AKIRA Accounting Manager In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner , and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company. The Position: Accounting Manager Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite Position Summary: The AKIRA Accounting Manager plays a key leadership role in overseeing daily accounting operations and ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance across all financial activities. This role will manage a growing team while developing and improving processes that align with company standards, U.S. GAAP, and regulatory requirements. You'll be hands-on in preparing and analyzing financial reports, maintaining ledgers, managing audits, and driving continuous improvement within the accounting function — supporting AKIRA’s eCommerce, and wholesale/dropship channels, all while embodying the high-energy AKIRA spirit. Essential Functions • Manage all accounting functions and develop, maintain, and improve accounting and financial procedures in compliance with internal policies, U.S. GAAP, and applicable regulations. • Supervise and mentor a small accounting team, fostering growth and building a high-performing department aligned with company expansion. • Ensure timely and accurate monthly and annual closing processes, including the preparation of U.S. GAAP-compliant financial statements. • Maintain the general ledger and oversee the preparation and analysis of monthly financial statements. • Keep audit-ready books with consistent daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliations. • Perform monthly close activities, including journal entries, accrual analysis, and account reconciliations. • Oversee inventory accounting and reconcile inventory sub-ledgers to the general ledger across retail, eCommerce, and wholesale channels. • Manage the accounting for wholesale and dropship partnerships, including revenue recognition and reconciliation of retailer settlements. • Track, reconcile, and resolve retailer deductions and chargebacks (compliance, markdowns, shortages); drive recovery and minimize write-offs. • Participate in annual budgeting and prepare periodic financial forecasts (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow). • Analyze financial statements to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement. • Prepare management presentations, financial analyses, and special projects as assigned. • Serve as an advisor to team members and other departments in developing and tracking KPIs. Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Accounting required. • Minimum 4+ years of accounting experience, preferably 2+ years in a managerial role. • Intermediate to advanced Excel skills. • CPA designation or interest in pursuing CPA strongly preferred. • Experience with NetSuite or similar accounting software. Ideal Candidate • Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. • Highly organized and proactive with a strong desire to learn and grow. • Positive attitude with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities. Benefits and Perks: AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We’re committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities. Job Type: Full-Time We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation, including potential bonus opportunities and benefits, may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process. We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.