Accounting Manager

About Cartera ConsultantsCartera Consultants is a Chicago-based outsourced accounting firm providing end-to-end financial management services to small and mid-sized businesses nationwide. We serve as the internal accounting team for our clients — handling everything from day-to-day bookkeeping to CFO-level advisory, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and operational KPIs.We specialize heavily in restaurant accounting and also serve clients in real estate, professional services, media, management companies, and holding companies. Our model is à la carte and highly scalable — we grow alongside our clients, from single-location startups to multi-unit operators.Our team includes U.S.-based accounting professionals across two Chicago offices. We leverage tools including QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Restaurant365, Ottimate/PlateIQ, Bill.com, and a wide range of payroll and POS platforms.The OpportunityCartera Consultants is in an active growth phase — expanding our client base, deepening our service offerings, and building the internal infrastructure to support that growth. We are looking for a senior accounting leader to help us scale: someone who can own quality control, lead and develop the team, and serve as the primary point of accountability for client deliverables while we continue to grow.This is a role for someone who wants to be part of building something — not just managing the status quo. For the right person, there is significant long-term opportunity within the firm.What You'll OwnServe as the firm's senior technical accounting authority — reviewing and signing off on all client financials, reconciliations, and reporting packagesLead, mentor, and develop a team of staff and senior accountants and AP specialistsManage client relationships at the CFO/Controller level, including financial reviews, strategic conversations, and escalation resolutionOversee weekly and monthly operational reporting deliverables including cash flow, labor reports, COGS, budgets, and KPI dashboardsEstablish and enforce firm-wide quality control standards and review processesDrive onboarding of new clients — scoping, setup, systems integration, and team assignmentCollaborate with the Managing Partner on firm strategy, service expansion, and client retentionSupport recruiting, training, and performance management of accounting staffStep in as a working manager when needed — this is a hands-on role, especially in the near termWhat Success Looks Like in Your First 90 DaysYou have taken over primary review responsibility for client financials & deliverablesFinancials are going out on time with fewer revisions, escalations, and corrections after deliveryYou have identified inconsistencies across client accounts and put standards in place to address themThe team is more confident, more consistent, and has a clear point of accountability above themYou have a firm grasp on each client's complexity, nuances, and reporting cadenceClient relationships at the Controller/CFO level feel stable and well-managedWhat Your Day to Day Looks LikeReviewing reconciliations, journal entries, financial statements, and reporting packages across multiple client engagements before they go out the doorCatching and correcting GL issues, classification errors, and inconsistencies — accuracy is non-negotiableLeading and coaching a team of staff and senior accountants and AP specialists across varying client complexityManaging close deadlines across multiple clients simultaneously without dropping the ballFielding complex accounting questions from the team and serving as the go-to technical resourceCommunicating directly with clients at the Controller or CFO level — reviewing financials, explaining variances, and providing strategic contextContinuously improving internal workflows and review processes to increase efficiency as the firm growsThis is not a back-office-only role — you are client-facing, team-leading, and technically hands-on all at onceWhat We're Looking ForCPA required5+ years of progressive accounting experience; public accounting or client services background strongly preferredDeep technical accounting proficiency — you can spot an error, explain the journal entry, and coach someone through itExperience managing a team and owning client relationshipsProficiency in QuickBooks Online (QBO) required; Restaurant365, Bill.com, or Ottimate/PlateIQ experience a strong plusRestaurant or multi-unit industry experience highly desirableStrong communicator — able to translate financial data into clear, plain-language insights for non-financial clientsSelf-directed, highly organized, and comfortable owning outcomes in a fast-paced environmentEntrepreneurial mindset — you see this as building something, not just filling a seatCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salary commensurate with experience ($110,000 – $140,000)Performance-based bonusSignificant long-term growth opportunity within the firm for the right candidateIn-office role based in Chicago, IL near O'Hare AirportProfessional development and continuing education supportCollaborative, low-bureaucracy environment where your work directly shapes the firm