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.

*The ideal candidate will live in the Chicagoland area.
 

About the Role

CARS is seeking a Manager, Financial Reporting to join our Corporate Accounting and Reporting team. Reporting to the Director, Financial Accounting & Reporting, this role owns the preparation and filing of the Company's SEC reports, delivers financial reporting to senior management, and partners across the organization to ensure accurate, timely disclosures. The ideal candidate is a strong technical accountant who thrives on ownership and wants to make a lasting mark on the organization.

Responsibilities

Accounting and SEC Reporting

• Prepare and file the Company's Forms 10-Q, 10-K, and other SEC filings as required
• Prepare and review the monthly financial reporting package for management
• Participate in and lead the quarterly disclosure committee meeting
• Partner with external and internal auditors to ensure the review and audit processes are efficient and effective
• Support the monthly close process through preparation and review of journal entries

Technical Accounting

• Support technical accounting projects and research, providing recommendations and analysis for complex transactions
• Monitor new accounting pronouncements, assess their impact, and lead implementation, including presenting impacts to the Company
• Review workpapers prepared by team members, including technical financial reporting areas such as cash flows

Team Leadership

• Manage, develop, and coach direct reports throughout their careers, including providing direct feedback and coaching

Other

• Serve as the key finance resource for the PeopleSoft ERP system
• Execute internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements
• Build strong relationships across peers, stakeholders, and team members to support a high-performing, collaborative environment
• Assist with other areas of the business, including treasury payment approvals
• Continuously simplify processes and optimize technology use to deliver cost-effective, high quality finance services
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support the Finance organization

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting or Finance
• CPA required
• 6+ years of financial reporting or public accounting experience
• Big 4 public accounting experience combined with industry experience at a public company strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP accounting and SEC reporting rules and regulations
• Understanding of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements from a compliance standpoint
• Experience with financial systems; proficiency in SEC reporting tools such as ActiveDisclosure or Workiva
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting and reporting issues to non-finance colleagues
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment
• Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, policy drafting, financial narrative writing, and workflow efficiency
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
• Collaborative, approachable, and self-directed with strong sense of ownership
• Advanced Excel and Google Suite skills

 

 

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.