Accounting Manager

About Us:

VP Logistics is on a mission to provide an elite level of service to our customers while bringing them practical solutions to streamline their supply chain. Our team members must have a “whatever it takes” mindset, show up every day with a passion for excellence, and focus on building internal and external relationships. VP Logistics was originally founded in 2009 as an in-house transportation provider for Visual Pak, a leading contract manufacturing and packaging partner to multiple fortune 500 brands. VPL has since grown into a premier national 3PL with capabilities across most transportation modes and industries. We take great pride in our obsession to be strategic partners with our customers and carriers, as well as our reputation and unwavering commitment to excellence. Our people are our greatest asset and the driving force behind our continuous growth.

Job Summary:

The Accounting Manager will fulfill a broad range of duties and responsibilities, such as leading the Accounting Department, overseeing daily operations and supporting several process improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have sound knowledge of accounting principles, standards and regulations, is forward thinking with a curiosity for technology driven enhancements and can lead and motivate others.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and be accountable for the Accounting Department and the daily output of the group handling accounts receivable/accounts payable, cash receipts, general ledger activities and month/year end closing processes.
• Establish and enforce proper accounting methods, policies and principles with a focus on continuous coaching and professional development of team members.
• Collaborate with internal teams to implement automation tools or workflow improvements.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reports to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Assist Director of Finance with monthly/year-end closing, including the development and oversight of efficient processes that ensure adequate billing, AP, and journal entry items are completed.
• Serve as lead for keeping Aging Reports current to monitor and maintain healthy cashflow and identify exceptions to troubleshoot payment delays.
• Oversee customer invoicing processes to confirm accurate, timely deliveries and proper revenue recognition.
• Manage escalations related to unpaid invoices, disputes, or customer payment discrepancies.
• Collaborate with Sales and Account Management team members to resolve billing issues to improve cash flow.
• Approve customer credit limits or terms based on financial assessments/scores or payment history.
• Monitor bank account balances, identify unusual activity, confirm incoming/outgoing wires or ACH transactions.
• Reconcile daily cash receipts and confirm all customer payments are properly applied in the accounting system.
• Manage exceptions in cash applications, including short pay, overpaid, and unidentified deposits.
• Analyze monthly expenses and costs associated with business processes to help reduce excess and unnecessary spending.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance on operational reporting between different revenue departments.
• Identify areas within the team to improve efficiencies and bring solutions to the “Accounting Experience” amongst internal teams, customers, carriers, and vendor partners.
• Initiate wire or ACH payments for vendors as needed and confirm internal approval processes are being followed.
• Coordinate user access, fraud alerts, and account changes with the bank as needed.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) - goal between 30-36 days
• Unbilled orders aged over 40 days – goal to keep below 10
• Accounts Receivable balance aged over 90 days – goal below 1.5% of total revenue
• Unbilled gross profit margin at month end – goal to keep below $15,000

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Currently: Accounting Specialist (1), AR Representative (2)

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, required
• 5 years of accounting experience with at least 2 years in supervisory or managerial role.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and methods, financial reporting, and general ledger activities required.
• Working knowledge in logistics, transportation, or service-based business is highly desirable.
• Comfortable with accounting software and systems – Experience with McLeod or similar TMS a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite – Excel required, and Power BI is highly preferred.

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Enthusiastic about technology and improving workflows through automation or process redesign.
• Able to make sound decisions in handling billing exceptions, credits and financial escalations.
• Outstanding organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills, consistently meeting strict deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to adjust tasks and priorities as needed.
• Thrives in and is motivated by a fast-paced working environment.

Alignment with VPL’s Core Values:

Core Values are fundamental beliefs, and timeless guiding principles that define the VPL culture, outline what we truly stand for as an organization, and help us guide behavior and decisions. Alignment to the following Core Values is a requirement for all employees.

#1: Create Raving Fans – We are obsessed with Elite customer service and building long-term partnerships

#2: Glass Half Full Mentality – We strive to see the bright side in all situations and bring the positive energy every day!

#3 Embrace the Ride – We are roller coaster people and embrace the wild ride of the logistics industry.

#4 Get Sh*t Done (GSD) – No excuses, results matter, and we aren’t done until THE job is done.

#5: Teamwork Always – We row the boat together in everything we do. Collaboration. Respect. Accountability.

#6: Do the Right Thing – We conduct business with integrity and transparency.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to speak easily and communicate in writing and on a telephone for varying lengths of time and in random order.

Required Travel:

• On demand, based upon job activity. Ability to commute to office locations independently including Waukegan and Chicago.

Required Technology:

• Smart Phone

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and company performance-based incentive compensation.
• Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000
• Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA Med / FSA Dependent Care)
• 401K with Employer Match Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Time Off and Holiday pay

EEO Statement:

VP Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, gender (orientation or identification), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis covered by federal, state, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, skills, individual performance, and business needs.

VP Logistics is an "at will employer"