQuery; ReportsNow DAS a plus.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and consolidated reporting; familiarity with international standards.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• High integrity, strong attention to detail, and a proactive, collaborative mindset.