Accounting Manager

Description

Accounting Manager – Cooks’ Direct, Inc.

Hybrid-Woodridge, IL

Company Overview

We are a leading provider of foodservice equipment and supplies, serving the correctional, educational, and commercial sectors. With over 27 years in the industry, we offer a comprehensive range of products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Position Overview

Cook’s Direct is seeking a hands-on operations leader to run the day-to-day AP and AR functions of our growing distribution and e-commerce business — and to lead the team that makes it happen. You will own vendor payment and customer invoicing operations end to end and drive continuous improvement in our ERP-based workflows. This role is centered on people leadership and operational excellence-coaching and developing the team while also managing workflows, processes and day-to-day execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the AP/AR team. Directly supervise 2–3 accounting staff: set daily priorities, coach on process and accuracy, run 1:1s, and handle hiring, onboarding, performance management, and cross-training.
• Manage reconciliation and accounting processes for Amazon, Walmart, and eBay marketplace activity
• Oversee AR operations including invoicing, collections monitoring, and escalation of past-due accounts
• Improve AP workflows including vendor invoice review, coding, and payment accuracy.
• Support month end close by closing AP and AR sub-ledgers on time, reconciling related accounts, and handing off data to Controller.
• Manage accounting related to returns, credits, inventory adjustments, and landed costs
• Mentor and supervise staff responsible for account payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR)
• Track vendor rebates and assist with contract reporting requirements
• Maintain operational accounting workflows within Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
• Help improve ERP workflows and operational accounting processes within Business Central
• Responds to inquiries from the CEO, Controller and company-wide managers regarding financial results, special reporting requests and the like
• Assists in the development and implementation of new procedures to enhance workflow of the department
• Enforce proper accounting policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
• 7+ years of accounting experience
• 5+ years running transactional AP and AR in a high-volume environment — personally processed invoices, cut payments, applied cash, and managed collections.
• 2+ years directly supervising an AP/AR or accounting operations team of 2–3 or more.
• Experience with ERP systems and operational accounting processes.
• Strong understanding of AR, AP, reconciliations, and month-end support
• Advanced Excel skills
• Detail-oriented, with high organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Preferred: Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, marketplace or e-commerce accounting, distribution or inventory accounting
  
  

Desired Attributes

• Strong people leader who enjoys coaching a team.
• Deep knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Ability to manage and improve accounting workflows, including AP/AR, payroll and internal controls.
• High level of precision on transactional work and reconciliations.
• Comfortable working across departments (Sales, Operations, IT).
  
  

Benefits & Compensation

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• 401(k) plan
• Professional development opportunities