Senior Accountant

Dreams 2 Reality Recruitment

Senior Accountant

Chicago, IL
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Position Overview

    We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Accountant to manage and support the day-to-day accounting operations of a small, privately held manufacturing organization. This individual will play an important role in maintaining accurate financial records, managing the month-end close process, preparing financial reports, and overseeing accounts payable and receivable functions.

    The ideal candidate has a strong background in full-cycle accounting, preferably within a small manufacturing environment, and is comfortable working independently as part of a lean accounting team. This position reports directly to the CFO and requires someone who is detail-oriented, organized, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple accounting responsibilities.

    Key Responsibilities

    Financial Reporting amp; General Ledger

    • Assist with the preparation and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
    • Maintain the general ledger by reviewing, preparing, posting, and adjusting journal entries.
    • Assist with monthly financial reporting and manage the month-end close process.
    • Analyze account balances and transactions to identify discrepancies and resolve issues.
    • Maintain accurate and complete financial records.

    Reconciliations

    • Perform general ledger and bank reconciliations.
    • Reconcile various balance sheet and financial accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.
    • Investigate and resolve account discrepancies in a timely manner.

    Accounts Payable

    • Process vendor invoices using a three-way matching process.
    • Review and resolve vendor invoice and account discrepancies.
    • Maintain accurate vendor records and account information.
    • Prepare and process weekly check runs.
    • Analyze accounts payable balances and transactions.

    Accounts Receivable

    • Post cash receipts and apply electronic and paper checks to customer accounts.
    • Reconcile credit card transactions.
    • Research and resolve customer account discrepancies.
    • Monitor outstanding balances and follow up with past-due customers.

    Budgeting amp; Forecasting

    • Assist with the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
    • Analyze variances between budgeted, forecasted, and actual financial results.
    • Provide financial information and support to management as needed.

    Audit amp; Administrative Support

    • Assist with internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to auditor requests.
    • Provide accounting and administrative support for special projects.
    • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

    Collaboration amp; Communication

    • Work closely with the CFO and other departments to support financial operations and business objectives.
    • Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and company information.
    • Adapt to changing priorities and business needs.

    Qualifications amp; Requirements

    • 5–10 years of progressive, hands-on accounting experience.
    • Strong full-cycle accounting experience, including general ledger, financial reporting, month-end close, reconciliations, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
    • Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
    • Experience working for small to mid-sized privately held companies, ideally with annual revenues below $25–30 million.
    • Background working in a lean accounting department with fewer than three accounting staff members.
    • Hands-on experience with accounting software and ERP systems.
    • Experience with MAS 90 and/or SAGE 100 is highly desirable.
    • Familiarity with Crystal Reports is a plus.
    • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
    • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
    • High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidential information.
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

    Ideal Candidate Profile

    The successful candidate will have:

    • A solid background in manufacturing accounting, with limited experience in public companies, nonprofit organizations, or service-based businesses.
    • Experience managing accounting functions from beginning to end rather than specializing in only one area.
    • A proven track record of working in small-company environments with limited accounting resources.
    • A history of stable employment, ideally demonstrating three to five or more years of tenure with previous employers.
    • The ability to be hands-on, take ownership of accounting responsibilities, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

    Reporting Structure

    • Reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
    • Individual contributor position with no direct reports.