Senior Manufacturing Accountant

Location

Chicago, Illinois 60632

Employment Type

Full-Time | Permanent | On-Site

Position Summary

A well-established manufacturing organization is seeking a highly skilled Senior Accountant to support and execute full-cycle accounting operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate financial reporting, managing month-end close activities, overseeing AP/AR processes, and ensuring the integrity of the general ledger.

The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing accounting experience, advanced reconciliation capabilities, and hands-on expertise with MAS 90 / SAGE 100 ERP systems. This opportunity is best suited for a detail-oriented accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and can independently manage multiple accounting priorities with accuracy and efficiency.

This position reports directly to the CFO.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Closing Activities

• Prepare and assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting packages
• Support complete month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, and adjusting entries
• Analyze balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow activity
• Ensure financial data accuracy and compliance with accounting standards

General Ledger & Reconciliations

• Maintain integrity and accuracy of the general ledger
• Perform detailed general ledger reconciliations
• Complete bank reconciliations and account analysis
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies across financial accounts
• Monitor financial transactions for accuracy and completeness

Accounts Payable Operations

• Process vendor invoices utilizing 3-way matching procedures
• Maintain vendor master records and payment documentation
• Resolve vendor inquiries and discrepancies in a timely manner
• Manage weekly check runs and payment processing
• Analyze AP aging and account balances

Accounts Receivable Operations

• Post cash receipts and customer payments accurately
• Process ACH, wire, electronic, and paper check transactions
• Reconcile credit card and customer payment activity
• Investigate and resolve customer account discrepancies
• Support collections activities for past due accounts

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Assist with budgeting and forecasting processes
• Analyze forecast-to-actual variances
• Provide financial insights and operational support to leadership

Audit & Compliance Support

• Support internal and external audit processes
• Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for auditors
• Ensure compliance with internal accounting procedures and controls

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with internal departments to support operational and financial objectives
• Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives
• Maintain strict confidentiality of financial and company information
• Adapt effectively to changing priorities and business needs

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong manufacturing industry accounting background required
• Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle accounting operations
• Expertise in:
  • Month-End Close
  • General Ledger Management
  • Bank Reconciliations
  • Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable
  • Financial Reporting
• Hands-on experience with MAS 90 / SAGE 100 required
• Crystal Reports experience preferred
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial processes
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Stable career history with at least one long-term tenure of 3–5 years
• Experience within manufacturing or product-based environments strongly preferred
• Candidates from service-only or non-profit backgrounds may not align with client requirements

Additional Information

• Fully on-site role based in Chicago, IL
• No remote or hybrid option available
• No relocation assistance provided
• No visa sponsorship available
• Immediate impact role with direct exposure to executive leadership