Accounting Manager at Peerless of America – Effingham, Illinois

We're seeking an experienced accounting professional to join our Peerless finance team as Accounting Manager at our Effingham manufacturing site. This is a high-visibility, ownership-oriented role for someone who thrives being close to the operations — working directly with production leaders, supervisors, and corporate finance as part of a small, capable team. The position carries broad responsibility across month-end close, financial reporting, internal controls, inventory accounting, and cost analysis, with direct exposure to senior leadership. For the right candidate, this role offers a strong platform for continued growth within Peerless and across the DCP organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end close process and prepare monthly financial statements.
• Own the general ledger, including journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.
• Perform bank reconciliations and monitor cash activity.
• Oversee A/P and A/R processes, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
• Own fixed-asset accounting, capital expenditure tracking, and depreciation schedules.
• Lead inventory accounting, including cycle counts, variance analysis, and reconciliation of raw materials and finished goods.
• Prepare budget-to-actual and variance analyses for leadership.
• Manage annual audit activities and serve as primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Maintain and continuously improve internal controls and standard accounting procedures.
• Manage state and local filings including sales/use tax and business registrations.
• Partner with production and operational leaders to understand cost drivers and financial impacts.
• Provide ad hoc reporting and analysis in support of corporate finance requests.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• 4+ years of accounting experience in manufacturing, public accounting, or a related industry.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems; ability to learn manufacturing systems quickly.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Effective communicator who can work cross-functionally with production, HR, corporate finance, and leadership.
• Integrity and discretion in handling confidential financial information.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• A high-visibility role reporting directly to the Controller with broad exposure across finance, operations, and corporate leadership.
• A stable, established company with strong leadership support.
• Opportunities for professional growth within Peerless and the broader DCP portfolio.
• A collaborative environment that values continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Peerless is an equal opportunity employer.