Senior Accounting Manager & Analytics

Buckingham Search; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckingham Search seeks a Senior Manager of Project, Asset Accounting & Data Analytics in Chicago, IL. This role bridges project accounting, fixed assets, lease accounting, financial reporting, and data analytics, leading a team and partnering with Finance, IT, and operations.

You will help build the company’s accounting infrastructure as it prepares to go public, improve reporting, automate processes with Power BI, Alteryx, Python, and drive data governance and scalable controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA required.
• 7+ years of relevant accounting or financial reporting experience.
• 3+ years of leadership experience.
• Strong background in project accounting, fixed assets, lease accounting, or corporate financial reporting.
• Experience with a public company or IPO environment strongly preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, ASC 842, CapEx, fixed assets, and internal controls.
• Experience with Power BI, Alteryx, Python, Power Query, or similar analytics/automation tools.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems such as SAP or Oracle.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, improve processes, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead project accounting across CapEx and OpEx, ensuring accurate tracking and GAAP compliance.
• Oversee fixed and intangible assets, including capitalization, depreciation, impairment, and disposals.
• Own lease accounting under ASC 842.
• Partner with Project Management and Finance to strengthen CapEx tracking, controls, and reporting.
• Support accounts receivable analysis and allowance assessments.
• Play a key role in IPO readiness and accounting infrastructure evolution.
• Ensure financial reporting complies with GAAP, SOX, and corporate policies.
• Strengthen internal controls and support audits.
• Oversee financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Use Power BI, Power Query, Alteryx, and Python to automate reporting and turn data into insights.
• Improve data governance, system integration, and reporting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and scalability.
• Support accounting system implementations and finance transformation initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, IT, and leadership to improve reporting and decision-making.
• Serve as subject matter expert on project, asset, and financial reporting.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement

Finance transformation

IPO readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA

Tools

Power BI

Power Query

Alteryx

Python

Excel

ERP systems (SAP/Oracle)

Job description

Senior Manager of Project, Asset Accounting & Data Analytics

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

We’re looking for a CPA with a strong technical accounting foundation who can bridge project and asset accounting, financial reporting, data analytics, and process improvement. This person will lead a team, partner with Finance, Operations, IT, and executive leadership, and play a key role in strengthening the company’s accounting infrastructure as it prepares to go public.

This isn't simply a project accounting or fixed asset leadership position. You'll have the opportunity to help build the accounting infrastructure of a company preparing to enter the public markets, while also leading data-driven finance transformation.

You'll have visibility with senior leadership, ownership over critical accounting areas, and the ability to make a measurable impact on how the finance organization operates and scales.

Responsibilities

• Lead project accounting across CapEx and OpEx, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Oversee fixed and intangible assets, including capitalization, depreciation, impairment, and disposals.
• Own lease accounting under ASC 842.
• Partner with Project Management and Finance to strengthen CapEx tracking, controls, and reporting.
• Support accounts receivable analysis and allowance assessments.
• Play a key role in IPO readiness and the continued evolution of the company's accounting infrastructure.
• Ensure financial reporting complies with U.S. GAAP, SOX, and corporate policies.
• Strengthen internal controls and support both internal and external audits.
• Oversee financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Use tools such as Power BI, Power Query, Alteryx, and Python to automate reporting and turn financial data into actionable insights.
• Improve data governance, system integration, and reporting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve the scalability of the finance function.
• Support accounting system implementations and other finance transformation initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, IT, and executive leadership to improve reporting and decision-making.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor on project, asset, and financial reporting matters.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• CPA required
• 7+ years of relevant accounting or financial reporting experience
• 3+ years of leadership experience
• Strong background in project accounting, fixed assets, lease accounting, or corporate financial reporting
• Experience with a public company or IPO environment strongly preferred
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, ASC 842, CapEx, fixed assets, and internal controls
• Experience with Power BI, Alteryx, Python, Power Query, or similar analytics/automation tools
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems such as SAP or Oracle
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, improve processes, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment