Accounting Manager

Location - Riverwoods, IL (2-3 days a week)

Duration - 6 month contract to hire

Our client is looking to add an Accounting Manager that will play a critical role in overseeing the accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal controls. This position requires a detail-oriented, analytical thinker with strong leadership capabilities and the ability to navigate complex accounting scenarios proactively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the month-end close and reporting process in alignment with the reporting calendar.

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and support to improve processes — including the quality of account reconciliations.

• Review, analyze, and approve general ledger transactions to ensure completeness and accuracy.

• Oversee the preparation and review of balance sheet account reconciliations on a monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual basis.

• Proactively identify and resolve accounting issues, escalating, when necessary, with recommended solutions.

• Support internal and external audits by providing requested documentation and addressing inquiries professionally.

• Maintain and update desktop procedures and checklists to reflect changes in processes and tools.

• Maintain and monitor month-end close, reporting, and operational checklists to ensure timely and complete task execution before sign-off.

• Prepare and review supporting schedules and financial analyses as needed.

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and third-party service providers to ensure smooth operations.

• Conduct independent analysis to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement recommendations.

• Support the timely research and resolution of reconciling items to ensure accuracy and compliance with deadlines.

• Demonstrate adaptability to changing business requirements and provide leadership and support to staff during transitions

• Take initiative in identifying issues and opportunities, follow through on projects, and proactively recommend solutions to improve processes and resolve challenge

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (BBA or BS); Master’s degree preferred.

• CPA certification or progress toward certification strongly preferred.

• 7–9 years of accounting/audit experience, including 2–3 years in a managerial role.

• Ideal candidates must have current or recent (within the past 1–2 years) experience managing teams responsible for core general ledger functions. This includes hands-on oversight of month-end close, journal entry preparation and review, balance sheet and bank reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and audit support. A strong and recent focus on GL is required to be considered for this role.

• Experience with international accounting is a plus.

• Proficiency in major ERP systems (SAP, Great Plains, NetSuite) and Blackline.

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented approach.

• Proven ability to manage teams and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Comfortable working with accelerated month-end close timelines (3–5 days).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster cross-functional collaboration.

• Project management experience is highly desirable.

• Flexibility to work hybrid hours and coordinate effectively during close/reporting cycles.

The anticipated hourly rate range for this position is ($60-63/hr). Actual hourly rate will be based on a variety of factors including relevant experience, knowledge, skills and other factors permitted by law. A range of medical, dental, retirement and/or other benefits are available after a waiting period.