Accounting Manager (Chicago)

Applications Software Technology (AST) was founded on one simple thought, we put our people and our customers first, and you can never lose. AST is a globally recognized award-winning full-service enterprise Cloud transformation and systems integrator, specializing in Oracle Cloud, Salesforce, Oracle NetSuite, and JD Edwards, serving clients in the Public and Commercial Sectors for 29 years. Clients look to AST for leadership and assistance in systems integration, business process redesign, project management, systems administration, and training. From on-premises applications to modern Cloud technology, AST's services encompass all aspects of Enterprise Resource Planning, Business Intelligence, Enterprise Performance Management, Customer Experience, and Middleware. AST also offers flexible Managed Services, supporting the needs of over 200 Public Sector and Commercial customers around the globe. If you're someone with energy, drive, and creativity, AST might be the place for you.

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Accounting Manager to join our accounting team. The ideal candidate must have strong Accounting and Finance experience and the ability to handle the full cycle of accounting processes. This is a great opportunity to join an established organization and take your career to the next level.

This position is responsible for driving monthly close process, management of the annual audit process, monthly financial statements preparation and consolidation, intercompany eliminations, tax support, and balance sheet account maintenance and analysis. This position will work with our foreign subsidiaries' consolidation, account mapping, FX conversions, account analysis, technical projects, M&A support, revenue recognition, complex transactions, review account reconciliations completed by other accounting staff and ad-hoc projects.

This is a US based, permanent/full time position with preference given for Chicago area candidates. Primarily a remote role, but will require visits to the office for month-end activities, etc. if local to Chicago.

What You'll Do:

• Drive month-end close with support from the business operations organization.
• Work with our foreign subsidiaries' consolidation, account mapping, FX conversions, and account analysis.
• Create/complete/review month end account reconciliations.
• Prepare and process financial statements, reports, and other key documents in compliance with GAAP accounting principles.
• Ownership, implementation and creation of accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP.
• Coordinate external and internal audits and work with auditors and outside tax accountants to ensure all information and report requests are addressed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Drive efficiency in policy, procedures and timelines.
• Identify control gaps and assist in designing and implementing solutions to enhance internal operating controls, processes and practices and recommend changes and enhancements to existing policies and controls to make sure they are current, adequate, functional and utilized in accordance with GAAP.
• Provide support to the Global Controller and other senior members of the business operations team.
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external parties regarding financial results, special reports and other requests,
• Contribute to cross-functional projects within the entire organization
• Maintain relationships with external auditors, vendors, bankers, and clients

What You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting
• CPA license
• Minimum of 5-8 years' experience is required
• Previous public accounting/auditing experience is highly valued.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting principles, practices, procedures and generally accepted auditing standards.
• Project-based accounting experience.
• International accounting consolidation experience.
• Prior success conducting external or internal audit.
• Strong background and experience with audit methodologies and techniques.
• Proficiency in finance, accounting, and ERP systems (NetSuite and OpenAir experience preferred).
• Strong process improvement and problem-solving skills are a MUST!
• Excellent written and oral skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.

What We Bring:

At AST, people are the center of everything we do, and we work to provide you with benefits beyond a paycheck. We strive to develop and recognize our people at all levels and give them the rewards they deserve. We offer full benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement/401k, disability, life insurance, and unlimited PTO for all our North American employees to balance your work and life. We also offer additional benefits, such as commuter benefits, legal insurance, pet insurance, sabbatical leave, education reimbursement, parental leave, and much more.

Our Culture:

At AST, people are the center of everything we do. In 29 years of business, we know that putting our people first is the key to success. Our passion for people has earned us multiple awards. Here are some of the most recent:

• 2023 National Cultural Excellence for Remote Work by Energage
• 2023 National Cultural Excellence for Innovation by Energage
• 2023 National Cultural Excellence for DE&I Practices by Energage
• 2023 National Cultural Excellence for Leadership by Energage
• 2023 Chicago Tribune Top Workplaces by Energage (5th consecutive year)
• 2022 Top Workplaces in the Nation by Energage
• 2022 National Cultural Excellence for Leadership by Energage
• 2022 National Cultural Excellence for Innovation by Energage
• 2022 Dallas Fort Worth's 2022 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for by National Association for Business Resources (NABR)

We foster a culture of trust, ownership, and innovation at every level of the organization. All doors are open and everyone's ideas matter, giving our people the ability to quickly understand our customers' needs and translate those needs into action. While we celebrate individual wins, we always strive for shared success. We are One AST.

Statement of Non-Discrimination: We value global diversity and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other. AST is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic or classification protected by law.

• Drive month-end close with support from the business operations organization.
• Work with our foreign subsidiaries' consolidation, account mapping, FX conversions, and account analysis.
• Create/complete/review month end account reconciliations.
• Prepare and process financial statements, reports, and other key documents in compliance with GAAP accounting principles.
• Ownership, implementation and creation of accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP.
• Coordinate external and internal audits and work with auditors and outside tax accountants to ensure all information and report requests are addressed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Drive efficiency in policy, procedures and timelines.
• Identify control gaps and assist in designing and implementing solutions to enhance internal operating controls, processes and practices and recommend changes and enhancements to existing policies and controls to make sure they are current, adequate, functional and utilized in accordance with GAAP.
• Provide support to the Global Controller and other senior members of the business operations team.
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external parties regarding financial results, special reports and other requests,
• Contribute to cross-functional projects within the entire organization
• Maintain relationships with external auditors, vendors, bankers, and clients

• Bachelor's degree in accounting
• CPA license
• Minimum of 5-8 years' experience is required
• Previous public accounting/auditing experience is highly valued.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting principles, practices, procedures and generally accepted auditing standards.
• Project-based accounting experience.
• International accounting consolidation experience.
• Prior success conducting external or internal audit.
• Strong background and experience with audit methodologies and techniques.
• Proficiency in finance, accounting, and ERP systems (NetSuite and OpenAir experience preferred).
• Strong process improvement and problem-solving skills are a MUST!
• Excellent written and oral skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.

AST was founded on one simple thought, put our people and our customers first and you can never lose. We are strategic contributors, partnering with forward-thinking organizations to pursue leading-edge digital transformation, process reengineering, and technology solutions. If you have energy, drive, and the desire to succeed, you are among like minds at AST.