Sr. Accounting Manager

Are you a problem-solving Accounting Professional who thrives on untangling puzzles and designing efficient processes? Join us as a Senior Accounting Manager and make a meaningful impact in the publishing industry. In this role, you’ll lead a talented team of four, overseeing key operations like accounts payable, sales tax compliance, and weekly disbursements, while also driving innovation in accounting processes and systems. If you’re passionate about creating smarter workflows, mentoring others, and contributing to the financial health of a creative organization, this hybrid position offers the perfect blend of challenge, growth, and purpose.

This is a hybrid position located at our office in Naperville, Illinois with a salary range of $90-$100,000.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee general accounting functions, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Manage accounts payable and travel/expense management operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to company policies.
• Lead the weekly disbursement process, ensuring timely and accurate payments to vendors and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with unclaimed property reporting requirements and state-specific sales tax regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and systems to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial audits, tax filings, and other compliance-related activities.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior leadership based on financial data and trends.
• Supervise and mentor a team of four, including two direct reports, fostering professional growth and ensuring team objectives are met.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Prepare and review financial reports, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with industry regulations and best practices, applying them to the organization’s accounting operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA designation strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience, including 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Experience in the publishing industry or a similar creative industry is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS/GAAP, tax regulations, and compliance requirements, particularly in accounts payable, unclaimed property, and sales tax.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Concur) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Highly independent and self-motivated, with a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities.
• Proven track record of reliability, accountability, and delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
• Must Love Books!

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with financial systems implementations or upgrades.
• Familiarity with publishing-specific accounting practices, such as author royalties or copyright expense tracking.
• Knowledge of remote work dynamics and tools for managing hybrid teams.