Accounting Manager - Process Improvement & SOX (Chicago)

Accounting Manager – Process Improvement & SOX

Chicago, IL | Hybrid

A large, publicly traded global manufacturing organization is seeking an Accounting Manager to serve as the strategic bridge between its Corporate Accounting and SOX Compliance teams and its operational finance organization — translating corporate accounting directives into practical workflows while ensuring uncompromising US GAAP and SOX compliance across a complex, multi-site environment.

This is a unique role for a commercially-minded Big 4 CPA who thrives at the intersection of technical accounting, internal controls, and operational process improvement — with the presence and judgment to stand before senior leadership and defend operational accounting perspectives.

What You'll Do:

• Lead end-to-end SOX process management and coordination across operational sites — ensuring local control owners understand, execute, and document key controls effectively
• Liaise with the Internal Control team on identified control gaps — engaging appropriate operational contacts and driving timely remediation
• Partner with Corporate Accounting on the rollout and practical implementation of new accounting policies — translating technical requirements into actionable operational guidelines
• Standardize core accounting and reporting workflows across manufacturing and distribution locations in partnership with local operational finance and plant leadership
• Drive continuous improvement in balance sheet reconciliation workflows and manual journal entry processes — resolving aging bottlenecks and establishing clean documentation standards
• Provide practical US GAAP guidance across revenue recognition, lease and CapEx governance, and inventory cost accounting to ensure compliant and efficient operations
• Travel 10–30% for site visits to operational plants, distribution facilities, and corporate meetings

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Active CPA required
• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting, internal controls, and assurance experience
• Big 4 or top national public accounting firm experience — auditing publicly traded manufacturing, industrial, or complex distribution clients required
• Proven SOX 404 compliance experience including control deficiency remediation and operational process standardization
• Expert knowledge of US GAAP standards including ASC 606, ASC 842, ASC 330, and ASC 360
• Strong SAP ECC/SAC experience preferred; advanced Excel and Google Sheets skills required
• High emotional intelligence with proven ability to build consensus between conflicting corporate and operational priorities
• Executive presence with the ability to present and defend accounting positions to CFO and Director-level leadership

Why This Role Stands Out:

✅ Unique strategic role at the intersection of Corporate Accounting, SOX, and operational finance

✅ Real influence over process standardization and compliance across a large, multi-site organization

✅ High visibility to CFO and senior leadership with meaningful technical accounting authority

✅ Publicly traded global manufacturer — complex, interesting work across multiple business lines

✅ Competitive compensation including 401(k), ESPP, medical, dental, vision, and paid parental leave

✅ Hybrid flexibility in Chicago with site visit travel component