Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

Freedom is proud to be one of the largest, privately held direct mail service providers in the United States. We are a family-owned business entering our 40th year in operation and are excited to expand our national footprint. We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to join our talented team of high-impact employees in our Aurora, IL facility. Join a company that values your talent, supports your professional development, and is committed to excellence in everything we do.

The Accounting Manager will lead corporate accounting and the monthly close, deliver accurate and timely financial statements and management reporting, support budgeting and forecasting, manage tax functions, and ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal controls. This role manages a small team and partners closely with Plant Controllers and company leadership to strengthen financial visibility and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the month-end close process, including review/approval of journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis; drive continuous improvement to shorten close timelines and improve accuracy.
• Prepare and/or oversee preparation of monthly financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) and management reporting packages, including KPIs and operational metrics.
• Manage corporate accounting activities including accruals, fixed assets, inventory/COGS-related accounting coordination, leases, intercompany, and other complex transactions as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies; research and document accounting positions and implement new accounting guidance.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls; support audits (financial, bank, customer, and internal) and ensure timely completion of audit requests.
• Partner with company leadership and Plant Controllers to support annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis.
• Oversee balance sheet integrity: review key reconciliations, investigate exceptions, and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Support cash flow visibility through accurate accruals and working capital reporting; collaborate with A/P, A/R, and treasury as needed.
• Lead, coach, and develop a small team of direct reports; set goals, provide feedback, and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations, working with internal and external resources to prepare and submit accurate and timely filings.
• Drive process and systems improvements (ERP, close management, reporting tools), including documentation of procedures and cross-training.
• Occasional travel to our plant in Aurora, IL as needed
• Other duties as assigned, including special projects and integration support as the business grows.

Experience and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including month-end close and financial statement preparation. Public accounting experience preferred.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience (direct management preferred).
• Manufacturing experience strongly preferred (inventory, standard costing, COGS, and operational performance reporting).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills; experience improving close/reporting processes a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively across functions.
• CPA preferred (or progress toward certification).

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

• Consistently delivers accurate monthly close results on schedule, with well-supported reconciliations and clear variance explanations.
• Improves the quality and usability of month-end reporting for leaders across the business.
• Strengthens internal controls and audit readiness, with thorough documentation and timely issue resolution.
• Builds a high-performing team through coaching, clear expectations, and effective delegation.

This full-time position includes the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401k saving plan with company match
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays