Job Description

About Black Spectacles

Are you a detail-oriented accounting professional passionate about driving accuracy and efficiency in a dynamic company?

At Black Spectacles, we’re a leader in our space, with a strong brand, a thriving business, and an incredible opportunity for growth. As an entrepreneurial company, we have ambitious plans to support the architecture community, fostering a collaborative environment where resilience and excellence thrive. We know that success in any accounting role depends on the right support, resources, and leadership—and at Black Spectacles, you’ll have all three.

We’re seeking an Accounting Manager to lead accounting operations, including subscription-based revenue, Sales & Use Tax, and online payment systems. This Chicago-based role is ideal for an experienced professional who thrives in a digital-first environment and is eager to take ownership, enhance processes, and drive operational efficiency.

In this hands-on position, you’ll oversee all aspects of accounting, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and providing strategic financial insights to drive key initiatives.

At Black Spectacles, you’ll benefit from:

• A team that lives and celebrates our values daily.
• Regular opportunities to see and feel the impact of your work.
• A fully remote work environment, complemented by semi-annual company trips to build connections.

Black Spectacles has been recognized by Great Place to Work and Built In as a top workplace, by the American Institute of Architects for our national impact, and by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country.

Our Ideal Teammate

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about architecture and making an ambitious impact on the Architecture and Design community.
• Thrives in a hands-on role, working collaboratively across the company and with external partners.
• Takes ownership and accountability for their work.
• Encourages calculated risks and shares ideas in a safe, supportive environment.
• Takes a world-class approach to their responsibilities and values collaboration.

At Black Spectacles, we live our values through excellence, innovation, and taking care of our people.

Role Overview

We’re seeking an accomplished and experienced Accounting Manager, preferably located in Chicago, Illinois, to join our dynamic team. In this role, you'll take ownership of the company’s financial health and oversee all financial activities, directly supporting the owner. You’ll work closely with the Leadership Team to develop and implement financial strategies, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and provide guidance on key financial decision-making.

We offer a competitive base salary of $125,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To thrive in this role, you’ll exemplify behaviors aligned with our mission and values: excellence, collaboration, innovation, commitment, accountability, and ownership. You should bring a passion for learning and growth, work effectively within a team, and actively contribute to a results-driven, innovative culture.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting Operations & Financial Management:

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including sales tax, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and financial reporting.
• Manage relationships with outsourced accounting staff and vendors to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Establish and refine accounting protocols and procedures to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Provide weekly and monthly financial KPIs to the Leadership Team.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to the CEO and third-party accountants.
• Maintain and reconcile balance sheet, income statement, and general ledger accounts.
• Oversee and review month-end closing processes and ensure timely reconciliations.
• Reconcile monthly gross income and sales tax with third-party credit card processing and sales tax providers.
• Prepare and review journal entries for all material financial statement line items.
• Manage corporate funds, including deposits, payroll, and benefits, ensuring proper coding and categorization.
• Upload, code, approve, and process all invoices and payments while ensuring budget consistency.
• Reconcile bank accounts and credit card payments to the general ledger.
• Maintain and review schedules for deferred revenue, accruals, prepaids, and fixed assets.
• Ensure compliance with vendor requirements (e.g., W-9s) and process 1099s in a timely manner.
• Update and own the chart of accounts.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Develop and monitor the annual corporate budget and financial re-forecasts.
• Track financial performance vs. budget and provide variance analysis.
• Ensure financial accountability across departments, holding leaders responsible for their budgets.
• Manage cash flow and provide cash-on-hand forecasts.

Audit & Process Optimization:

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, local regulations, and company policies.
• Coordinate and manage external audits while implementing recommendations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and process documentation to ensure accuracy and mitigate risk.
• Oversee corporate contracts, agreements, and vendor relationships to ensure efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for process efficiencies and implement best practices.

Strategic Planning & Business Support:

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic initiatives and investments.
• Use business intelligence to analyze data trends and drive overall financial performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial strategies with company objectives.

General:

• Take on special projects while maintaining oversight of core accounting responsibilities.
• Stay informed on technical accounting and reporting developments and their potential impacts.
• Build strong internal and external relationships, leveraging entrepreneurial skills.
• Support team growth and development by mentoring and enabling professional success.
• Assist with ad-hoc projects and contribute to fostering best practices for business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of demonstrated working experience in month-end accounting, including at least 2 years in a senior-level accounting role.
• Experience working with Avalara (e.g., Sales & Use Tax).
• Experience working with third-party credit card processing firms.
• Experience working with a SaaS (Software as a Service) company.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and Word, with strong ability to create spreadsheets and reports.
• Demonstrated business intelligence acumen, with proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to summarize ideas and data clearly and persuasively for finance and non-finance business leaders.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Exhibits integrity, honesty, and professionalism, fostering trust, accountability, and collaboration.
• Located in Chicago, Illinois (preferred).
• Ability to travel as required to join in-person team gatherings.

Benefits

• Work From Home: Enjoy the flexibility of working remotely year-round.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Starting day one, access BCBS Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance coverage.
• Savings & Retirement Plans: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and a 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 4%.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation annually, along with 8 holidays, 2 floating holidays, and up to 1 week of sick leave.
• Employee Referral Program: Earn rewards by referring top talent to our team.
• Team Building: Enjoy semi-annual team gatherings and events that foster collaboration and camaraderie.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a significant impact at Black Spectacles, please submit your resume and tell us why you’re interested in this role. We look forward to considering your application!

Black Spectacles is an equal-opportunity employer.

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