Accounting Lead

Job Title: Accounting Specialist

Location: Chicago, IL 60608 (onsite)

About Us:

Founded in 1932, Ashland Addison Florist is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that has proudly been Chicago’s favorite florist for over 90 years. With a dedicated team of 80+ employees, we continue to grow while maintaining the same commitment to quality and service that has made us a trusted name in the floral industry.

We take great pride in our deep roots and strong values, which have shaped our reputation for excellence. As we expand, we remain committed to fostering a family-oriented and inclusive culture where employees from all walks of life can thrive, feel valued, and make meaningful contributions to our legacy.

At Ashland Addison Florist, we believe that our success is driven by the people who make up our team. We are passionate about providing a supportive, welcoming environment where each individual is empowered to grow and succeed alongside us. If you are looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company with a rich history, Ashland Addison Florist is the place for you.

Position Overview:

As an Accounting Specialist, you will play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of our financial records. You will be responsible for a variety of accounting tasks, including data entry, bank reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, and supporting month-end and year-end closing procedures. Your contributions will help us maintain financial integrity and compliance with accounting standards, all while supporting the ongoing growth of our business.

Key Responsibilities:

·Department Leadership: Lead the accounting team's daily operations by assigning and prioritizing work, providing training and guidance, and reviewing work for accuracy. Recommend and implement improvements to departmental processes, workflows, and internal controls. Coordinate month-end and year-end close activities so deadlines are met. Serve as key point of contact between the accounting department and management.

·Data Entry: Record daily transactions such as deposits, deductions, fund transfers, and payroll transactions into the accounting system. Ensure accurate and timely posting of employee health insurance premiums and transit fare benefit allocations.

· General Ledger Maintenance: Post and maintain general ledger (GL) entries, ensuring accuracy and proper allocation for transactions such as POS expenses and cost transfer entries.

· Bank Reconciliations: Reconcile bank statements for six accounts, matching them to company records and resolving any discrepancies.

· Bank Account/Funds Management:. Ensure the balance of wedding deposit/payment spreadsheets and manage transfers between multiple accounts at set intervals ensuring funds availability for expenses as needed.

· Cost Allocation & Transfer Entries: Handle monthly flower billing cost allocation, ensuring accurate cost transfer entries are made in alignment with the company's cost allocation spreadsheet.

· Financial Reporting: Prepare and organize monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including corporate reports and location-specific reports. Submit and maintain sales records as required.

· Tax Preparation & Compliance: Prepare and file monthly Illinois sales/use taxes, set up quarter monthly tax payments, prepare and file annual City of Chicago use taxes. Assist with other tax return preparation as needed.

· Accounts Payable/Receivable: Support and oversee accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of invoices and payments for both vendors and customers

· Auditing & Analysis Support: Provide necessary documentation and support during audits. Assist in identifying trends and providing financial insights to management through data analysis

· Budgeting & Forecasting: Collaborate with leadership team on budget planning and expense tracking, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

Qualifications:

• Experience: At least 4 years of experience in accounting or bookkeeping, preferably in a retail or floral business environment.
• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is preferred.
• Skills:
• Ability to lead by example, train and support team members, and delegate and prioritize work effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all financial entries, reporting and reconciliations.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks accounting software (or similar ERP systems).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for financial reporting, data analysis and reconciliations
• Experience in preparing and managing tax filings, including Illinois sales/use tax and City of Chicago use taxes
• Strong understanding of general ledger (GL) maintenance, including importation of sales data, reconciliation of AR GL balances, and ensuring proper class and location usage in entries.
• Knowledge of financial reporting practices to assist with internal and external reporting requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with other departments and assist in providing financial insights.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of accounting regulations and internal controls to ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards.
• Values: A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling financial information.

Why Join Us?

• A Legacy of Excellence: Be part of a company with a rich history and a commitment to quality and service that has been trusted by Chicagoans for nearly a century.
• Family-Oriented Culture: Work in an environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and the well-being of every employee. Here, your contributions are recognized, and you are encouraged to grow within the company.
• Supportive and Flexible: We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide flexibility to help you manage your personal and professional life.
• Opportunities for Growth: We offer opportunities for career advancement and personal development. Your reliability and dedication will be rewarded with increasing responsibilities and a clear path for growth.

Comprehensive Benefits:

• Competitive base salary of $60k - $75k, commensurate with years of experience.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay to ensure you have time to recharge.
• Health Care options to keep you and your family healthy.
• Retirement Contribution matching to help you plan for the future.
• Employee Discounts on floral items to add beauty to your life.

Join Us!

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Accounting Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced growing environment and can contribute to our growing floral business while ensuring accurate and timely financial management. If you have the qualifications and are ready to join a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Accounting: 4 years (Required)
• Team management: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60608 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60608: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person