Senior Accounting Manager - Lease & Fixed Assets
Chicago, IL | Hybrid: 4 days in the office, 1 day working from home
We’re looking for a CPA with a strong technical accounting foundation who can bridge project and asset accounting, financial reporting, data analytics, and process improvement. This person will lead a team, partner with Finance, Operations, IT, and executive leadership, and play a key role in strengthening the company’s accounting infrastructure as it prepares to go public.
This isn't simply a project accounting or fixed asset leadership position. You'll have the opportunity to help build the accounting infrastructure of a company preparing to enter the public markets, while also leading data-driven finance transformation.
You'll have visibility with senior leadership, ownership over critical accounting areas, and the ability to make a measurable impact on how the finance organization operates and scales.
Responsibilities:
- Lead project accounting across CapEx and OpEx, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
- Oversee fixed and intangible assets, including capitalization, depreciation, impairment, and disposals.
- Own lease accounting under ASC 842.
- Partner with Project Management and Finance to strengthen CapEx tracking, controls, and reporting.
- Support accounts receivable analysis and allowance assessments.
- Play a key role in IPO readiness and the continued evolution of the company's accounting infrastructure.
- Ensure financial reporting complies with U.S. GAAP, SOX, and corporate policies.
- Strengthen internal controls and support both internal and external audits.
- Oversee financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.
- Use tools such as Power BI, Power Query, Alteryx, and Python to automate reporting and turn financial data into actionable insights.
- Improve data governance, system integration, and reporting accuracy.
- Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve the scalability of the finance function.
- Support accounting system implementations and other finance transformation initiatives.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
- Partner with Finance, Operations, IT, and executive leadership to improve reporting and decision-making.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor on project, asset, and financial reporting matters.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- CPA required
- 7+ years of relevant accounting or financial reporting experience
- 3+ years of leadership experience
- Strong background in project accounting, fixed assets, lease accounting, or corporate financial reporting
- Experience with a public company or IPO environment strongly preferred
- Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, ASC 842, CapEx, fixed assets, and internal controls
- Experience with Power BI, Alteryx, Python, Power Query, or similar analytics/automation tools
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems such as SAP or Oracle
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, improve processes, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment