Manager, Financial Accounting

Cars.com • Chicago, IL

1d • $104,100 - $130,150

About The Position

Cars Commerce is seeking a Manager, Financial Accounting to support its Accounting team. Reporting to the Director, Financial Accounting and Transformation, this role helps ensure an accurate and timely month-end close, supports SEC filings, and partners on initiatives to modernize financial infrastructure and processes. The ideal candidate is a technically strong accountant with public-company experience and an interest in process improvement.

The role leads monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities; prepares and reviews financial statements and SEC filings; supports audits and SOX controls; and contributes to treasury reporting. It also serves as a technical accounting resource, interpreting evolving GAAP guidance and leading the implementation of new accounting standards. The manager reviews high-risk accounting work, mentors team members, and collaborates across Finance, FP&A, Legal, IT, and external consulting and audit partners.

The position supports finance transformation and reporting initiatives, including system integration and user acceptance testing, system upgrades, and development of reports, dashboards, and analytical tools. Cars Commerce describes a collaborative, inclusive culture grounded in integrity, ownership, and respectful challenge. The role is a regular full-time position. The disclosed base salary range is $104,100–$130,150, with some roles eligible for bonus and/or equity programs depending on level and role.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA required.
• At least 7 years of progressive financial accounting experience with increasing responsibility.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP and SOX internal controls.
• Experience supporting SEC reporting, including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K filings.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team.
• Exposure to ERP systems and financial transformation or process improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with AI tools such as Claude, Gemini, or ChatGPT for technical research, workflow efficiency, and financial narrative writing.
• Advanced Excel and Google Suite skills.
• Exceptional analytical skills and high attention to detail.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication.
• Collaborative, approachable, and self-directed, with a strong sense of ownership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment.
• Applicants for US-based positions must be authorized to work in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Big Four or mid-tier public accounting experience combined with a corporate accounting background is strongly preferred.
• PeopleSoft experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements are accurate and timely in accordance with US GAAP and SEC rules and regulations.
• Prepare and review consolidated financial statements, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Assist with preparation and review of SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, and related earnings materials.
• Prepare supporting materials for Executive Leadership Team, Audit Committee, and Board of Director presentations.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors on quarterly reviews and the annual audit.
• Execute and maintain internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirements.
• Support treasury operations through daily cash reporting and share repurchase tracking, including automated report generation.
• Interpret evolving GAAP guidance, particularly for SaaS arrangements, cloud computing, and M&A integration accounting.
• Lead cross-functional implementation efforts for new accounting standards, translating technical requirements into operational procedures.
• Review and approve high-risk journal entries and team workpapers for accuracy, GAAP adherence, and audit readiness.
• Provide feedback and mentorship to team members on complex accounting judgments and documentation standards.
• Collaborate with external auditors on judgmental accounting areas and provide supporting documentation.
• Manage, mentor, and develop accounting professionals through regular feedback and professional growth opportunities.
• Build cross-functional relationships across Finance, FP&A, Legal, and other departments to support accurate financial reporting.
• Support design and testing of financial reporting processes, including System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
• Partner with IT, Finance leadership, and external consultants to ensure accounting requirements are captured and met in system upgrades.
• Drive development of financial reports, dashboards, and analytical tools to improve efficiency and insight.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare plans.
• New hire stipend for home office setup.
• Generous PTO.
• Paid holidays, floating holiday, volunteer day, and recharge day.
• Some roles are eligible for bonus and/or equity programs, depending on level and role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager