Accounting Manager in Chicago, Illinois at WESTWARD360 ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT LLC

Westward360 is looking to add an Accounting Manager to our growing corporate accounting team in Chicago. This role will be responsible for maintaining financial records, managing the month-end and year-end close processes, developing and improving accounting processes, and leading a dedicated accounting team.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive, with strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to resolve discrepancies and drive continuous improvement. This position plays a key role in ensuring timely revenue recognition and adherence to company accounting policies.

What we offer:

• Hybrid flexibility
• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Front loaded PTO plus additional personal time
• 401k - Company match up to 4%
• Long and short term disability at no cost to employee
• Career growth and advancement opportunities

What you’ll do:

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Lead and manage the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.
• Oversee daily operations of the accounting department, including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), general ledger, and compliance.
• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, bank statements, and cash flow reporting.

Accounts Receivable & Billing Management

• Generate and distribute accurate, timely invoices for commissions, rent, and other related fees.
• Ensure correct pricing and billing in accordance with approved agreements and company policies.
• Review accounts receivable aging and proactively follow up on outstanding balances to drive timely collection.

Account Reconciliation & Credit Review

• Process and apply credit card and electronic payments to customer accounts.
• Investigate and resolve misapplied, unidentified, or disputed payments.
• Perform account reconciliations as needed to ensure accuracy between billing, cash receipts, and the general ledger.
• Review and approve customer credit lines, extending or declining credit based on established guidelines.
• Monitor account activity to identify risk and ensure compliance with company credit policies.

• Manage team of direct reports that work on our global/offshore team.
• Partner with internal departments to understand accounting transactions, resolve discrepancies, and address client requests for documentation or adjustments.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team by setting clear goals and providing regular feedback.
• Identify opportunities to automate and streamline accounting workflows to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

What you’ll need:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience of progressive accounting experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role; real estate or property management experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with accounting systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

About Westward360:

Westward360 is dedicated to providing exceptional community management, rental management and brokerage services. Serving multiple markets throughout the United States, we have the systems, strategies, and expertise to meet the specialized needs of even the most demanding client. With more than 50,000 homes under management, we’re your all-in-one real estate solution.

*Disability Notice: Disclosure is divulging or giving out personal information about a disability. It is important for the employee to provide information about the nature of the disability, the limitations involved, and how the disability affects the ability to learn and /or perform the job effectively. The employer has a right to know if a disability is involved when an employee asks for accommodations. Deciding if, when, and how to share disability-related information with a prospective or current employer can be overwhelming but we ask to please request a required accommodation prior to your first date of work. *Please note, a doctor's note may be requested by Human Resources, depending on the accommodation being requested, on a case-by-case basis.