Staff Accountant

Staff AccountantChicago, ILFor more than 20 years, AEG has played a pivotal role in transforming sports and live entertainment. Annually, we host more than 160 million guests, promote more than 10,000 shows and present more than 22,000 events around the world. We are committed to innovation, artistry, and community, and leverage the power of our 300+ venues, leading sports franchises, marquee music brands, integrated entertainment districts, premier ticketing platform and global sponsorship activations, to create memorable moments that give the world reason to cheer. Our business is interwoven with the human mind and heart, and we strive to build a diverse and inclusive company that reflects the artists, athletes, and fans that we host; reach beyond traditional boundaries to support the communities in which we operate; and minimize our impact on the environment by adopting sustainable practices throughout our business operations. If you want to be challenged to up your game and make a difference, then join us in giving the world reason to cheer!Job Description:The Staff Accountant supports the full cycle of accounting operations, including maintaining accurate financial records, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal controls. This role is a key contributor to the finance team, with ownership of general ledger activities and responsibility for analyzing financial data, resolving discrepancies, and supporting accurate financial execution. In addition to core accounting responsibilities, the role provides support and coverage for accounts payable as needed.Primary Job Responsibilities:Maintain ownership of the general ledger, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and appropriate accounting treatment across assigned business segmentsPrepare, review, and post journal entries; analyze financial results and support month-end and year-end close processesPerform detailed account reconciliations; investigate variances, determine root causes, and implement appropriate resolutionsAnalyze financial data and prepare reports, schedules, and variance explanations for internal stakeholdersEvaluate transactions and determine appropriate accounting treatment in accordance with company policy and accounting standardsSupport budgeting and forecasting processes by providing financial data, trend analysis, and insightsEnsure adherence to internal controls and recommend process improvements to strengthen financial accuracy and efficiencyProvide backup support and coverage for accounts payable functions, including reviewing vendor invoices for accuracy, coding, and proper approvalsAssist with payment activities (ACH, wire, and urgent transactions) as needed, ensuring completeness of documentation and adherence to internal controlsHelp address vendor and internal inquiries related to payment status or discrepancies, escalating issues as appropriateReview employee expense reports for policy compliance and proper accounting treatment when requiredTrack, analyze, and reconcile booking-related revenues, expenses, and payments, ensuring alignment with contractual agreementsReview and interpret financial terms of agreements, offers, and settlements; identify discrepancies and recommend resolutionsSupport settlement processes with partners and artist management by validating financial data and ensuring accurate executionCollaborate cross-functionally with finance, legal, and operations teams to ensure financial terms are properly reflected and executedProvide financial insights and reporting to support decision-making on booking and project-based activitiesMaintain accurate documentation to support audits and financial reviewsIdentify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to implementation of accounting best practicesPerform other duties as assigned, consistent with the level and scope of the roleWhat You Bring to the Table:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)2+ years of progressive accounting experience with exposure to general ledger and financial reportingStrong understanding of accounting principles and ability to apply them in practiceFamiliarity with accounts payable processes and financial reconciliationsProficiency in JD Edwards and Microsoft ExcelStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentEffective communication and collaboration skillsBilingual Spanish (preferred)Payscale: $60,000-$65,000Bonus: This position is eligible for a bonus under the current bonus plan requirements.Benefits: Full-time: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, company paid basic life insurance, voluntary life insurance, parental leave, 401k Plan (with a current employer match of 3%), flexible spending and health savings account options, and wellness offerings.AEG reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. AEG may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description.AEG's policy is to hire the most qualified applicants, and we comply with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws in making hiring and employee decisions. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, marital status, disability, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status recognized by applicable federal, state or local law.Employer does not offer work visa sponsorship for this position.