Associate Accounting Manager

Topco Associates is seeking an Associate Accounting Manager for the Accounting team in Itasca, IL. This is a hybrid role, with work conducted in the Itasca office three times per week and virtually twice per week.

About the Role

The Associate Accounting Manager leads complex general accounting activities and serves as a technical resource and mentor to the accounting team. This role partners closely with the Controller and Assistant Controller to ensure the integrity of the Company's financial records, support the month-end close process, strengthen internal controls, and drive continuous process improvement. While this position does not have full departmental management responsibility, it provides day-to-day guidance, coaching, and technical oversight to accounting staff.

Responsibilities

• Involved in accounting activities supporting the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure accuracy and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Analyze financial results, identify unusual trends and variances, and communicate findings to Accounting leadership.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger by ensuring financial transactions are properly recorded and documented.
• Research technical accounting issues and recommend appropriate accounting treatment.
• Assist in coordinating the monthly close process to ensure timely completion of reporting deadlines.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and investigate complex accounting issues.
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external financial reporting.
• Prepare financial analyses and supporting schedules for management review.
• Develop, document, and improve accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve accounting processes.
• Support compliance with Company accounting policies and internal control requirements.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, technical support, and mentoring to Staff and Senior Staff Accountants.
• Review work prepared by team members and provide constructive feedback to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with onboarding and training new accounting staff.
• Serve as a technical resource for resolving complicated accounting questions.
• Lead or participate in departmental projects and initiatives that support Accounting and Finance objectives.
• Support annual external audit activities by preparing schedules and responding to audit requests.
• Assist with tax reporting and regulatory compliance activities as assigned.
• Ensure accounting records are maintained in accordance with Company policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Partner with FP&A, Sales Accounting, Treasury, and other departments to resolve accounting matters and improve financial reporting.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA license, CPA eligibility, or active pursuit of CPA certification preferred.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and accounting research skills.
• Knowledge of internal controls and financial reporting processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence others without direct supervisory authority.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• High degree of initiative, integrity, accountability, and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify efficiencies and implement process improvements.
• Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Experience

• Five to six years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Preferred experience includes approximately two years of public accounting or audit experience, followed by two to three years of accounting experience within a private or publicly traded (SEC reporting) company.
• Experience supporting month-end close, financial reporting, and external audit activities required.
• Experience reviewing the work of others or serving in an informal leadership capacity preferred.

Schedule

Hybrid role: three days per week in the Itasca, IL office and two days per week remote.