QuickBooks Cleanup & Accounting Process Improvement Consultant

We are looking for an experienced accounting operations consultant to help us untangle, clean up, simplify, and document our current accounting processes. Our team has gone through operational changes, and some of our existing accounting workflows, SOPs, spreadsheets, files, and training videos are outdated, unclear, or more complicated than they need to be. We also recently completed a QuickBooks upgrade that has created additional workflow challenges. We need someone who can independently review what exists, piece together how things are currently being done, identify what is working and what is not, clean up outdated or confusing processes, and help us create a simpler, more scalable accounting operation. This is not a traditional bookkeeping role. We are looking for someone who enjoys digging into messy accounting processes, asking smart questions, troubleshooting QuickBooks issues, and turning unclear workflows into clean, usable documentation. Please note: Because this project requires access to QuickBooks and internal accounting files, work may need to be performed using a company-issued laptop and following our internal access/security requirements. Chicago-based candidates are preferred, but not required. Responsibilities: * Review current accounting SOPs, spreadsheets, files, and training videos * Assess current QuickBooks workflows and recurring accounting processes * Identify outdated, redundant, or overly complicated steps * Clean up and organize accounting documentation * Recommend ways to simplify processes based on current business needs * Help troubleshoot QuickBooks workflow issues where applicable * Update or create clear SOPs and workflow documentation * Partner with Finance leadership to prioritize fixes and improvements Ideal background: * Strong QuickBooks experience; QuickBooks Desktop and/or QuickBooks Online experience preferred * Accounting operations, controller, or accounting manager background * Experience cleaning up messy accounting processes * Experience documenting SOPs and improving workflows * Ability to work independently with limited hand-holding * Comfortable reviewing incomplete or outdated documentation * Strong written communication and organization skills Nice to have: * Experience with ecommerce, inventory-based, food, manufacturing, or consumer products businesses * Experience simplifying month-end close or recurring accounting workflows * Experience supporting accounting system upgrades or transitions Deliverables: * Summary of current-state process issues and gaps * Cleaned-up accounting documentation and SOPs * Recommended process improvements * QuickBooks workflow recommendations * Prioritized action plan for remaining cleanup and optimization work