Finance Manager

AKIRA Finance Manager / Senior Finance Manager

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business ) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position
Finance Manager / Senior Finance Manager

Location:
Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite

Position Summary:

We're searching for a Finance Manager / Senior Finance Manager who brings clarity to complexity and momentum to decision making. This role anchors financial planning, forecasting, business partnering, and performance reporting across a growing, dynamic business. You will serve as a strategic advisor, analytical powerhouse, and operational thought partner, helping leadership see around corners and act with confidence.

If you thrive in fast-moving environments, enjoy translating numbers into narratives, and take pride in building scalable processes, this role offers a broad canvas to create meaningful impact.

Essential Functions

Planning, Forecasting & Reporting

• Lead monthly forecasting cycles, annual budget development, long-range planning, and scenario analyses

• Prepare clear, insightful monthly/quarterly/annual reports for senior leadership

• Own P&L modeling, headcount planning, operating and capital expenditure forecasting

• Conduct variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior year performance

• Support month-end close activities in partnership with Accounting

Business Partnership

• Act as a trusted advisor to functional and business leaders, translating financial insights into operational decisions

• Develop business cases, ROI analyses, and cost/benefit evaluations for investments, hiring, and strategic initiatives

• Monitor key performance indicators and ensure financial targets roll down effectively into business goals

• Provide recommendations that identify risks, opportunities, and trends

Analytics, Modeling & Decision Support

• Build and maintain advanced financial models to support strategic, operational, and ad hoc analyses

• Identify cost efficiencies and margin-improvement opportunities

• Prepare KPI dashboards and performance packages with compelling storytelling

• Support diligence requests, strategic projects, and special initiatives as needed

Process & Systems Excellence

• Improve and standardize reporting, planning, and analytical tools

• Drive process simplification, automation, and enhanced data accuracy

• Maintain high-quality internal controls and ensure alignment with organizational policies

• Stay current with industry and functional trends to continuously elevate financial rigor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in FP&A, Corporate Finance, or Business Planning

• Strong analytical and quantitative abilities with mastery of Excel and financial modeling

Preferred

• MBA or advanced degree

• Experience in footwear, apparel, fashion, or retail industries

• Exposure to ERP and BI systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, Workday, Tableau, MicroStrategy, ThinkCell)

Who Will Thrive Here

You enjoy sharpening ideas, pressure-testing assumptions, and turning raw data into strategic clarity. You're curious, disciplined, and energized by building better systems and better decisions. You bring a steady hand, a structured mind, and the confidence to influence leaders while staying grounded in facts.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full-time

At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. The starting pay for this position is $120,000 - $150,000 annually, and may be adjusted based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

---