Senior Accounting Manager

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search is assisting a rapidly growing client in Chicago, IL to hire a Senior Accounting Manager to lead core accounting operations and financial reporting. This high-visibility role combines technical accounting, process improvement, and team development.

You will partner with executive finance leadership to strengthen internal controls and support growth through improved accounting processes and effective cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; Master's degree preferred.
• CPA required.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
• Public company accounting experience required.
• Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in improving accounting processes and implementing operational efficiencies.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate across finance and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee key accounting areas, including revenue, accruals, general ledger, and other core accounting functions.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet analyses to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with the preparation and review of SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and other external reporting requirements.
• Partner with FP&A, HR, Legal, Treasury, IT, and operational leaders to support business initiatives, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
• Analyze financial results and provide meaningful insights to leadership.
• Coordinate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment and ensure compliance with SOX and U.S. GAAP.
• Drive process improvements, strengthen accounting policies, and identify opportunities for automation and efficiency.
• Support ERP implementations, system enhancements, and finance transformation initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

SEC reporting

US GAAP

SOX compliance

Public company experience

CPA

Financial analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Master's degree preferred

CPA

Job description

Chicago, IL | 4 days in the office, 1 day work from home

Our client is a rapidly growing organization seeking an experienced Senior Accounting Manager to lead core accounting operations, oversee financial reporting, and help build a scalable accounting function. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity that combines technical accounting, operational excellence, team development, and cross-functional business partnership.

You'll work closely with executive finance leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, strengthen internal controls, improve accounting processes, and support continued business growth.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee key accounting areas, including revenue, accruals, general ledger, and other core accounting functions.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and balance sheet analyses to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Assist with the preparation and review of SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and other external reporting requirements.
• Partner with FP&A, HR, Legal, Treasury, IT, and operational leaders to support business initiatives, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
• Analyze financial results and provide meaningful insights to leadership.
• Coordinate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits.
• Maintain a strong internal control environment and ensure compliance with SOX and U.S. GAAP.
• Drive process improvements, strengthen accounting policies, and identify opportunities for automation and efficiency.
• Support ERP implementations, system enhancements, and finance transformation initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualification

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years of people leadership.
• CPA required.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
• Public company accounting experience required.
• Public accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in improving accounting processes and implementing operational efficiencies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex accounting matters.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate across finance and business teams.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Why This Opportunity?

• High visibility with executive finance leadership.
• Opportunity to influence the accounting function during an exciting period of growth.
• Broad exposure across financial reporting, technical accounting, process improvement, and business operations.
• Collaborative environment that values innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Excellent opportunity for a manager looking to make a meaningful impact while positioning themselves for future leadership growth.