Catalyst Acoustics is seeking an Accounting Manager. The Accounting Manager plays a critical role in overseeing day-to-day general ledger operations within a decentralized, matrixed manufacturing organization. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with internal controls, and supports operational decision-making in a make-to-order production environment. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with the ability to collaborate across functional and regional teams. This position will be based in North Aurora, IL or Agawam, MA and reports into the Assistant Controller.
Job Responsibilities: Financial Reporting & Compliance- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close cycle; ensure timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP
- Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analyses across multiple entities and brands
- Maintain and distribute management reporting packages, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow to the Assistant Controller and senior leadership
- Support Power BI / Fabric dashboard development for real-time financial visibility
- Design, document, and enforce internal controls; identify and remediate gaps proactively
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, tax requirements, and CAG accounting policies
ERP & Systems Management- Serve as the accounting SME for ERP platforms in use across CAG brands (Infor CSI/SyteLine, Infor Visual, Sage 100)
- Partner with IT and operations to drive ERP improvements, chart of account standardization, and data quality
- Identify automation opportunities that reduce manual effort and improve close efficiency
Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Support- Coordinate with business unit finance and operation teams to ensure accurate accounting processes and postings for job costing, inventory valuation, and other overhead functions.
- Collaborate with brand finance, operations, and supply chain teams to analyze production costs, complete variance analysis, and identify efficiency opportunities.
- Monitor and report on work-in-progress (WIP), raw materials, and finished goods inventory.
Team Leadership & Development- Directly manage a team of accounting staff; set clear goals, conduct performance reviews, and provide ongoing coaching
- Build a high-accountability, continuous-improvement culture within the accounting function
- Cross-train team members to reduce key-person risk and improve coverage across close periods
- Serve as a resource and escalation point for brand-level accounting questions across the CAG portfolio
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Act as a liaison between finance, operations, and corporate accounting teams.
- Participate in cross-functional projects such as ERP upgrades, process automation, and cost reduction initiatives.
- Support business unit leaders with financial insights and ad hoc analysis.
- Assist with due diligence or integration accounting for any M&A activity.
Internal Controls & Process Improvement- Maintain and enhance internal control procedures to safeguard company assets.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- Ensure proper documentation of accounting policies and procedures.
Education & Experience- Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
- 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience in a matrixed or decentralized organization is highly desirable.
Skills & Competencies- Demonstrated proficiency in U.S. GAAP; experience with multi-entity or multi-brand environments strongly preferred
- Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Visual, Infor Syteline, Sage 100 or similar) and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Advanced Excel skills; familiarity with Power BI or similar reporting tools
- Strong analytical, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills
