Senior Accountant, Benefits

Glenview, IL | On-Site | Fortune 300 Company A Fortune 300 global manufacturing organization headquartered in the northern suburbs of Chicago is seeking a Senior Analyst to join its Corporate Accounting team, owning the end-to-end accounting, reporting, and compliance for a large, complex portfolio of U.S. employee benefit programs. This is a hands-on ownership role with meaningful exposure to SEC reporting, benefit plan audits, actuarial coordination, and cross-functional business partnership — ideal for a detail-oriented accounting professional who wants real responsibility and visibility in a well-resourced, admired organization. What You'll Do: Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting and close processes for U.S. employee health and welfare benefit plans in compliance with US GAAP Prepare, review, and post journal entries; perform account reconciliations; analyze variances; and investigate and resolve reconciling items Ensure accurate recognition of benefit costs, liabilities, reserves, settlements, and IBNR claims Support the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes for assigned benefit programs — analyzing actuals versus budget and providing clear explanations to management Develop and maintain supporting models and analytical schedules related to benefit plan costs and obligations Partner with plan actuaries, third-party administrators, insurers, and vendors to interpret data and translate it into accurate accounting and reporting Collaborate with HR to assess accounting implications of plan design changes and new programs Assist in the preparation and review of quarterly and annual SEC reporting disclosures including Forms 10-Q and 10-K related to employee benefits Support preparation of benefit plan financial statements and schedules for Forms 5500 and 990 filings Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors, internal audit, and benefit plan auditors Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve controls, and enhance documentation What We're Looking For: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance 2–4 years of progressive accounting or finance experience in a corporate or public accounting environment Strong understanding of US GAAP and the financial close process Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities CPA or progress toward CPA preferred Prior experience with employee benefit plan accounting a plus Experience with ERP and consolidation systems (D365 Business Central, Oracle HFM) a plus Exposure to SEC reporting, external audits, or benefit plan regulatory filings a plus Must be able to work on-site 5 days per week in Glenview, IL Why This Role Stands Out: Fortune 300 organization — named the #1 most admired company in its industry by Fortune Magazine multiple times Hands-on ownership of a complex, high-visibility accounting function Meaningful SEC reporting and external audit exposure Beautiful corporate campus with fitness center, café, walking trails, and covered parking — one block from Metra Exceptional benefits including 401(k), medical, dental, vision, parental leave, and educational assistance Strong philanthropy culture — $22M+ donated and 16,000+ volunteer hours logged in 2024 alone #J-18808-Ljbffr Buckingham Search