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 Senior Accountant to join our Corporate Accounting and Reporting team. Reporting to the Manager, Financial & Technical Accounting, this role contributes to the monthly close process, drives efficiencies, delivers meaningful analysis, and supports other departments. The ideal candidate is looking to make their mark and put their stamp on the organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepares journal entries and account reconciliations related to complex or highly technical accounting areas during the monthly close process.
• Participates in internal and external financial reporting, including preparing portions of the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K filings.
• Drives process improvements, system enhancements, and analytical tools that support a more streamlined, analytics-driven accounting function.
• Develops, implements, and monitors corporate accounting policies.
• Develops and delivers timely and insightful financial reporting to the Company's business leaders.
• Partners with other departments across the Company to ensure the accuracy of financial statements and to provide support on the accounting for certain transactions.
• Executes internal controls over financial reporting in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
• Partners with external and internal auditors to ensure the review and audit processes are efficient and effective.
• Performs other duties and projects, as assigned, to assist the Finance organization.

Required Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all stakeholders, including senior leadership, and to explain complex accounting and reporting issues to non-finance colleagues.
• High-energy, positive, collaborative, and approachable work style.
• Proven ability to balance competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly to the changing needs of the business.
• Understanding of SOX compliance requirements.
• Excellent judgment and proven problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Proficiency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT) to support technical research, workflow efficiency and financial narrative writing.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA required.
• 3+ years of financial reporting or accounting experience.
• Strong, current expertise in US GAAP and SEC reporting rules and regulations.
• Big 4 or mid-tier public accounting firm experience, or a corporate accounting/reporting background.

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: $82,400.00-100,950.00

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 stock at a discount
• Unlimited Flex Time Off, 11 paid holidays, 1 volunteer day
• Paid parental and caregiver leave
• $350 one-time home office stipend + $70/month for virtual-first work
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• ...and more — see our full Benefits, Perks & Culture here

Legal

For US-based positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. We're unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Cars.com is an equal opportunity employer and values 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.

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Current employees: click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Employees.