Accounting Manager (Manufacturing)

Accounting Manager – Manufacturing

Company Overview

• Our client is an established industrial manufacturing organization specializing in engineered products and customized manufacturing solutions for a diverse range of commercial and industrial applications.
• The company operates in a highly technical, production-oriented environment where financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and strong accounting controls are essential to supporting the business.
• The organization is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to oversee core accounting activities, lead financial reporting and audit processes, and manage a small accounting team. This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys working closely with manufacturing operations and taking ownership of the accounting function.

Location, Compensation & Benefits

• Location: Chicago, IL – South Loop Area
• Hybrid Schedule: 3 days per week in the office

Why This Opportunity

• Join an established manufacturing organization with a long-standing presence in the industrial sector
• Take ownership of key accounting functions, including financial reporting, month-end close, internal controls, and external audits
• Report directly to the Controller and gain visibility into the broader financial operations of the business
• Lead and develop a small accounting team consisting of a Senior Accountant and Staff Accountant
• Work in a hands-on environment where the Accounting Manager plays an important role in both execution and oversight
• Gain exposure to manufacturing-specific accounting matters, including inventory, fixed assets, and operational expenses
• Opportunity to improve accounting procedures and introduce efficiencies within an environment where some processes remain manual
• Partner with finance leadership to strengthen reporting accuracy, financial controls, and accounting operations
• Work in a lean organizational structure where individual contributions have a meaningful impact
• Develop leadership experience while remaining closely involved in technical accounting and financial reporting
• Opportunity to identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions that improve the accounting function
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility while maintaining close collaboration with the accounting team

Position Overview

• The Accounting Manager will oversee the daily accounting activities and financial reporting processes of an established industrial manufacturing business.
• Reporting directly to the Controller, this individual will supervise two accounting professionals while remaining actively involved in the preparation and review of financial statements, journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• The position will have primary responsibility for coordinating financial close activities, maintaining accurate general ledger records, supporting manufacturing-related accounting, and managing the annual external audit process.
• This is a hands-on leadership opportunity requiring someone who can balance supervisory responsibilities with detailed accounting work. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a lean environment, navigating manual processes, managing changing priorities, and finding practical ways to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the accounting team's recurring financial close activities and establish clear expectations for the completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual deliverables
• Review financial information throughout the reporting cycle to identify potential errors, unusual balances, or incomplete transactions
• Oversee the preparation of accounting entries and ensure supporting documentation appropriately explains the underlying financial activity
• Evaluate balance sheet accounts and related reconciliations to confirm balances are accurate and properly supported
• Coordinate the production of periodic financial statements and management reporting packages
• Investigate changes in financial performance and provide explanations for significant fluctuations in account balances and operating results
• Maintain oversight of the general ledger and ensure financial transactions are recorded consistently with applicable accounting standards
• Serve as the primary coordinator for the annual external audit, managing information requests and maintaining an organized approach to audit preparation
• Work with external auditors to address accounting questions, provide financial support, and resolve outstanding audit matters
• Establish effective accounting procedures that promote accuracy, consistency, and appropriate financial oversight
• Review existing control activities and recommend improvements to reduce accounting risk and strengthen the reliability of financial information
• Support the accounting treatment and reconciliation of inventory-related activity within the manufacturing environment
• Oversee accounting records associated with property, plant, equipment, depreciation, and other long-lived assets
• Evaluate expense recognition and ensure accruals and other period-end adjustments are recorded appropriately
• Provide direction and technical guidance to a Senior Accountant and Staff Accountant
• Review work completed by direct reports and help develop their accounting knowledge, accuracy, and efficiency
• Establish appropriate priorities across the team to ensure important reporting deadlines are consistently achieved
• Identify repetitive or inefficient accounting activities and develop practical improvements to existing workflows
• Collaborate with the Controller on financial reporting matters, accounting issues, and broader finance initiatives
• Support accounting projects and special analyses that arise from changing operational or business requirements
• Work effectively with manufacturing and other internal departments to obtain the information needed for accurate accounting
• Help strengthen the overall accounting function by improving documentation, reducing manual work, and introducing more consistent processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible accounting experience within a manufacturing environment
• At least 3 years of public accounting experience, preferably involving external audit engagements
• Strong technical accounting foundation with demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing financial statements
• Previous responsibility for managing monthly financial close activities and coordinating year-end reporting
• Experience serving as a key contact during external financial statement audits
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting financial schedules
• Familiarity with manufacturing accounting concepts, including inventory, fixed assets, accruals, and related financial reporting
• Experience supervising, reviewing, or developing accounting staff is strongly preferred
• CPA designation preferred but not required
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyze financial data and work with detailed accounting schedules
• Experience with SAP or another enterprise resource planning system is preferred