AKIRA Accounting Manager

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 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: Accounting Manager

Location: Chicago, IL- Full-time Onsite

Position Summary:

The AKIRA Accounting Manager plays a key leadership role in overseeing daily accounting operations and ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance across all financial activities. This role will manage a growing team while developing and improving processes that align with company standards, U.S. GAAP, and regulatory requirements.

You'll be hands-on in preparing and analyzing financial reports, maintaining ledgers, managing audits, and driving continuous improvement within the accounting function — supporting AKIRA’s eCommerce, and wholesale/dropship channels, all while embodying the high-energy AKIRA spirit.

Essential Functions

• Manage all accounting functions and develop, maintain, and improve accounting and financial procedures in compliance with internal policies, U.S. GAAP, and applicable regulations.

• Supervise and mentor a small accounting team, fostering growth and building a high-performing department aligned with company expansion.

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly and annual closing processes, including the preparation of U.S. GAAP-compliant financial statements.

• Maintain the general ledger and oversee the preparation and analysis of monthly financial statements.

• Keep audit-ready books with consistent daily, weekly, and monthly reconciliations.

• Perform monthly close activities, including journal entries, accrual analysis, and account reconciliations.

• Oversee inventory accounting and reconcile inventory sub-ledgers to the general ledger across retail, eCommerce, and wholesale channels.

• Manage the accounting for wholesale and dropship partnerships, including revenue recognition and reconciliation of retailer settlements.

• Track, reconcile, and resolve retailer deductions and chargebacks (compliance, markdowns, shortages); drive recovery and minimize write-offs.

• Participate in annual budgeting and prepare periodic financial forecasts (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow).

• Analyze financial statements to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare management presentations, financial analyses, and special projects as assigned.

• Serve as an advisor to team members and other departments in developing and tracking KPIs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.

• Minimum 4+ years of accounting experience, preferably 2+ years in a managerial role.

• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.

• CPA designation or interest in pursuing CPA strongly preferred.

• Experience with NetSuite or similar accounting software.

Ideal Candidate

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

• Highly organized and proactive with a strong desire to learn and grow.

• Positive attitude with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

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.

Job Type: Full-Time

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, including potential bonus opportunities and benefits, may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.

We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.