Senior Accountant

Work Location Type: Hybrid Req Number 331766About GraingerW.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit   CompensationThe anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $80,000.00 – $133,300.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 10%, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future. Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g. OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this positionRewards and BenefitsWith benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:Grainger BenefitsThe pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills. The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.Position Details As a Senior Accountant, you will support Grainger's strategy by owning g end-to-end accounting processes that ensure accurate financial reporting, maintain strong financial controls, and provide meaningful financial insight that support business decisions. This role combines recurring accounting responsibilities with financial analysis, capital labor accounting, process improvement, and the use of AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and decision-making across the accounting lifecycle. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage recurring responsibilities while adapting to evolving business priorities. The ideal candidate builds strong partnerships, takes ownership of outcomes, and proactively identifies opportunities to strengthen processes and deliver greater value to the organization. You will report to General Accounting Manager, Controllership and work a hybrid schedule of 2 days in office. We are open to 2 days in Lake Forest, IL or 1 day in Merchandise Mart and 1 day in Lake Forest weekly. You Will Leverage AI-enabled tools, automation, and data analytics to continuously improve financial processes, challenge existing ways of working, and deliver more efficient, accurate, and insightful outcomes. Apply a continuous improvement mindset by identifying opportunities to simplify, standardize, and enhance accounting processes while supporting business objectives. Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) while performing Controllership activities and maintaining accurate financial records. Perform recurring month-end close responsibilities, including preparing journal entries, completing account reconciliations in BlackLine, and ensuring assigned general ledger accounts are accurate and fully substantiated. Analyze capital labor activity to ensure accurate accounting, capitalization, and financial reporting. Prepare financial reports and perform variance, trend, and financial analyses to identify key drivers, risks, and opportunities. Partner with Finance and cross-functional business teams to provide financial guidance, support business initiatives, and resolve accounting issues. Maintain effective internal controls and support compliance with financial reporting requirements, including audit requests from the external auditors.Support quarterly reviews and annual financial statement audits performed by external auditors. You Have Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. 3+ years of progressive accounting, finance or audit experience. Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Knowledge of financial statements, including the relationship between the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, and related disclosures. Experience executing and maintaining effective internal controls to support accurate financial reporting, compliance, and operational effectiveness. Experience preparing journal entries, performing account reconciliations, and supporting the month-end close process. Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends and opportunities, and translate insights into actionable business recommendations. Demonstrated ability to identify process improvement opportunities and implement more efficient ways of working. Curiosity and willingness to leverage AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to improve finance processes and enhance decision-making. Experience leveraging financial systems (e.g., ERP platforms, BlackLine, reporting and analytics tools) to improve accounting processes, analyze financial data, strengthen controls, and drive operational efficiency. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with large or complex datasets. Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to build effective partnerships across Finance and the business. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.