Manager- Client Accounting Services

Client Solutions United States Chicago, Illinois Position Summary Sikich is seeking a Manager, Client Accounting Services (CAS) who will be responsible for overseeing outsourced accounting engagements for a portfolio of clients, effectively serving in a Controller or Accounting Manager capacity. This role will lead the delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting, manage the month‑end close process, and ensure adherence to GAAP and best practices. The Manager provides leadership to engagement teams, reviews work performed by staff and seniors, and partners directly with clients to support financial operations, process improvements, and strategic decision‑making. This role also includes project management responsibilities, ensuring engagements are executed efficiently, timelines are met, and client expectations are exceeded. What will you do in this role? Serve as the primary Controller/Accounting Manager for assigned clients, overseeing all aspects of the accounting function. Lead and manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial reporting. Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements prepared by staff to ensure compliance with GAAP and company standards. Analyze financial results, identify trends and variances, and provide actionable insights to clients and internal stakeholders. Establish, document, and improve accounting processes, internal controls, and workflows to enhance efficiency and scalability. Manage client relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and point of contact for financial and operational matters. Coordinate and manage client deliverables, deadlines, and engagement scope through effective project management practices. Support budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management activities for clients. Assist clients with system implementations, process transitions, and accounting clean‑up projects as needed. Collaborate cross‑functionally with tax, audit, and advisory teams to support integrated service delivery. Mentor, coach, and develop team members; review performance and provide ongoing feedback. Delegate work effectively while maintaining accountability for engagement quality and outcomes. Identify opportunities for additional services and contribute to business development efforts within CAS. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and firm policies across all engagements. What do you need to succeed in this role? Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience. CPA certification preferred. Five (5) plus years of experience in public accounting, consulting, or outsourced accounting services. Two (2) plus years of experience in a supervisory or team leadership capacity. Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements. Demonstrated experience managing month‑end close and financial reporting processes. Experience operating in a Controller or Accounting Manager capacity for multiple clients or business units. Proficiency with accounting systems such as QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar ERP systems. Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple clients and priorities simultaneously. Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy. Strong interpersonal and client service skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships. Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders. Ability to adapt in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and contribute to continuous process improvement. In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws The midpoint of the salary range for this role is $1,190,600. Specific skills/experience required Servant Leader – hyper focused on engaging employees, fostering their development, and building a positive culture. Solutions Focused – sees opportunities in every business problem and can develop, articulate, and implement solutions. Collaboration – builds relationships across all levels of the organization and across all business units. Instills Trust – follows through on commitments, acts with integrity, and is perceived as credible. Impact & Influence Thinking – gains support for ideas, proposals, and solutions, and gets others to act, with or without formal authority, to advance initiatives/objectives. Benefits Sikich maintains a Flexible Time Off (FTO) Policy. Full‑time employees may utilize paid time off (personal time, mental/physical health care, vacation, sick leave, etc.) from day one. Sikich recognises paid holidays throughout the year and allows time off during the last week of the calendar year when project work permits. Sikich offers a comprehensive wellness program to engage, challenge and empower team members to take responsibility for their wellbeing. Activities can be tracked through our wellness provider to obtain gift cards and other rewards. Health, dental, vision, life, and accident/death/disability insurance options. HSA employer contribution. Nine (9) paid holidays annually. A robust paid Parental Bonding Leave program covering birth, adoption, and foster children. 401(k) with employer contributions. CPA bonus with four (4) paid exam days & four (4) paid study days. FORCE – Sikich community volunteer program enabling each team member to use up to four hours of paid time annually to volunteer and make a difference in local communities. Equal Opportunity Employer Sikich is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sikich LLP