Manager, Financial Reporting

Cars.com•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry. No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable. But don't take our word for it. We are proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S. Ready to make your mark? Join a team that's driving real change in the automotive industry. The ideal candidate will live in the Chicagoland area. CARS is seeking a Manager, Financial Reporting to join our Corporate Accounting and Reporting team. Reporting to the Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting, this role owns the preparation and filing of the Company's SEC reports, delivers financial reporting to senior management, and partners across the organization to ensure accurate, timely disclosures. The ideal candidate is a strong technical accountant who thrives on ownership and wants to make a lasting mark on the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or Finance
CPA required
6+ years of financial reporting or public accounting experience
Big 4 public accounting experience combined with industry experience at a public company strongly preferred
Deep knowledge of US GAAP accounting and SEC reporting rules and regulations
Understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements from a compliance standpoint
Experience with financial systems; proficiency in SEC reporting tools such as ActiveDisclosure or Workiva
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting and reporting issues to non-finance colleagues
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment
Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, policy drafting, financial narrative writing, and workflow efficiency
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
Collaborative, approachable, and self-directed with strong sense of ownership
Advanced Excel and Google Suite skills

Responsibilities

Prepare and file the Company's Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and other SEC filings as required
Prepare and review the monthly financial reporting package for management
Participate in and lead the quarterly disclosure committee meeting
Partner with external and internal auditors to ensure the review and audit processes are efficient and effective
Support the monthly close process through preparation and review of journal entries
Support technical accounting projects and research, providing recommendations and analysis for complex transactions
Monitor new accounting pronouncements, assess their impact, and lead implementation, including presenting impacts to the Company
Review workpapers prepared by team members, including technical financial reporting areas such as cash flows
Manage, develop, and coach direct reports throughout their careers, including providing direct feedback and coaching
Serve as the key finance resource for the PeopleSoft ERP system
Execute internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements
Build strong relationships across peers, stakeholders, and team members to support a high-performing, collaborative environment
Assist with other areas of the business, including treasury payment approvals
Continuously simplify processes and optimize technology use to deliver cost-effective, high quality finance services
Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support the Finance organization