Description:
Accounting Manager – Cooks’ Direct, Inc.
Hybrid-Woodridge, IL
Company Overview:
We are a leading provider of foodservice equipment and supplies, serving the correctional, educational, and commercial sectors. With over 27 years in the industry, we offer a comprehensive range of products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Position Overview:
Cook’s Direct is seeking a hands-on operations leader to run the day-to-day AP and AR functions of our growing distribution and e-commerce business — and to lead the team that makes it happen. You will own vendor payment and customer invoicing operations end to end and drive continuous improvement in our ERP-based workflows. This role is centered on people leadership and operational excellence-coaching and developing the team while also managing workflows, processes and day-to-day execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the AP/AR team. Directly supervise 2–3 accounting staff: set daily priorities, coach on process and accuracy, run 1:1s, and handle hiring, onboarding, performance management, and cross-training.
- Manage reconciliation and accounting processes for Amazon, Walmart, and eBay marketplace activity
- Oversee AR operations including invoicing, collections monitoring, and escalation of past-due accounts
- Improve AP workflows including vendor invoice review, coding, and payment accuracy.
- Support month end close by closing AP and AR sub-ledgers on time, reconciling related accounts, and handing off data to Controller.
- Manage accounting related to returns, credits, inventory adjustments, and landed costs
- Mentor and supervise staff responsible for account payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR)
- Track vendor rebates and assist with contract reporting requirements
- Maintain operational accounting workflows within Microsoft Dynamics Business Central
- Help improve ERP workflows and operational accounting processes within Business Central
- Responds to inquiries from the CEO, Controller and company-wide managers regarding financial results, special reporting requests and the like
- Assists in the development and implementation of new procedures to enhance workflow of the department
- Enforce proper accounting policies and procedures
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
- 7+ years of accounting experience
- 5+ years running transactional AP and AR in a high-volume environment — personally processed invoices, cut payments, applied cash, and managed collections.
- 2+ years directly supervising an AP/AR or accounting operations team of 2–3 or more.
- Experience with ERP systems and operational accounting processes.
- Strong understanding of AR, AP, reconciliations, and month-end support
- Advanced Excel skills
- Detail-oriented, with high organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
- Preferred: Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, marketplace or e-commerce accounting, distribution or inventory accounting
Desired Attributes:
- Strong people leader who enjoys coaching a team.
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Deep knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
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Ability to manage and improve accounting workflows, including AP/AR, payroll and internal controls.
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High level of precision on transactional work and reconciliations.
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Comfortable working across departments (Sales, Operations, IT).
Benefits & Compensation:
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Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
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Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
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Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
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401(k) plan
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Professional development opportunities
