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 challengeQualifications: • 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.