Senior Manager of Accounting Operations

Vedder's Chicago office is looking for a Senior Manager of Accounting Operations. The Senior Manager will oversee the Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) functions to ensure efficient and accurate financial operations. In this influential leadership role, we seek a strategic leader with exceptional analytical skills, keen attention to detail, and the ability to effectively manage both processes and a team. Job Duties As the Senior Manager of Accounting Operations, your responsibilities include but are not limited to: Leadership & Team Development Lead and mentor direct reports, including the Collections Manager, AP Manager and Accounting Specialist, offering strategic guidance and ensuring overall department effectiveness. Manage the training and integration of new team members, identifying opportunities for promotion or professional growth. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external clients, promptly addressing any AP or AR issues as they arise. Financial Oversight Work with the Collections Manager to review accounts receivable aging reports, monitor overdue balances, and track collection efforts and client payment applications. Oversee invoice and payment processes with the AP Manager, ensuring effective team workflows and clear communication. Analyze trends and provide actionable insights to improve the firm's financial performance on client collections. Establish goals and KPIs for the AP and AR functions, regularly monitor progress, and provide weekly reporting to key stakeholders. Manage the month‑end close process for A/P and A/R functions, ensuring thorough and accurate reconciliations of related accounts. Process Improvement & Compliance Identify and execute strategic process enhancements and industry best practices to optimize the efficiency of accounts receivable and payable operations. Develop and maintain policies and procedures for AP and AR to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures. Establish and execute communication plans for firm‑wide procedural changes. Conduct annual reviews to set priorities and goals for the AP and AR teams, aligning them with the firm's strategic plan. Audit & Compliance Ensure timely fulfillment of all audit requirements related to accounts payable and receivable. Work with the AP management team on vendor W‑9 documentation, annual 1099 reporting, and unclaimed property review and reporting. Maintain confidentiality and data security at all times. Technology and Innovation Leverage technology and automation to streamline processes and reduce manual work. Stay updated on industry best practices and integrate them into departmental operations. Skills & Competencies Experience managing a full‑cycle, high‑volume AP and AR team with a proven track record of process improvement. Exceptional organizational, time‑management, and execution skills. Strong analytical skills and basic understanding of accounting principles. Self‑motivated, proactive, resourceful, and able to work well under strict deadlines. Ability to analyze and interpret data and take appropriate action. Strong leadership and initiative, fostering positive relationships and effective communication across all levels. Sound judgment, strong decision‑making abilities, excellent interpersonal skills, and clear communication in writing and verbally. Skilled in delivering constructive feedback to foster career development and professional growth. Experience developing and documenting policies and procedures, managing implementations and process solutions. Independent, able to operate with minimal daily direction to accomplish objectives. High ethical standards and confidentiality at all times. Positive attitude and professional disposition. Qualifications & Required Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting required with at least 10 years of experience in accounting operations, focusing on AP and AR. Experience managing a full‑cycle high‑volume AP team with proven leadership and process improvement skills. Ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines. Software Skills Experience with Elite financial system (Enterprise or 3E) or other major accounting software. Experience with Emburse and collections software (preferred). Excellent Microsoft Excel and Word skills required. Compensation Range $135,000 per year to $160,000 per year. Benefits Competitive base salary. Discretionary annual bonus program. Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans; optional health savings and flexible spending accounts; firm‑paid life and disability benefits; and wellness programs. Paid time off including vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal days. Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm‑provided training programs. Employee recognition programs such as anniversary and praise programs. Hybrid work model and family‑friendly policies. Employee discount program; pre‑tax commuter benefits; backup child and elder care; employee assistance program; fitness center discounts and more. Equal Employment Opportunity Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where the applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E‑verify. Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Recruiting Team at View email address on click.appcast.io. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr