Director of Accounting

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

Motion is an integrated marketing agency with a broad range of clients and services. We're independently owned and results-driven, proudly pushing our clients further than they could ever go alone building multi-channel brand ecosystems that are distinctive, inspiring, and connected at every touchpoint.

This role is based in Chicago, IL, and follows a hybrid work model, including weekly in-office presence. To be eligible, candidates must be capable of fulfilling Form I-9 Federal Employment Eligibility Verification.

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Job Description

The Director of Accounting is responsible for the accounting and financial operations of the agency, through ensuring the integrity of all financial processes and maintaining excellent and accurate accounting and financial record-keeping.

We seek an accounting expert who provides strategic insights and recommendations, while also taking care of tactical daily functions.

This role works closely with the Founder & CEO, SVP, Client Services, Director of HR, and client account leaders for budgeting, forecasting, billing, and reconciliation.

This role requires strong leadership, a hands-on approach, and in-depth financial expertise in accrual accounting.

Responsibilities :

• Financial Operations & Analysis
• Manage the organization’s operating finances, including day-to-day accounting functions.
• Analyze monthly balance sheets to ensure financial health and accuracy.
• Lead the formulation of monthly financial statements, including detailed analysis of income, expenses, profit and loss, trends, and year-over-year comparisons.
• Provide timely and accurate monthly and year-to-date client profitability reports.
• Oversee the productivity of employees, ensuring that financial operations are efficiently managed.
• Collaborate with the operations team, Founder & CEO, and other departments providing strategic recommendations on agency financials and suggestions on how to improve profitability and utilization.
• Work closely with the HR Director on payroll, benefits, and leave-related matters.
• Oversee semi-monthly payroll processes and act as the payroll system administrator.
• Liaise with payroll provider to ensure compliance with ESR / ACA reporting.
• Manage payroll provider relationships regarding the 401(k), FSA, and HSA plans.
• Financial Reporting
• Generate financial and billing reports as needed to assist the account teams and support client analysis.
• Prepare and communicate performance and profitability reports on a monthly and annual basis.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, SVP, Client Services, and the HR Director in the creation and management of the annual budget / pro forma.
• Regularly update the budget and forecast for operational expenses and revenues.
• Actualize budgeted items each month to maintain alignment with the company’s financial goals.
• Billing, Invoicing & Reconciliation
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of end-of-month billing, invoicing, and reconciliation processes, managing the accounts receivable specialist.
• Serve as the system administrator for the agency’s billing software, ensuring smooth management operations.
• Tax Coordination
• Work closely with an outside CPA firm to ensure timely and accurate tax filings.
• Team Supervision
• Supervise the Accounts Receivable Specialist and the Associate Director of Operations, providing leadership and support as needed.
• Contribute to the overall office operations where required.
• Process Improvement & Analysis
• Identify and implement process improvements within the accounting and financial operations.
• Regularly assess and refine accounting and finance structures and processes, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of business performance management.
• Develop analytical tools to support business analytics, and drive continuous improvement in financial processes.

Qualifications

• Accrual accounting experience is required.
• 8+ years of accounting management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• Advertising / marketing agency experience is highly preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical, strategic, organizational, and communication skills.
• Deep experience and knowledge of Excel.
• Knowledge of a financial system like Workamajig is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to streamline and improve financial processes.

Additional Information

We are an EEOC employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.