Senior Bookkeeper/Accounting Manager

Clifton & Co. Merchant Banking; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Clifton & Co. Merchant Banking is seeking a Senior Bookkeeper/Accounting Manager to oversee day-to-day accounting for multiple growing businesses. You will manage AR, AP, cash, payroll, and tax support, with month-end close and internal controls in place.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, and capable of delivering reports and analyses to leadership with minimal supervision. Hybrid work requires some in-office presence in Greater Milwaukee or Chicago areas.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP-based bookkeeping practices.
• Experience managing Accounts Receivable and cash flow processes.
• Knowledge of sales tax, payroll tax, and business tax support.
• Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks (Online and/or Desktop), Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft 365.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate financial records.
• Process and reconcile bank, credit card, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and supporting schedules.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Monitor and improve internal accounting controls and procedures.
• Manage billing, invoicing, customer collections, and cash application.
• Track receivables and follow up on outstanding balances.
• Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts and cash position reports.
• Coordinate deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, and banking activities.
• Prepare and file or coordinate sales and use tax filings.
• Support payroll tax reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Assist external CPAs with annual tax returns and audits.
• Maintain records required for federal, state, and local reporting.
• Manage vendor relationships and office-related administrative functions.
• Coordinate insurance renewals, business licenses, and permits.
• Support HR administration, including onboarding and payroll coordination.
• Maintain contracts, corporate records, and key business documentation.
• Assist leadership with special projects, reporting, and operational analysis.

Skills

GAAP bookkeeping

Accounts Receivable

Cash flow management

Payroll coordination

Tax compliance

QuickBooks

Excel

Microsoft 365

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

QuickBooks (Online/Desktop)

Excel

Microsoft 365

ERP systems

Job description

Location: Greater Milwaukee or Greater Chicago

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (1-3 days/wk in office)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Senior Bookkeeper/Accounting Manager to oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of multiple growing businesses. This role will be responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash management, payroll, tax compliance support, month-end close activities, and a variety of administrative and operational functions. The ideal candidate is hands-on, proactive, and capable of managing accounting processes with minimal supervision while serving as a trusted resource for leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate financial records.
• Process and reconcile bank, credit card, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and supporting schedules.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Monitor and improve internal accounting controls and procedures.

Accounts Receivable & Cash Management

• Manage billing, invoicing, customer collections, and cash application.
• Track receivables and proactively follow up on outstanding balances.
• Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts and cash position reports.
• Reconcile customer accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Coordinate deposits, wire transfers, ACH payments, and banking activities.

Tax & Compliance

• Prepare and file or coordinate sales and use tax filings.
• Support payroll tax reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Assist external CPAs with annual tax returns and audits.
• Maintain records required for federal, state, and local reporting.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Manage vendor relationships and office-related administrative functions.
• Coordinate insurance renewals, business licenses, and permits.
• Support HR administration, including onboarding and payroll coordination.
• Maintain contracts, corporate records, and key business documentation.
• Assist leadership with special projects, reporting, and operational analysis.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP-based bookkeeping practices.
• Experience managing Accounts Receivable and cash flow processes.
• Knowledge of sales tax, payroll tax, and business tax support.
• Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks (Online and/or Desktop), Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft 365.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in a small-to-mid-sized business environment.
• Experience supporting ownership, CFOs, or executive leadership.
• Notary Public or bookkeeping certifications are a plus.

Success Metrics

• Accurate and timely month-end close.
• Improved collections and cash flow visibility.
• Timely tax filings and compliance.
• Clean audit and accountant review results.
• Effective management of administrative operations.

Compensation

• $65,000-$80,000 plus benefits. Starting salary will be based on experience, qualifications, and work location.