Senior Accountant – Expense & Data Analysis

Harris Associates•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At Harris, the true value of what makes us successful is found in our people. It is our unique mix of cultures, experiences, beliefs and backgrounds that sets Harris apart from the rest. We constantly strive to cultivate, nurture and amplify an unparalleled environment, where we value intellectual curiosity and uniqueness of thought. Inclusion is embedded in the very fabric of our culture of collaboration and openness. We understand that a job description only tells one part of a broader story, and Harris is seeking dynamic candidates who can add to our best-in-class environment. We recognize that qualifications can be gained through both traditional and non-traditional paths, and we are committed to considering candidates who possess the potential to be excellent in this role regardless of prior experiences. Therefore we encourage ALL interested individuals to submit their applications, even if they do not meet every requirement outlined in the job description. Position Summary: The Senior Accountant - Expense & Data Analysis reports to the Team Lead, Corporate Accounting, Expense & Treasury. This role requires a strong foundation in U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and core accounting operations, along with the ability to leverage data and technology to drive efficiency and generate insights. The position serves as a trusted business partner to stakeholders across Harris Associates, the Oakmark Funds, and Natixis Investment Managers. Key responsibilities include supporting the month-end close process; consolidation and financial reporting to the parent company; preparation of year-end financial statements; expense allocation and line-of-business reporting; daily cash and treasury monitoring; transaction posting; and balance sheet reconciliations. The role also emphasizes automating Excel-based processes, enhancing data quality, and ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of financial information. Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights are essential to supporting informed decision-making and driving enterprise value.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting preferred; related fields considered
CPA designation (active or progress toward completion)
2-3 years of public accounting experience, preferably with a Big 4 or national accounting firm
Strong foundation in U.S. GAAP and core financial accounting principles
Experience in financial services, asset management, or investment management is a plus
Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis; VBA experience strongly valued
Familiarity with Power Query, Power BI, or similar data transformation and visualization tools is a plus
Proven attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality financial information
Demonstrated ability to identify process improvement opportunities and drive efficiencies in accounting or reporting workflows
High degree of initiative, ownership, and adaptability; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
Ability to communicate effectively with auditors, internal stakeholders, and cross‑functional partners
Interest in and practical application of emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to automate processes and enhance efficiency, analysis, and decision-making

Responsibilities

Oversee accounting operations and financial reporting, including journal entries, month-end close, consolidation, and preparation of monthly and annual financial statements
Manage treasury activities, including daily cash reconciliations and intercompany cash transfers with the parent company
Prepare monthly reporting packages and serve as a primary liaison to the parent company, supporting consolidation and ad hoc requests
Design, maintain, and enhance the firm’s internal control environment, policies, and procedures, with a strong focus on risk management
Identify control gaps and process improvement opportunities; develop diagnostic metrics and exception-based reporting
Digitize and structure financial data to enable efficient analysis, reporting, and business insights
Evaluate, implement, and optimize accounting and financial reporting technologies to automate manual processes
Manage audit relationships, including preparation of financial statements, audit support, and responses to auditor inquiries
Support regulatory, tax, and compliance requirements, including FINRA filings and other applicable reporting
Oversee additional financial activities, including soft-dollar programs, affiliated broker-dealer oversight, insurance renewals, payment processing, and cash account reconciliations