Chicago - Financial Analyst

Winston Taylor•Chicago, IL

8d•Remote

About The Position

This Financial Analyst position focuses on preparing financial data for the Firm’s retirement benefit plans. The analyst prepares account reconciliations, analyses, and reports for the Firm’s 401(k) and Cash Balance Plans; processes contributions and withdrawals; assists with annual audits; completes retirement benefit plan audit schedules; and files tax returns. The role is fully remote, but the employee must reside within a commutable distance of the applicable firm office. The analyst supports plan administration, financial reporting, reconciliations, audits, tax filings, participant communications, and related projects. The role requires effective communication with Firm personnel, auditors, and external providers, along with strong organization and attention to detail.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.
At least 2 years of relevant finance or accounting experience.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to organize and present detailed, complicated information in an understandable format.
Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills to communicate effectively with all levels of Firm personnel.
Ability to identify and analyze financial issues related to financial statements.
Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
Must reside within a commutable distance to the applicable Firm office.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Aderant (CMS Open).
Knowledge of accounting systems, procedures, and principles.

Responsibilities

Prepare monthly 401(k) and Profit Sharing reconciliations between payroll and the general ledger and between payroll and Fidelity.
Process Profit Sharing contributions for staff through Fidelity, resolve issues, and record related journal entries in CMS/general ledger.
Process 401(k) contributions, Partner Profit Sharing contributions, and loan payroll deductions through Fidelity for regular and off-cycle payrolls; resolve issues and record related journal entries.
Prepare and file annual benefit plan Forms 5500 and SSA extensions with the IRS.
Compile staff and partner contribution and loan information for reconciliation between Ulti and Fidelity.
Update 401(k) Activity and Balances and Fund Performance Reports for monthly Retirement Plans Committee meetings; post monthly fund performance to the Firm intranet and distribute the report Firmwide.
Review and process quarterly BAML fees for ESP and Fidelity invoices; monitor and process quarterly Fidelity Expense Credit Reimbursement.
Assist with annual updates to Summary Plan Descriptions, Investment and Enrollment Guides, and new-hire memos, and post updated documents to the Firm intranet.
Prepare monthly Cash Balance Plan participant reports from Willis Towers Watson and monthly investment performance reports from BAML; identify and resolve issues.
Reconcile Cash Balance Plan participant accounts with BAML monthly and work with BAML to resolve issues.
Compile Cash Balance Plan distribution and in-service withdrawal rollover forms and prepare distribution forms; coordinate distributions with BAML and resolve wire or check issues.
Prepare partner statements for annual Cash Balance Plan in-service withdrawals for eligible participants and distribute quarterly Cash Balance Plan statements to terminated participants.
Analyze monthly and quarterly Cash Balance Plan invoices from BAML and work with BAML to ensure charges are correct.
Assist with the annual Firm audit and Retirement Plans audits by preparing required schedules, reports, and financial statements and working with auditors to resolve open issues.
Assist with annual 401(k) tax filing, including annual financials and Schedule of Assets and SSA filings with the IRS.
Assist in reviewing Summary Annual Reports for the 401(k) Plan for distribution to plan participants.
Update the CTR site with 401(k) Forms 5500, SSA forms, and other documents.
Analyze and prepare quarterly reconciliations for 401(k) Plan suspense and forfeiture accounts.
Prepare schedules for the annual Firm financial audit and tax returns, including information related to the 401(k) Savings Plan and Cash Balance Plan.
Assist with miscellaneous analyses, special and ongoing projects, and retirement plan surveys.
Maintain current procedure documentation for all areas of responsibility and assist with related special projects.