AKIRA Senior Staff Accountant

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Senior Staff Accountant

Location:

Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite

Position Overview

The Senior Staff Accountant is a key member of AKIRA's Finance team, responsible for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of the company's financial records. This role is heavily involved in the month-end close process, financial reporting, and detailed reconciliations, with a strong focus on cash-related activity across AKIRA's retail stores and e-commerce platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in accounting, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy digging into the details while supporting broader strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and execute all aspects of the month-end close process, including preparation and posting of journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Oversee and reconcile all store and e-commerce cash activity, including daily deposits, cash over/short tracking, credit card transactions, third-party payment processors (e.g., Klarna, Afterpay), and chargebacks.
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of bank accounts, merchant services accounts, and clearing accounts related to cash, credit cards, and digital payment platforms.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in cash and sales reporting, partnering with store managers, operations, and IT to ensure completeness and accuracy of data.
• Maintain and improve controls around cash handling procedures, including reviewing deposit discrepancies, monitoring compliance with store-level processes, and identifying opportunities for automation and efficiency.
• Prepare reconciliations for intercompany transactions and assist with consolidation processes where applicable.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments (e.g., Operations, IT, and Store Leadership) to streamline reporting processes and address accounting-related issues.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, responding to requests, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies.
• Mentor and support junior accounting team members, serving as a subject matter expert in reconciliations and cash management best practices.

Skills & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 4+ years of accounting experience, with a strong preference for candidates with retail or e-commerce experience.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. GAAP and a demonstrated ability to apply accounting principles to real-world business transactions.
• Strong experience with ERP systems; NetSuite experience is highly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including proficiency in pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and large data set analysis.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when handling high-volume transactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive mindset toward process improvement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues clearly and concisely.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full-time

At AKIRA, we are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation. The pay range for this position is $75,000.00-$90,000.00 annually, based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and market conditions. Final compensation may vary and will be determined during the interview process.