Accounting Manager

Vedder Price's Chicago office is seeking an Accounting Manager. The Accounting Manager position is a critical inward facing role focused on ensuring the smooth running of Fiscal operations. The Accounting Manager will analyze and improve departmental processes and work to improve quality, productivity and efficiency. The job involves supervising team members in performing cash receipts, collection activities, accounts payable, and other Accounting services. The Accounting Manager supervises the team to ensure that work is properly allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner. This position addresses tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, Firm credit card program, employee expense reimbursements, and more. This is a hands-on position in a team-oriented environment where you will roll up your sleeves and work with all levels of management within our Firm.

As the Accounting Manager, your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Manage a team of two direct reports (AP Supervisor and Collections Supervisor) with indirect reports in both the AP and Collections/AR teams. This includes: evaluating, training, hiring and supervising staff. Assess staffing workload and job assignment along with re-defining job descriptions as needed.
• Annually review and set priorities and goals for the AP team that support the strategic plan and direction of the Firm and the Accounting/Finance group.
• Overseeing the daily activities of operations related to accounts receivable, accounts payable, ensuring that all major projects, month-end, and year-end reports are completed accurately and on time.
• Evaluating, developing, and improving departmental controls, systems, and procedures to increase accuracy and efficiency. Develop, monitor, and publish metrics to gauge efficiencies in the workflow of areas that need improvement and to ensure service level commitments are met.
• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the financial reporting system and general ledger structure, directly relating to the AP cycle.
• Ensure the monthly Bank Compliance activities and monthly AR/AP reporting are performed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Collaborates with the other accounting and finance department staff to support overall department goals and objectives.
• Advises staff regarding the handling of non-routine transactions.
• Ensures the regular reconciliation of vendor accounts to ensure proper accounting.
• Oversees the review of accounts payable coding and documentation of expenses to ensure compliance with Firm policies.
• Responsible for maintaining well-controlled vendor master file with accurate approved vendor information and up-to-date vendor payment terms.
• Deal with client/vendors inquiries related to accounts.
• Responsible for working with AP team on vendor W-9 documentation, annual 1099 reporting, unclaimed property review and reporting.
• Prepare a monthly AP aging and reconcile AP sub-ledger to the general ledger.
• Establish and maintain adequate internal controls and ensure proper segregation of duties is maintained at all times. Ensure compliance with the Firm's policies and procedures.
• Work with Accounting team in support of external audits by providing supporting schedules, reconciliations, pulling selections and interfacing with external auditors as required.
• Ability to keep confidential information private and maintain high levels of security and dependability.
• Other projects/job related duties as assigned/requested

Skills & Competencies:

• Experience managing a full-cycle high volume accounts payable team with proven leadership and process improvement ideas.
• Must possess strong organization, time management and execution skills.
• Analytical skills and a basic understanding of accounting principles.
• Must be self-motivated, proactive, resourceful, work well under strict deadlines and exhibit a team player attitude.
• Ability to analyze/interpret data and take appropriate action.
• Must demonstrate leadership and initiative, and relate well across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to analyze/interpret data and take appropriate action.
• Must possess sound judgment and decision making ability, have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, in writing and verbally.
• Skilled in providing appropriate performance feedback to ensure career development and growth.
• Experience with policy and procedure development/documentation and with system implementations and process solutions.
• Ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction from the Controller to accomplish objectives.
• Must maintain the highest of ethics and confidentiality at all times.
• Positive attitude and disposition.

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Bachelor degree (B.S.) majoring in Accounting or Finance with at least 5 years of experience in a Supervisory or Accounting Manager position required
• Experience managing a full-cycle high volume accounts payable team with proven leadership and process improvement skills required
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:

• Experience with Elite financial system (Enterprise or 3E).
• Experience with Chrome River (preferred).
• Proficient in word processing software (MS Word) and extremely proficient in spreadsheet software (MS Excel)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Price Recruiting Team at vprecruiting@vedderprice.com.