Finance Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Summary
Hillman is seeking an experienced Manager, Finance to own full-cycle finance and accounting operations for the business, including Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), general ledger, tax compliance, and audit management. This role leads a team of 3–4 finance professionals and serves as the key liaison between the local business unit and the Corporate Finance team, ensuring alignment on reporting, controls, and strategic financial priorities.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can balance day-to-day accounting operations with higher-level compliance, audit, and cross-functional coordination responsibilities.
Essential Job Functions
Full Cycle Finance Functions

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting cycles (rolling forecasts, re-forecasts) for the business unit
• Prepare monthly variance analysis (budget vs. actual, forecast vs. actual) and clearly communicate key drivers to business leaders and Corporate Finance
• Develop and maintain financial models to support business planning, pricing decisions, and investment/ROI analysis
• Analyze trends in revenue, margin, and operating expenses to identify risks and opportunities
• Partner with operational leaders to build department-level budgets and track performance against KPIs
• Support long-range strategic planning and scenario/sensitivity analysis
• Prepare board-level and executive reporting packages, including KPI dashboards and financial summaries
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements through data-driven analysis
• Oversee end-to-end accounting operations, including AR, AP, general ledger, and month-end/year-end close processes
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing, collections, vendor payments, and cash application
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and aging reports (AR/AP) to support business decision-making

Compliance, Tax & Audit

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal tax regulations, including sales tax, income tax filings, and other statutory requirements
• Coordinate with external tax advisors and auditors on tax filings, provisions, and audit requests
• Lead the annual external audit process, including preparation of schedules, responding to auditor inquiries, and ensuring timely completion
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls (SOX or equivalent) to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Stay current on changes in accounting standards (GAAP) and tax regulations that impact the business

Team Leadership

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 3–4 finance/accounting professionals (AR, AP, and staff accountants)
• Set clear goals, conduct performance reviews, and support professional growth
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the team
• Manage workload distribution and ensure adequate coverage during peak periods (month-end, audit, tax season)

Business Partnership & Corporate Liaison

• Act as the primary point of contact between the business unit and Corporate Finance, ensuring consistent communication and alignment on reporting requirements
• Translate corporate finance policies, timelines, and reporting standards into actionable guidance for the local team
• Partner with business leaders to provide financial insights, variance analysis, and support for operational decision-making
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes in coordination with Corporate Finance
• Prepare and present financial summaries and updates to senior leadership as needed

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5–8+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience, with strong exposure to FP&A (budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial modeling)
• Solid grounding in full-cycle accounting (AR/AP, GL, close processes)
• 2+ years of experience directly managing or supervising a team
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, tax compliance, and audit processes
• Proven experience managing or supporting external audits
• Advanced Excel/financial modeling skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively between local business teams and corporate stakeholders
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification
• Experience in a multi-entity or corporate-subsidiary reporting structure
• Familiarity with tax software and audit management tools
• Experience with process improvement or systems implementation projects

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines (month-end close, audit, tax filings)
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-functional communication skills
• Comfortable operating both tactically (day-to-day accounting) and strategically (business partnering)

What Hillman Offers

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

About Hillman

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Hillman is a leading provider of hardware and related products serving retail, pro distribution, and industrial MRO customers across North America. With a 1,200+ associate field sales team, direct-to-store distribution, world-class global sourcing, and a portfolio of more than 111,000 SKUs, Hillman has built a six-decade legacy of service and growth. Its Commercial & Industrial (C&I) business is an approximately $190M North American operation spanning several industrial fastening and hardware businesses, serving commercial and industrial customers, and is central to the company’s growth strategy.

About the opportunity

Hillman has announced the acquisition of Kanebridge Corporation, a leading U.S. master distributor of commercial and military-grade fasteners (announced August 2026; expected to close in Q4 2026, subject to customary conditions). For more than 45 years, Kanebridge has served distributors nationwide with 43,000+ SKUs, industry-leading fill rates, same-day shipping, and its proprietary FasNet digital ordering platform. The business generates approximately $64M in annual sales with roughly $30M in EBITDA.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected, long-established business into its next chapter as part of Hillman.

Hillman is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The Hillman Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity and maintain employment statistics on applicants.