Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED's current salary range for this role is $102,500 to $138,500 / year. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED's benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts, plus a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

Job Summary

The Accounting Manager leads day-to-day accounting operations within an aerospace and defense manufacturing organization, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial activities. Leading a team of general accounting staff, this role holds accountability for general ledger closing, cost accounting processes, period reporting and compliance with both internal policies and external regulatory requirements, including those tied to government and defense contracts.

Essential Job Functions

• Solve accounting and cross-functional operational issues, providing guidance and resolution in a timely manner
• Oversee weekly cash forecasting process, including weekly vendor payment run and customer collection communication and follow-up
• Support Controller with monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting of Income statement, Balance sheet, and Cash flow statement
• Prepare, review, and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and support schedules in accordance with GAAP for all Income statement and Balance sheet accounts
• Support annual budget and monthly forecasting activities for Income statement, Balance sheet, and Cash flow statement
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements, including aerospace and government contracting regulations where applicable (e.g., FAR, DFARS, ITAR, FCPA)
• Maintain and improve internal controls to support audit and compliance requirements
• Lead execution of annual physical inventory and bi-annual capital asset audits
• Support Controller with internal and external financial and tax audits, including preparation of supporting schedules and responses to inquiries as needed
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounting operations
• Assign work, set priorities, and ensure adequate staffing and coverage, particularly during period close cycles and audits
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the accounting function

Other Job Functions

• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ensures 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Other duties / responsibilities as assigned by leadership
• Train, mentor, and develop junior team members

Supervisory Responsibility

• Directly supervise professional and clerical accounting staff

Education

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; Accounting graduate degree is preferred
• CPA or CMA certification is preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience
• Full cycle accounting experience within a manufacturing environment is required; aerospace or defense industry experience strongly preferred

Skills and Qualifications

• Lawful US person (ITAR restrictions)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting principles
• Solid interpersonal skills with ability to easily communicate, interact, influence, and build relationships with others
• High degree of integrity and trustworthiness
• Experience with ERP systems; Microsoft D365 experience preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; experience with financial reporting tools preferred
• Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that support clear collaboration and productive team outcomes

Physical and Other Requirements

Lifting carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds occasionally, and / or a negligible amount of weight frequently. This position involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Extended use of a computer on a daily basis.

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and / or required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.