Senior Accounting Manager - Fixed Asset and Lease Accounting (Chicago)

Senior Accounting Manager: Fixed Assets & Lease Accounting

Chicago, IL | Hybrid

A large, publicly traded North American manufacturer headquartered in downtown Chicago is seeking a Senior Accounting Manager to lead its capital project, fixed asset, and lease accounting functions. The role pairs technical accounting ownership with a strong analytics and automation mandate.

This role suits a CPA who has run a team, knows asset accounting cold, and wants to modernize how the work gets done using data tools.

What You'll Do:

• Oversee capital project accounting across CapEx and OpEx, ensuring accurate tracking and US GAAP compliance
• Own fixed and intangible asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, impairment assessments, and disposals
• Lead lease accounting under ASC 842
• Partner with project management and finance teams to strengthen capital spend tracking and controls
• Support accounts receivable analysis and allowance assessments
• Maintain SOX compliance and design internal controls that reduce risk and improve accuracy
• Support internal and external audits with clean documentation
• Build financial models and automate reporting using Power BI, Power Query, Alteryx, or Python
• Improve data governance and system integration to strengthen reporting accuracy
• Review financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis for your area
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting professionals
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on capital and asset matters

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Master's preferred
• CPA required; CMA or CFA a plus
• 7+ years of experience in project accounting, fixed assets, lease accounting, or corporate financial reporting, including 3+ years leading a team
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, ASC 842, fixed assets, and capital project accounting
• Hands-on experience with data and automation tools such as Power BI, Alteryx, or Python
• SAP or similar ERP experience; advanced Excel
• Public company experience strongly preferred
• Clear communicator who can present financial information to senior management

Why This Role Stands Out:

✅ Leadership seat over a critical accounting function at a large public company

✅ Real mandate to modernize the function through automation and analytics

✅ Broad scope across capital projects, fixed assets, leases, and controls

✅ High visibility to senior finance leadership

✅ Hybrid flexibility in Chicago