Accountant

AccountantMorton Grove, IllinoisType: Direct HireAccounting and FinanceSalary: $80,000Job DescriptionAccountantThe accountant – Finance Shared Services is responsible for supporting local finance and accounting operations while partnering closely with the Global Shared Services team. This role is responsible for journal entry preparation, account reconciliations, local ledger maintenance, fixed asset accounting, and resolution of Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) issues. While the majority of transactional accounting activities are performed through Global Shared Services, this position serves as the key local finance contact to ensure accounting accuracy, compliance, and timely issue resolution. The Accountant will also assist the Finance Director with tax compliance, audits, financial reporting, and other finance-related initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesGeneral Ledger & Financial ClosePrepare and post journal entries for monthly, quarterly, and annual close.Maintain local general ledger accuracy and review transactions processed by Global Shared Services for proper accounting and compliance.Analyze transactions, investigate variances, and support accruals, adjustments, and close activities.Account ReconciliationsPrepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations, schedules, and audit-ready support.Investigate reconciling and aging items and work with business partners to resolve issues timely.Ensure reconciliation documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready.Fixed Assets ManagementMaintain the fixed asset subledger and documentation; record additions, transfers, disposals, and depreciation.Coordinate physical asset verification and ensure records comply with policies and accounting standards.Support capital expenditure tracking and capitalization reviews.Local Ledger MaintenanceMaintain local accounting records and support statutory reporting.Ensure records comply with company policies and local regulations.Coordinate corrections with Global Shared Services and assist with local financial statements.Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable SupportServe as the primary local contact for AP and AR issue resolution.Coordinate with Global Shared Services on vendor payments, invoices, billing, collections, disputes, and account reconciliation issues.Investigate disputed transactions and support timely resolution.Monitor unresolved items and escalate as needed.Audit & Tax SupportAssist with tax filings, schedules, documentation, and record retention.Coordinate with external tax advisors and internal stakeholders on sales/use, income, and other local tax requirements.Support internal and external audit requests by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and documentation.Coordinate responses to auditor inquiries and support corrective actions.Finance Director SupportSupport budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, analysis, and special projects.Identify process improvements and perform other accounting and finance duties as assigned.QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional designation preferred.Experience3–5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a multinational or shared services environment.Experience with GL accounting, reconciliations, fixed assets, close activities, audits, tax compliance, and financial reporting.Technical SkillsStrong understanding of US GAAP and accounting principles.Hands-on experience with SAP preferred.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.CompetenciesHigh attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and time management.Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.Effective communication, collaboration, customer-service, and issue-resolution skills.