Job Information
Cole-Parmer Sr. Manager, Accounting in Vernon Hills, Illinois
This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more information, please see: https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13309934
Job Title:Senior Manager, Accounting
Reports To:VP, Controller
Location:Vernon Hills, IL
Work Type:Hybrid (3 days in office)
FLSA Status:Exempt
Position Summary:
The Senior Manager, Accounting will serve as the owner of Balance Sheet integrity, reconciliation governance, and continuous improvement across North America and coordinate and collaborate with our International colleagues and operations to ensure an accurate and timely close process.
This role goes beyond managing the close it is accountable for strengthening financial discipline, eliminating aged reconciling items, standardizing global processes, and building a scalable accounting infrastructure that supports growth, acquisitions, and private equity reporting requirements.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting leader who combines technical expertise (US GAAP and IFRS) with process transformation capability, systems optimization experience, and operates with a strong focus on control, transparency, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities:
Global Balance Sheet Governance & Integrity
- Own global Balance Sheet accuracy, completeness, and monthly certification process
- Establish and enforce standardized reconciliation policies, documentation requirements, and aging thresholds across all entities
- Eliminate aged reconciling items and drive root-cause remediation
- Oversee intercompany governance, ensuring timely agreement and elimination of balances before close
- Ensure lease accounting, accruals, and other high-risk accounts are reconciled and supported under both US GAAP and IFRS
- Maintain audit-ready documentation for all material accounts
Continuous Improvement & Close Optimization
- Lead transformation of the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
- Reduce manual journal entries through system optimization (Workday, Blackline, Alteryx, Fixed Asset Systems)
- Standardize global close calendar and certification workflow
- Automate reconciliations and approval workflows within Blackline
- Develop dashboards and KPI reporting for close and reconciliation metrics
- Drive policy harmonization across global entities
Reporting, Audit & PE Interface
- Ensure timely, accurate reporting under US GAAP and IFRS
- Maintain integrity of corporate consolidation systems
- Liaison with external auditors
- Oversee quarterly reporting packages to Private Equity Finance Group
- Assist in accounting integration for acquisitions, including GL mapping and policy alignment
Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead and develop the accounting team
- Instill accountability around reconciliation ownership and certification
- Build a culture of process discipline, documentation rigor, and continuous improvement
- Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Supply Chain, FP&A, IT, and our PE sponsor to improve financial visibility
Education:
- Bachelors degree in accounting from an accredited institution; CPA strongly preferred
Experience:
- Minimum 8+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including leadership responsibility
- Manufacturing and/or distribution experience required; global, multi-entity experience strongly preferred
Qualifications:
- Strong technical expertise in US GAAP (IFRS experience preferred)
- Deep understanding of Balance Sheet risk areas (inventory, leases, intercompany, accruals, reserves)
- Proven ability to eliminate reconciliation backlogs and implement sustainable controls
- Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills
- Ability to lead change in a fast-paced, growth-oriente d organization
- Excellent communication skills with ability to interface with executive leadership
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary Range: \$145,000-\$170,000, depending on location, experience, and qualifications.
- Annual-Incentive Plan (AIP): 15%,
- Benefits coverage begins day 1, including the following:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) company match
- Paid Time Off (15 days annually)
- Paid Holiday time (10 company-designated days)
- Tuition Assistance
- Additional benefits available with company
\ This position has not been approved for Relocation Assistance.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and l