Associate Accounting Manager

Overview

Topco Associates is currently seeking an Associate Accounting Manager for the Accounting team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtually twice per week.

Topco's mission is to deliver solutions that help our member owners, regional retailers, and wholesalers achieve a competitive advantage. We are committed to building high-performing, diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve and drive innovation across our business.

The Associate Accounting Manager is responsible for leading complex general accounting activities while serving as a technical resource and mentor to the accounting team. This role partners closely with the Controller and Assistant Controller to ensure the integrity of the Company's financial records, support the month-end close process, strengthen internal controls, and drive continuous process improvement.

The Associate Accounting Manager performs advanced accounting analysis, reviews key reconciliations and journal entries, assists with financial reporting, supports external audit and tax activities, and leads cross-functional accounting initiatives. While this position does not have full departmental management responsibility, it provides day-to-day guidance, coaching, and technical oversight to accounting staff and serves as a key resource within the Accounting department.

• Involved in accounting activities supporting the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure accuracy and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Analyze financial results, identify unusual trends and variances, and communicate findings to Accounting leadership.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger by ensuring financial transactions are properly recorded and documented.
• Research technical accounting issues and recommend appropriate accounting treatment.

• Assist in coordinating the monthly close process to ensure timely completion of reporting deadlines.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and investigate complex accounting issues.
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external financial reporting.
• Prepare financial analyses and supporting schedules for management review.

• Develop, document, and improve accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve accounting processes.
• Support compliance with Company accounting policies and internal control requirements.
• Recommend solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency within the Accounting department.

• Provide day-to-day guidance, technical support, and mentoring to Staff and Senior Staff Accountants.
• Review work prepared by team members and provide constructive feedback to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with onboarding and training new accounting staff.
• Serve as a technical resource for resolving complicated accounting questions.
• Lead or participate in departmental projects and initiatives that support Accounting and Finance objectives.

• Support annual external audit activities by preparing schedules and responding to audit requests.
• Assist with tax reporting and regulatory compliance activities as assigned.
• Ensure accounting records are maintained in accordance with Company policies and applicable accounting standards.

• Partner with FP&A, Sales Accounting, Treasury, and other departments to resolve accounting matters and improve financial reporting.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Successful performance of these job functions should result in:

• Accurate and timely completion of month-end close activities.
• High-quality journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Accurate financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Company policies.
• Continuous improvement of accounting processes and internal controls.
• Effective mentoring and technical development of accounting staff.
• Successful completion of audit and compliance activities.
• Strong collaboration across Accounting and Finance functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA license, CPA eligibility, or active pursuit of CPA certification preferred.

• Strong knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and accounting research skills.
• Knowledge of internal controls and financial reporting processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Five to six years of progressive accounting…