Accounting Manager at Alliance Laundry System LLC – Ripon, Wisconsin

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Accounting Manager to join our finance organization. This role is responsible for leading the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the Distribution business unit; ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP and company policies; maintaining strong internal controls; and partnering closely with operations and Corporate Accounting.

The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting and financial close experience, sound judgment, leadership capability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This role requires strong ownership of close activities, discipline around account reconciliations and controls, and proactive support of distribution operations.

This position reports directly to the Senior Finance Director of the Americas region.

Financial Close and Reporting

• Lead and oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process for assigned distribution locations to ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial reporting.
• Review and approve journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for completeness and accuracy.
• Perform and/or review financial statement flux analyses to identify, explain, and resolve period-over-period variances and unusual trends.
• Review financial statements and close results for completeness, accuracy, and reasonableness prior to close finalization.
• Ensure close deliverables are completed on time and in accordance with company close calendars, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and review management reporting schedules and other close-related deliverables for assigned locations.
• Support the Corporate Accounting team, as needed, by providing information, analysis, and documentation for consolidated financial reporting packages and management reporting schedules.
• Support the Corporate Accounting team in responding to questions and providing documentation related to SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and other external reporting requirements, as applicable.

Distribution Accounting and Operational Support

• Ensure accurate accounting for distribution-related transactions and activities, including inventory adjustments, freight and logistics costs, accruals, reserves, fixed assets, leases, intercompany activity, and other assigned accounting areas.
• Partner with site leadership and operations teams to understand business activity and ensure financial results appropriately reflect operational performance.
• Support accounting for site-specific issues, operational changes, and non-routine transactions.
• Monitor and analyze account activity and balances to identify risks, unusual items, and required follow-up.
• Provide accounting guidance and support to site accountants and other team members on distribution-related accounting matters.

Internal Controls, Reconciliations, and Compliance

• Maintain a strong control environment by ensuring compliance with company policies, standardized close procedures, reconciliation standards, and internal control requirements.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and supporting documentation to ensure accounts are accurate, timely, fully supported, and appropriately reviewed.
• Oversee execution of assigned SOX controlsand ensure documentation is completed accurately and on time.
• Support internal and external audit requests by providing documentation, responding to inquiries, and addressing follow-up items in a timely manner.
• Identify control gaps, process weaknesses, and opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of accounting processes.

Business Partnership and Stakeholder Support

• Serve as a key accounting partner to General Managers, site leadership, operations, HR, and other cross-functional stakeholders across assigned distribution locations.
• Communicate proactively regarding close status, accounting issues, financial risks, and actions needed to resolve open items.
• Support budget, forecast, and financial analysis activities by providing accurate accounting information and insight into period results.
• Assist with ad hoc requests, operational analysis, and special projects as needed.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop site accountants or other accounting team members supporting the distribution network.
• Set clear expectations, assign work effectively, and drive accountability for quality and timeliness of deliverables.
• Provide guidance to team members on close responsibilities, reconciliations, accounting issues, and control execution.
• Promote a culture of ownership, responsiveness, continuous improvement, and high-quality execution across the team.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required
• CPA preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, including operational, business-unit, plant, distribution, or corporate accounting experience
• Experience in a publicly traded company environment preferred
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, monthly close processes, account reconciliations, and financial statement analysis
• Experience with SOX compliance, audit support, and internal controls
• Prior leadership or team supervision experience preferred
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a deadline-driven environment
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel; experience with systems such as SAP, Tm1, or FloQast is a plus

Key Competencies

• Financial close ownership and execution
• Strong accounting and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Independent judgment and problem-solving
• Internal controls and compliance discipline
• Cross-functional partnership and responsiveness
• Leadership, coaching, and accountability
• Process improvement mindset

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting accounting in a distribution, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, or multi-site operating environment
• Experience partnering with General Managers, site leaders, and operational teams
• Experience managing site-level close, accruals, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Experience supporting external audits and SOX compliance in a public company environment

Travel: Limited travel to distribution locations may be required based on business needs

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Standard and Physical Requirements:

Position involves sitting long periods, standing, manual dexterity, stooping, bending and minimal lifting.

Alliance Team Members Demonstrate DRIVE:

• Dedicated: Follows through on commitments. Strong say/do.
• Respectful: Acts with integrity and values diverse perspective.
• Innovative: Always looking for a better way; leads change.
• Versatile: Adapts quickly to changing circumstances. Demonstrates agility.
• Engaged: Acts like an owner. Wants to create and grow a business which is tightly aligned with market needs.