External Reporting Manager

The Manager, External Reporting is responsible for overseeing external financial reporting, SEC filings, technical accounting research, consolidation reporting, and SOX compliance in a highly regulated industry. This role partners closely with finance leadership, investor relations, legal, treasury, and external auditors to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting while driving process improvements and supporting key accounting initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and implement new accounting standards and SEC reporting requirements.
• Prepare technical accounting memos for complex transactions and accounting issues.
• Prepare and review Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, financial statements, footnotes, and SEC disclosures.
• Manage reporting calendars, disclosure controls, XBRL filings, and reporting processes.
• Support earnings releases, investor presentations, and external financial communications.
• Maintain ownership of key reporting areas, including cash flows, EPS, leases, segment reporting, and impairment analyses.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with business leaders to advise on accounting implications of strategic decisions.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors and support SOX compliance efforts.
• Analyze financial results and disclosures to identify trends and emerging issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; Master's degree preferred.
• Active CPA required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including SEC reporting for a public company.
• 2+ years of public accounting experience preferred, ideally with a Big 4 or national firm.
• Supervisory and team development experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Workiva (Wdesk), XBRL, and ERP/reporting systems such as SAP preferred.

Schedule: Hybrid (Chicago area), approximately 3 days onsite / 2 days remote