Manager of Corporate Accounting and Financial Systems

This job is located at 1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL, 60606

PLS® Overview: 

Why PLS? Because You Deserve Better!®  PLS — which stands for People – Location – Service — is a leading retail provider of financial services. The “P” comes first, because our customers are at the center of everything we do, and we recognize that it’s our exceptional team members who go above and beyond every day. The PLS Group, headquartered in Chicago, is comprised of over 200 financial service centers in 12 states. Through our check cashing stores, we provide consumers with convenient financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs. Although many of our customers have banking relationships, we believe that our customers use our financial services because they are convenient, transparent, and frequently more affordable than available traditional alternatives. PLS was founded in 1997 by Bob and Dan Wolfberg, who serve as Co-Presidents. 

Position Overview: 

The Manager of Financial Systems and Corporate Accounting will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on accounting, data flow, and system processes for multiple financial systems including Great Plains, Blackline, and DocuPhase, to support account reconciliation, general ledger, and other subledger systems. Must understand general IT and data structures as it relates to reporting and data support. In addition, this role will oversee the Corporate Accounting team, which is responsible for, but not limited to, accounting for fixed assets, debt, leases, corporate/franchise tax, and other corporate accounting matters. This role will involve working with IT, Accounting, and other departments to resolve issues, enhance controls, streamline processes, and implement a new ERP system. This role reports to our Controller.

Job Responsibilities:

• Direct a team of 4, establishing goals and objectives as well as enhancing professional development.
• Oversee all accounting functions performed by the Corporate Accounting team.
• Responsible for review of general ledger reconciliations for corporate entities.
• Review year-end Corporate Tax reporting and requests.
• Responsible for the ongoing maintenance and support of all accounting systems, which include Great Plains, Blackline, and DocuPhase, among others.
• Lead the implementation of a new cloud-based General Ledger system and potentially other financial systems. Improve current systems, including control and procedure enhancements, as needed.
• Act as the account reconciliation tool subject matter expert (SME) understanding the software configuration and application.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of user guides and job aids for all accounting systems.
• Provide support for resolving issues: Data Fixes (SQL), Excel Macros (VBA), and Application Maintenance.
• Oversee the monitoring of systems and escalate issues to users:
  • POS / Open Database Connectivity
  • Bank Files (BAI)
  • Vendor Settlement Files
  • General ledger files

• Train and support end users on some of the financial systems.
• Responsible for data management and integration as necessary.
• Other Corporate accounting projects As Assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Accounting or Information Systems/Computer Science
• 6+ years’ accounting experience; CPA preferred, but not required
• Prior experience supervising direct reports
• Strong understanding of accounting theory
• Strong SQL skills
• Strong project management skills
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Highly detail oriented and organized in work
• Ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction to accomplish objectives
• Ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, complex, and ambiguous business environment
• Adherence to policies, procedures, and instructions of Controller
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• This role requires regular in-person collaboration with team members at our Chicago Support Center.
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. with little assistance
• Must be able to work in restrictive spaces and maintain concentration in a busy environment with moderate to high noise levels
• Must manage several tasks at one time and handle frequent interruptions to meet the needs and requests of customers.

Benefits:

Benefits for eligible team members include medical/dental/vision, 401(k), vacation, opportunities for advancement, and ongoing training.

We strive to demonstrate our Core Values in all positions at PLS:

Communication ● Customer Focus ● Integrity and Trust ● Teamwork ● Results

PLS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PLS is a drug-free workplace. PLS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify your Recruiter or a member of our Human Resources team at [email protected] to make arrangements. The decision on granting accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For jobs located in the City of Los Angeles, consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment