Accounting Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Accounting Manager to lead and enhance our accounting operations and support key financial initiatives. This role provides supervision for one staff accountant, including responsibility for hiring, performance management and development, and is accountable for the overall performance of the function. This position reports to the Director of Finance and Accounting.

The Accounting Manager ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP, while exercising independent judgement and discretion in applying accounting principles, analyzing financial results, and resolution of complex accounting matters. As a key member of the finance team, this role advises leadership on financial performance, risks, and opportunities.

The ideal candidate brings solid technical accounting expertise, an analytical mindset, and a proactive approach to process improvements, automation and operational efficiency to support organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight of daily and monthly accounting activities, including journal entries, general ledger management, balance sheet reconciliations and financial close processes.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop staff accountants, including responsibility for performance management, workload prioritization, and professional development to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Develop, implement, interpret and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls, including revenue recognition, accounts payable and payroll, ensuring compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Operations, Finance, and Treasury leadership to support cash management strategies, strengthen internal controls, and provide financial guidance that informs operational decision-making.
• Prepare, analyze, and present weekly and monthly financial reports and variance analytics to senior leadership to support strategic planning and business performance monitoring.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement process improvements, automation tools and scalable accounting solutions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control across the accounting function.
• Lead coordination of external audits, internal reporting requirements, and special projects, exercising discretion in resolving accounting issues and ensuring timely completion of deliverables.

Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to oversee full-cycle accounting, including month-end close, general ledger, reconciliations, and GAAP compliant reporting.
• Team Management: Supervises, mentors, and evaluates accounting staff, driving performance, accountability, and professional growth.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis Expertise in preparing and presenting financial results and variance analyses to support informed business decisions.
• Internal Controls & Compliance: Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to partner with Operations, Finance, and Treasury to support cash management and strategic initiatives.
• Process Improvement & Automation: Skill in identifying and implementing efficiencies, system enhancements, and automation opportunities.
• Audit & Project Leadership: Ability to lead audit coordination, reporting requirements, and special projects with independent judgment and discretion.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• EAP
• STD/LTD
• Basic Life and AD&D
• Voluntary Life
• Supplemental: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
• Cell Phone Stipend
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Watterson is an Equal Employment Opportunity and E-Verify employer.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or competencies. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description based on business needs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred. Finance or a related field is also acceptable.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and/or Master's Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience in revenue recognition for projects, including Work in Progress Accounting / Analysis preferred. (E.g. construction project accounting or services project accounting).
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
• Current or prior experience working for a private equity owned company - preferred.
• Proven experience with financial systems, automation tools, and large data sets.
• Experience accelerating monthly close cycle preferred, which may include automating processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and lead through change in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with Acumatica ERP system preferred. Experience working with mid-market ERP system (e.g. Sage, Acumatica) or larger ERP system (e.g. SAP, Oracle) is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position in an office or job-site environment.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and/or move throughout the workplace as needed.
• Ability to operate standard office and job-related equipment.
• Ability to occasionally reach, bend, kneel, climb, and lift or move items weighing up to 20 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.