AKIRA Assistant Controller (Azalea Wang)

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ 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 fast-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: Assistant Controller (Azalea Wang)

Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite

Position Summary:

Azalea Wang is seeking a highly analytical and operationally minded Assistant Controller to support and oversee the company's accounting operations. This role will manage the day-to-day accounting functions, including AR, AP, and the monthly close process, while ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting and strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, a strong operational background, a deep understanding of inventory in wholesale and or CPG/retail environments, and demonstrated experience managing a small team. This role requires strong systems expertise and the ability to partner cross-functionally to improve processes and drive financial visibility across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Responsible for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions

• Manage and execute the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process

• Ensure accurate revenue recognition, inventory accounting, and expense accruals

• Maintain integrity of the general ledger and supporting workpapers

• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial schedules

Inventory & Retail Accounting

• Ensure accurate inventory accounting across stores and eCommerce

• Oversee inventory reconciliations, reserves, and shrink analysis

• Partner with operations and merchandising on inventory controls and reporting

• Support COGS analysis and gross margin reporting

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly financial statements and supporting schedules

• Perform detailed variance analysis (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)

• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities in financial performance

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes

Team Management

• Review work for accuracy and completeness

Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead accounting system improvements and automation initiatives

• Optimize workflows to increase efficiency and reduce errors

• Ensure strong internal controls and documentation of processes

• Partner with IT and operations on system integrations and enhancements

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with operations, merchandising, sales, and eCommerce teams

• Ensure accurate reporting of sales, inventory, and expenses

• Support leadership with ad hoc financial analysis
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA preferred but not required)

• 7+ years of accounting experience, preferably in wholesale footwear/apparel, retail or CPG

• Strong understanding of inventory accounting and cost of goods sold

• Experience managing direct reports

• Advanced Excel skills; strong ERP/system experience (NetSuite preferred)

• Proven ability to improve processes and implement controls

• Highly analytical with strong attention to detail

• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

• Operational mindset with hands-on execution capability
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Understands high-volume transactional environments

• Has built or improved accounting processes

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial company

• Balances strategic thinking with strong execution

Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We're committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.

Compensation:
At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

Job Type: Full-Time