OpenJobsOpenJobs
Cars Commerce logo

Manager, Financial Accounting

Cars Commerce
Chicago, IL, USAHybridFinance & AccountingSenior-Level$104,100 - $130,150Posted: today

About the role

Be essential at Cars Commerce At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail.

Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry. No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values.

We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard.

It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable. But don't take our word for it. We are proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S. Ready to make your mark? Join a team that's driving real change in the automotive industry. About the Role CARS is seeking a Manager, Financial Accounting to support our Accounting team.

Reporting to the Director, Financial Accounting and Transformation, this role plays a key part in driving an accurate and timely month-end close, supporting SEC filings and partnering on our finance initiatives to modernize our financial infrastructure and processes. The ideal candidate is a technically strong accountant with public company experience and a passion for process improvement.

Responsibilities Financial Accounting Lead the monthly, quarterly and annual close processes, ensuring financial statements are prepared accurately and on time in accordance with US GAAP and SEC Rules and Regulations Prepare and review consolidated financial statements, journal entries and account reconciliations Assist in the preparation and review of SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and related earnings materials Prepare supporting materials for the Executive Leadership Team, Audit Committee and Board of Director presentations Coordinate with internal and external auditors on

quarterly reviews and the annual audit Execute and maintain internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with SOX requirements Support treasury operations through daily cash reporting and share repurchase tracking, including automated report generation Technical Accounting Act as the subject matter expert on evolving GAAP guidance, specifically providing interpretations for SaaS arrangements, cloud computing, and M&A integration accounting. Lead cross-functional implementation efforts for new standards, translating technical requirements into operational procedures.

Review and approve high-risk journal entries and team workpapers to ensure accuracy, GAAP adherence and internal and external audit readiness. Provide timely, actionable feedback to team members, mentoring them on complex accounting judgments and documentation standards. Collaborate with external auditors on judgmental areas, presenting well-supported, high-quality documentation to facilitate a streamlined audit process.

Team Leadership Manage, mentor and develop a team of accounting professionals, fostering a high-performance culture through regular feedback and professional growth opportunities Build strong cross-functional relationships across Finance, FP&A, Legal and other departments to support accurate financial reporting Finance Initiatives Support design and testing of financial reporting processes, including System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) Partner with IT, Finance leadership and external consultants to ensure accounting requirements are captured and satisfied

in system upgrades Drive development of financial reports, dashboards and analytical tools that improve team efficiency and insight Required Skills Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or Finance CPA required 7+ years of progressive financial accounting experience with increasing responsibility Big 4 or mid-tier public accounting experience combined with a corporate accounting background strongly preferred Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP and SOX internal controls Experience supporting SEC reporting (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a team Exposure to ERP

systems and financial transformation or process improvement initiatives; PeopleSoft experience a plus Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, workflow efficiency and financial narrative writing Advanced Excel and Google Suite skills Exceptional analytical skills and high attention to detail Clear, effective communicator — written and verbal Collaborative, approachable and self-directed with a strong sense of ownership Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment Clear, effective communicator — written

and verbal In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. In addition to base salary, some roles are eligible for our bonus and/or equity programs, depending on level and role. Regular full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package. If you are hired at Cars Commerce, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills and/or experience.

If the salary range is close to what you're seeking, then we encourage you to apply and learn more about the total compensation package for this position. Salary Range $104,100.00-130,150.00 Our Comprehensive Benefits Package includes: Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up Generous PTO Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages! For US-based Positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Applicants: Click here to review our Privacy Policy for Applicants. For current employees, please Click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Employees. Welcome! At Cars Commerce, we think big, push boundaries, and rise together as a team.

It’s all the challenge and energy of a job in the tech industry, backed by 25 years of proven resilience and growth as a leading consumer brand. Imagine getting to work on a team with a bold mission to simplify everything about buying and selling cars. A culture that’s a unique mix of innovation and collaboration. Exciting training and development opportunities that empower you to take ownership of your career. For our employees, every day is an opportunity. We’re a remote-first workplace that embraces diversity at every level.

Inspired by our values, we intentionally create opportunities for our employees to grow and make an impact in our industry and local communities. Let’s move your career forward together. Cars Commerce is an audience-driven technology company empowering automotive that simplifies everything about buying and selling cars.

The Cars Commerce platform includes the flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site Cars.com, innovative digital marketing technology and services from Dealer Inspire, industry-leading trade-in and appraisal technology from AccuTrade, an exclusive in-market media network, and powerful and predictive AI technologies that enable more efficient and profitable retail operations. Cars Commerce is the essential partner to stay one step ahead in automotive.

Minimum requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and CPA certification required
  • 7+ years progressive financial accounting experience, including Big 4 or mid-tier public accounting and corporate background
  • Strong US GAAP, SOX, SEC reporting knowledge, team leadership, ERP exposure, and proficiency with AI tools and advanced Excel skills

This listing was parsed by AI and may not be complete. Check the official posting on Cars Commerce's site for the most accurate information.

Ready to apply?
Applications are handled on Cars Commerce's own careers site.
Apply Now

More roles at Cars Commerce

Enterprise Account Manager- Major Accounts
Remote, USA · Remote
View →
Benefits Analyst
Chicago, IL, USA · Hybrid
View →
Staff Software Engineer
Chicago, IL, USA · Hybrid
View →
Principal Product Manager
Chicago, IL, USA · Hybrid
View →
Sr. Tax Manager
Chicago, IL, USA · Hybrid
View →