Operational Accounting Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Opportunity Senior Manager, Accounting Operations 

The Senior Manager, Accounting Operations is a key leader within Annie’s finance organization and reports directly to the SVP of Finance. This role is responsible for owning the company’s end-to-end accounting operations infrastructure, including accounts payable, payroll, and disbursement workflows.

This role is accountable for building a scalable, controlled, and efficient operating model that supports a multi-entity, acquisition-driven business. The Senior Manager leads a high-volume, process-driven function and ensures that all cash outflows, employee compensation, and vendor payments are executed accurately, timely, and in alignment with company priorities.

This role operates as a peer to the Senior Accounting Manager, with clear ownership of accounting operations, systems, and execution.

About Annie Aesthetic 

Annie Aesthetic is a private equity platform that acquires and operates best-in-class medical aesthetics and functional health businesses across the United States. Our portfolio includes medspa brands and functional health clinics operating across multiple states, with an active pipeline of add-on acquisitions underway.

We take a hands-on, operator-led approach — providing each portfolio company with financial, operational, and strategic resources to drive sustainable, long-term growth. Our team is lean, execution-focused, and deeply embedded in the day-to-day of the businesses we own.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations Ownership

• Own end-to-end accounting operations, including accounts payable, payroll, and all disbursement-related workflows
• Ensure accurate and timely execution of vendor payments, employee payroll, commissions, and reimbursements
• Establish and enforce SLAs, controls, and escalation paths across all operational accounting processes
• Maintain accountability for vendor master data, payment accuracy, and payroll integrity

Process Design, Standardization & Scale

• Design and implement standardized, scalable processes across AP and payroll
• Identify and eliminate manual work, reduce risk, and improve cycle times
• Build and maintain SOPs and documentation to ensure consistency and audit readiness
• Lead integration of newly acquired clinics into accounting operations workflows

Systems & Automation

• Own and optimize systems supporting AP, payroll, expense management, and disbursements (NetSuite, Ramp, payroll platforms)
• Drive automation and workflow improvements
• Ensure alignment between operational systems and the general ledger

Financial Close & Controls

• Ensure accurate and timely recording of AP and payroll activity in the monthly close
• Oversee preparation and review of accruals, journal entries, and reconciliations related to operational accounting
• Maintain strong internal controls, including approval workflows and segregation of duties
• Support audits, lender requests, and diligence processes

Cash Flow & Disbursement Management

• Partner with Finance leadership to manage and forecast cash outflows
• Monitor disbursement trends and identify risks or inefficiencies
• Align payment timing with working capital strategy and business needs

Team Leadership & Accountability

• Lead, develop, and scale the accounting operations team
• Set clear expectations for performance, timelines, and quality
• Drive a culture of ownership, responsiveness, and continuous improvement
• Serve as escalation point for vendor, employee, and internal issues

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Accounting, FP&A, HR, and Operations to ensure alignment
• Support compensation structures, commission calculations, and payroll-related initiatives
• Act as the primary finance partner on payment and payroll-related matters

Qualifications

• Active CPA required
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in acquisition-driven or private equity–backed environments
• Strong experience in multi-entity, multi-location accounting and financial reporting
• Strong operational and process-oriented mindset
• Ability to scale workflows in a high-growth environment
• Clear communicator who drives accountability
• Strong understanding of internal controls
• Proactive and solutions-oriented
• Familiarity with acquisition integrations, audit support, and lender reporting
• Strong understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and audit requirements