Senior Accountant (Hands-On, Full-Cycle)
- Location: Chicago, IL (Southwest Side, 60632)
- Work Arrangement: 100% onsite
- Employment Type: Full-time, direct hire
- Reports To: Chief Financial Officer
About the Opportunity
An established, privately held manufacturing company is seeking a hands-on Senior Accountant to own the full accounting cycle in a lean, small-team environment. This is an individual contributor role for someone who enjoys doing the work personally, from posting entries and reconciling accounts to closing the books and supporting the audit, rather than overseeing a large staff. You will work directly with the CFO and play a visible role in keeping the company’s financial operations accurate, timely, and well organized.
What You’ll Do:
Financial Reporting and Month-End Close
- Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
- Own the month-end close process, including journal entries, accruals, and adjustments.
- Maintain the general ledger, reviewing and posting entries to ensure accuracy.
Reconciliations
- Perform general ledger and bank reconciliations, and reconcile other balance sheet accounts for accuracy and completeness.
- Reconcile credit card transactions.
Accounts Payable
- Process vendor invoices using a three-way match (PO, receiver, invoice).
- Maintain vendor records, resolve vendor discrepancies, and run the weekly check run.
- Analyze AP balances and transactions to identify and correct issues.
Accounts Receivable
- Post cash receipts, including electronic and paper checks, to customer accounts.
- Resolve customer discrepancies and follow up on past-due accounts.
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Analysis
- Assist in preparing budgets and forecasts, and analyze variances between forecast and actual results.
Audit Support
- Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, and responding to auditor requests.
Collaboration and Special Projects
- Partner with operations and other departments to provide financial insight and support business goals.
- Support special projects and other duties as assigned.
What You Bring:
Required
- 5 to 10 years of hands-on accounting experience.
- Experience gained predominantly in manufacturing companies.
- Background in small companies with lean accounting departments (fewer than three people), where you personally handled the full accounting cycle end to end.
- Proven ability to execute GL, close, reconciliations, AP, AR, budgeting support, and audit support yourself, without reliance on outsourced or offshore resources.
- Hands-on experience with accounting software and ERP systems. MAS 90 / Sage 100 strongly preferred.
- A stable work history, including at least one position held for 3 or more years.
- Strong attention to detail, excellent organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential financial information.
- Ability to work fully onsite in Chicago (60632) with a reliable commute.
Preferred
- Crystal Reports experience.
- Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (not required for candidates with strong hands-on experience).
Why This Role
- Direct access to and partnership with the CFO.
- Broad ownership of the accounting function rather than a narrow, siloed role.
- A stable, established company where your work has clear and immediate impact.
Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship are not available for this position.