Accounting Manager/Accounting Process Architect

2 weeks ago

Chicago, IL, United States Stairway Ventures Full-time $130,000 - $180,000

We are a rapidly growing, private-equity‑backed holding company operating multiple companies across manufacturing, distribution, , healthcare, and technology. Our business requires disciplined financial controls, scalable accounting processes, and accurate reporting across several entities. We are seeking a highly skilled accounting professional with CPA-level expertise who can build, optimize, and manage our accounting infrastructure as we scale.

Role Overview

This role is ideal for someone who not only understands accounting at a deep technical level, but also enjoys building processes, implementing structure, designing workflows, and improving financial operations.

You will be responsible for:

  • Designing and standardizing accounting processes
  • Creating month-end close frameworks
  • Supporting multi-entity consolidation
  • Partnering with leadership to improve financial visibility and performance

This is a hands‑on builder role, not a routine accountant position.

Key Responsibilities

  1. Build & Optimize Accounting Processes
    • Design, document, and implement scalable accounting workflows across multiple subsidiaries
    • Create standardized procedures for A/R, A/P, invoicing, inventory, cost accounting, payroll, and treasury
    • Build month‑end and year‑end close processes (calendar, checklists, responsibilities, deadlines)
    • Establish internal controls aligned with PE‑backed operational best practices
    • Develop audit‑ready accounting documentation and reconciliations
  2. Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting
    • Prepare accurate monthly financial statements and management reports
    • Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP across all entities
    • Assist CEO/CFO with forecasting, budgeting, and financial modeling
    • Support intercompany accounting, eliminations, and consolidation reporting
    • Oversee accruals, revenue recognition, fixed assets, and depreciation schedules
  3. Systems & Technology
    • Evaluate and improve our current accounting systems (QuickBooks Enterprise / NetSuite etc.)
    • Build automated workflows that reduce manual errors and increase visibility
    • Implement tools for inventory management, COGS reporting, and cash tracking
    • Work with operations to ensure data accuracy (warehouse, manufacturing, e‑commerce)
  4. Cash Management & Controls
    • Maintain rolling cash flow forecasts and cash conversion tracking
    • Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and merchant processing
    • Create processes for purchase orders, approvals, and spend control
  5. Compliance, Audit, and Tax Support
    • Prepare schedules and documentation for annual reviews/tax filings
    • Liaise with external CPAs, auditors, lenders, and PE partners
    • Ensure compliance with sales tax, payroll tax, and other regulatory obligations
  6. Cross‑Functional Leadership
    • Partner with operations, supply chain, sales, and finance
    • Translate accounting needs into operational process changes
    • Communicate clearly and professionally with executives

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Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or MBA
  • 5‑10+ years of accounting experience (public + industry mix ideal)
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, multi‑entity accounting, and consolidations
  • Experience building accounting processes, SOPs, and controls
  • Ability to thrive in a fast‑growth, multi‑entity environment
  • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills

Preferred

  • Experience in manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, e‑commerce, or PE‑backed companies
  • Knowledge of cost accounting, inventory systems, and multi‑location operations
  • Strong Excel skills (formulas, pivots, reconciliations, analysis)
  • Ability to manage projects and lead initiatives independently

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