Operations Accounting Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking a Accounting Manager Process Improvement who's ready to put your skills to work on projects that matter - and build a career with a company that's building North America. 

Job Title: Accounting Manager Process Improvement   |   Req ID: 17413   |   HR Contact: Wendy BECKER   |   Location: Chicago Office IL

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Accounting Manager, Process Improvement serves as the vital strategic bridge between Corporate Accounting/SOX Compliance teams and the Building Materials Operational Finance organization. Operating in a complex matrix environment, this position translates corporate accounting directives into practical operational workflows, ensuring uncompromising compliance with US GAAP standards and SOX regulations while protecting business velocity, operational efficiency, and margin accuracy.

This role requires a pragmatic, commercially-minded CPA with Big 4 assurance experience who can evaluate accounting policies through an operational lens. Acting as a diplomatic liaison, you will manage SOX coordination, partner with internal controls to resolve audit gaps, standardize local operational finance processes, and eliminate administrative friction while upholding the highest standards of financial integrity.

WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH

• SOX Management & Process Coordination: Lead end-to-end SOX process management and coordination across operational sites, ensuring local control owners understand, execute, and document key controls effectively.
• Internal Control Gap Resolution & Owner Follow-Up: Liaise closely with the Internal Control team on identified control gaps, ensuring appropriate local operational contacts are engaged, accountable, and actively driving timely remediation with control owners.
• Corporate Policy Implementation: Liaise with Corporate Accounting on the rollout and practical implementation of new accounting policies, translating technical requirements into actionable operational guidelines.
• Operational Process Standardization: Partner with local operational finance and plant leadership to standardize core accounting and reporting workflows across manufacturing and distribution locations.
• Optimize Account Reconciliations & Manual Entries: Drive continuous improvement in balance sheet reconciliation workflows and manual journal entry (MJE) processes, resolving aging bottlenecks and establishing clean documentation standards.
• Technical Accounting Guidance: Provide practical US GAAP guidance across revenue recognition (customer rebates and discounts), lease and capital expenditure governance (CapEx vs. OpEx), and inventory cost accounting to ensure compliant, standardized, and efficient plant and commercial operations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety and environmental policies in all work environments and areas. Promote a culture of safety and exhibit these behaviors.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Education: Bachelor's degree
Field of Study Preferred: Accounting, Finance, or a related business field
Required Work Experience:

• 5-8+ years of progressive accounting, internal control, and assurance experience.
• Public Accounting/Governance Background: Big 4 or top national public accounting firm (Assurance/Audit) experience auditing publicly traded manufacturing, industrial products, building materials, or complex distribution clients.
• SOX & Controls Track Record: Proven experience managing SOX compliance cycles, remediating control deficiencies with local control owners, and implementing standardized operational processes.

Required Training/Certifications: Active US CPA designation is mandatory.

Required Technical Skills:

• US GAAP & SOX Codifications: Expert knowledge of US GAAP standards-specifically ASC 606 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers), ASC 842 (Leases), ASC 330 (Inventory), and ASC 360 (Property, Plant, and Equipment)-alongside robust SOX 404 compliance frameworks.
• Systems & Tools: Strong working knowledge of enterprise ERP systems (specifically SAP ECC/SAC/Tagetik) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets for financial data analysis.

Travel Requirements: 10% - 30% travel (primarily site visits to operational plants, distribution facilities, and corporate meetings).

Additional Requirements:

• High emotional intelligence (EQ) with proven negotiation skills to build consensus between conflicting corporate and operational priorities.
• Executive presence and gravitas to stand before senior leadership (CFO/Director level) and constructively defend operational accounting perspectives.
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to translate complex technical accounting rules into clear, actionable business guidance.
• Reputation for conducting business at the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
• Successful candidates must adhere to all safety protocols and proper use of Amrize approved Personal Protection Equipment ("PPE"), including but not limited to respirators. Employees that are required to wear respirators must be clean shaven where the respirator seal meets the face in order to pass the qualitative and quantitative fit tests.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary
• Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance
• Holistic Health & Well-being programs
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
• Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts
• Paid time off & paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)
• Educational Assistance Program
• Dress for your day

Amrize is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.