Senior Accountant & Finance Systems Associate

Hightower • Chicago, IL

6d • $90,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Accounting, the Senior Accountant & Finance Systems Associate is a hybrid role that combines deep accounting expertise with payroll operations and people systems support. Approximately 60% of this role is focused on core accounting functions — including financial reporting, general ledger management, and financial analysis — while the remaining 40% spans payroll processing and compliance, as well as HRIS/people analytics support. This role partners closely with Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Technology, and business leaders to ensure financial accuracy, data integrity, and process efficiency across the organization. The ideal candidate brings a strong accounting background, a working knowledge of payroll and HR systems, and a passion for data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA certification preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with a focus on financial reporting and analysis.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and reporting standards (GAAP).
• Experience with enterprise HR and payroll systems such as Dayforce, Workday, ADP, UKG, or similar platforms.
• Proficiency in accounting software (ERP systems) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with Power BI, Tableau, or SQL is a plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or possess other unrestricted U.S. work authorization and will not require sponsorship for U.S. work authorization now or anytime in the future.

Nice To Haves

• CPA certification preferred.
• experience with Power BI, Tableau, or SQL is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all financial transactions and records.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts and investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Analyze financial data and trends to provide meaningful insights and recommendations to management.
• Assist in the development of annual budgets and forecasts, collaborating with department heads to align with organizational goals.
• Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decision-making, identifying trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal tax regulations; coordinate tax filings and payments and work with external tax advisors to optimize tax strategies.
• Coordinate and support annual financial audits, ensuring all requirements and inquiries are met accurately and on time.
• Streamline financial processes and procedures to enhance efficiency, implementing best practices and proposing improvements to internal controls.
• Partner with payroll to review and post bi-monthly and off-cycle payroll JEs, ensuring accurate and timely payroll transactions, deductions, taxes, and employee changes.
• Prepare payroll journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the monthly financial close.
• Ensure compliance with payroll laws, tax regulations, and company policies; support payroll tax filings, year-end processing, audits, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation to support internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Support day-to-day administration, configuration, and maintenance of Hightower's HRIS and related people/ payroll systems.
• Develop and maintain payroll and HR dashboards and workforce analytics related to headcount, turnover, compensation, and other key metrics in support of Finance reporting needs.
• Validate HR and payroll data and ensure reporting accuracy, identifying trends and opportunities to improve workforce insights.
• Collaborate with HR and monitor HR data quality and maintain governance standards across people and payroll systems.

Benefits

• Coverage on the first day of employment for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave (16 weeks for primary caregiver and 8 weeks for secondary caregiver)
• Mother's lounge onsite
• Flexible PTO plan
• 401k matching plan
• HSA employer contributions
• Student loan assistance
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior