Manager, Financial Accounting

Power confident decisions at Cars.com Cars.com is the marketplace millions of people trust to buy and sell cars with confidence. More than 25 years ago, we started as a simple idea, connect buyers and sellers, and today we do a lot more: trusted reviews, transparent pricing, and real-time, proprietary data that cut through the noise of one of life's biggest purchases. Our scaled marketplace, paired with interconnected technology, data, and media, gives dealers and OEMs everything they need to sell more cars. At Cars.com, we debate openly, decide fast, and deliver what we say we will. We solve real problems for car shoppers and dealers, simplify for speed, and focus on what matters most. We win together or not at all. Here, your work counts, your ideas can help shape what’s next, and you’ll build alongside people who have your back. We’re in the middle of a real transformation, modernizing the company and investing in AI and data to move faster. You're joining the No. 1 brand people think of first when shopping for a car, at the exact moment it's being rebuilt for what's next. You help decide what that becomes. That kind of influence is rare, and it's exactly why this is a place worth building your career. Don't just take our word for it, we're proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S. Ready to help build the most trusted place to buy and sell a car? Join us. 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 Leadershi p 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 Compensation We share compensation up front so you have the information you need to make a confident decision. This range reflects target base compensation. Where you land depends on skills and experience. If this range works for you, we encourage you to apply. Salary Range: $104,100.00-130,150.00 Benefits Confidence, built in. The same confidence we build for car buyers and sellers, we build into how we treat our own: Medical, dental & vision from day one — no waiting period 401(k) with company match, immediate vesting Employee Stock Purchase Plan — buy Cars.com st