Accounting Manager

FGS-WI LLC•Aurora, IL

30d•$105,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

Freedom is a leading privately held direct mail service provider in the United States, with a family-owned history spanning 40 years. We are expanding our national footprint and seeking an experienced Accounting Manager for our Aurora, IL facility. This role is crucial for leading corporate accounting, managing the monthly close process, delivering accurate financial statements and management reports, supporting budgeting and forecasting, overseeing tax functions, and ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and internal controls. The Accounting Manager will manage a small team and collaborate with Plant Controllers and company leadership to enhance financial visibility and decision-making.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including month-end close and financial statement preparation.
2+ years of people leadership experience (direct management preferred).
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner effectively across functions.

Nice To Haves

Public accounting experience preferred.
Manufacturing experience strongly preferred (inventory, standard costing, COGS, and operational performance reporting).
Experience improving close/reporting processes a plus.
CPA preferred (or progress toward certification).

Responsibilities

Lead the month-end close process, including review/approval of journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis; drive continuous improvement to shorten close timelines and improve accuracy.
Prepare and/or oversee preparation of monthly financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow) and management reporting packages, including KPIs and operational metrics.
Manage corporate accounting activities including accruals, fixed assets, inventory/COGS-related accounting coordination, leases, intercompany, and other complex transactions as applicable.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies; research and document accounting positions and implement new accounting guidance.
Maintain and enhance internal controls; support audits (financial, bank, customer, and internal) and ensure timely completion of audit requests.
Partner with company leadership and Plant Controllers to support annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis.
Oversee balance sheet integrity: review key reconciliations, investigate exceptions, and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
Support cash flow visibility through accurate accruals and working capital reporting; collaborate with A/P, A/R, and treasury as needed.
Lead, coach, and develop a small team of direct reports; set goals, provide feedback, and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with tax regulations, working with internal and external resources to prepare and submit accurate and timely filings.
Drive process and systems improvements (ERP, close management, reporting tools), including documentation of procedures and cross-training.
Occasional travel to our plant in Aurora, IL as needed.
Other duties as assigned, including special projects and integration support as the business grows.