Staff Accountant

AKIRA Staff Accountant

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position: Staff Accountant

Location: Chicago, IL - Onsite

The Position:
The Staff Accountant is a key contributor to AKIRA's Finance team, with primary responsibility for the day-to-day Accounts Payable function and bank reconciliations across the company's operating, store, and merchant accounts. This role is critical to keeping vendors paid accurately and on time, cash properly reconciled, and the general ledger clean heading into month-end close. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, comfortable working with high-volume transactions, and takes pride in getting the small things right.

Key Responsibilities:
Accounts Payable

• Own the full Accounts Payable cycle: receive, review, and code vendor invoices; obtain proper approvals; and post invoices to the general ledger with accurate GL, department, and location coding.
• Execute weekly payment runs (ACH, wires, checks, and virtual card) and ensure vendors are paid within terms.
• Maintain the vendor master file, including new vendor setup, W-9 collection and validation, and ongoing updates to banking and remit-to information.
• Prepare and file annual 1099 reporting in compliance with IRS requirements.
• Reconcile vendor statements, research and resolve invoice and payment discrepancies, and respond to vendor inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Monitor AP aging and open PO/invoice reports to keep balances current and identify issues before they escalate.
• Partner with buyers, store leadership, and operations to resolve coding and approval questions.

Bank Reconciliation Cash

• Perform timely and accurate bank reconciliations across all operating, store depository, and merchant accounts.
• Investigate and clear reconciling items, partnering with Treasury, Operations, and IT as needed to resolve outstanding items.
• Reconcile clearing accounts related to store deposits, credit card settlements, and third-party payment processors.
• Flag unusual activity, potential errors, or control issues to the Senior Staff Accountant / Accounting Manager

Close & Support

• Support the month-end close by preparing assigned journal entries, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations tied to AP and cash.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests, including pulling invoice support, check copies, and reconciliation packages.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate AP and reconciliation processes.
• Support ad hoc projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed.

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of accounting experience, ideally including hands-on Accounts Payable and bank reconciliation work; retail or e-commerce experience is a plus.
• Working knowledge of U.S. GAAP and standard AP and cash processes.
• Experience with an ERP system; NetSuite experience is highly preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, working with large data sets).
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when handling high-volume transactions.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional written and verbal communication, with the ability to work respectfully with vendors and internal partners.
• A proactive, ownership mindset - comfortable asking questions, flagging issues, and suggesting improvements.

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• 2-4 years of accounting experience, preferably in retail, e-commerce, or multi-location
  environments
• Strong experience with cash reconciliations and balance sheet ownership
• Working knowledge of NetSuite or similar ERP systems preferred
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Job Type: Full-Time

We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.