Accounting Associate (Chicago)

Corporate Accounting Associate | Premier Investment Firm

**Chicago, IL | Hybrid, 3 days in office**

An outstanding opportunity to join a highly regarded investment firm with a sophisticated, international business platform.

********** This position is ** not ** intended for candidates whose experience is primarily accounts payable, payroll, tax preparation, fund accounting, or investor reporting without meaningful corporate general ledger and close responsibilities.** Private equity experience is a plus, but strong corporate accounting fundamentals are essential. *****

The Opportunity

The Accounting Associate will support the internal corporate accounting function, working across multiple legal entities and contributing to general ledger accounting, financial reporting, month-end and quarter-end close, and intercompany activity. Reporting to the Accounting Manager, this individual will gain exposure to a sophisticated financial services environment while collaborating with colleagues across the organization.

Important Fit Criteria: This is an internal corporate accounting role, not fund accounting or investor reporting. Candidates must have hands-on general ledger and month-end close experience. Profiles focused primarily on accounts payable, payroll, tax preparation, fund accounting, or investor reporting without meaningful corporate accounting experience are not a fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Support general ledger accounting across multiple management-company entities, including international entities.
• Assist with month-end and quarter-end close, including journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, depreciation, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support intercompany accounting, including allocations, invoicing, and reconciliations across entities.
• Review employee expense reports and related activity for accurate coding, appropriate documentation, and compliance with internal policies.
• Assist with internal financial reporting, management reports, variance analysis, and financial statement preparation.
• Support accounting policies, internal controls, and procedures designed to promote accuracy and compliance with US GAAP.
• Coordinate information requests related to external audits, regulatory reporting, and other external service providers.
• Contribute to special projects and process improvements, including the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies and AI tools.

Required Qualifications

• **Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.**
• 2–5 years of hands-on corporate accounting experience , including general ledger accounting, journal entries, accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, and direct participation in the month-end close process. Candidates with public accounting experience must also have relevant industry accounting experience.
• Practical knowledge of journal entries, accruals, prepaid expenses, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP and core financial reporting processes.
• Experience with an ERP or accounting platform such as Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, or a comparable system.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with stakeholders across the organization.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach and a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• The ability to adapt to changing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• An interest in learning and applying new technologies to improve accounting processes and efficiency.