Staff Accountant

Vedder Careers • Chicago, IL

29d • $55,000 - $75,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Vedder is seeking a Staff Accountant in our Chicago office. We are looking for a dynamic and ambitious Staff Accountant to join our team, collaborating closely with our Controller, FP&A Director, and CFO to assess, propose, and drive the adoption of optimal practices in our daily operations. This role presents a unique opportunity for a highly motivated individual with a keen eye for detail and strategic thinking to contribute significantly to our growth. As the Staff Accountant, you will play a pivotal role as a key member of our team, leading crucial tasks such as reviewing and preparing monthly financial statements, conducting reconciliations and analyses of general ledger accounts, prepare and file tax return and shouldering additional responsibilities outlined below. As a Staff Accountant, your job duties will include but not be limited to: Prepare documentation for external tax advisors to facilitate the preparation of corporate and partnership tax filings. Review of externally prepared tax returns to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance. Conduct research, analysis, and preparation of state, local, and international tax filings to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Assist in annual conversion of modified cash basis accounting to accrual accounting for statutory audits, including preparing adjusting journal entries, reconciliations, and support to external auditors. Coordinate with various departments across the firm to gather audit support, Facilitate the preparation and review of domestic and international financial statements Prepare and analyze financial statements. Generate and present financial reports to management and other stakeholders. Inspect account books for efficiency and accuracy Participate in the month-end and year-end closing processes. Prepare manual and automated journal entries. Conduct in-depth financial analyses to support decision-making. Prepare ad hoc reports and work with CFO, Controller, Practice Leaders and Department Directors. Work with Risk Department to implement and monitor internal controls and procedures. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and corporate policies.

Requirements

• Knowledge of accounting theory and practices for professional service firms.
• Account analysis and reconciliation skills.
• Uphold ethical standards in financial reporting and decision-making.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling financial information.
• Navigate complex financial issues and solve problems efficiently.
• Adapt to changes in accounting standards, regulations, and corporate structures.
• Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Handle multiple responsibilities concurrently.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior accounting staff.
• Lead and contribute to the development and improvement of accounting processes.
• Effectively communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and provide financial insights.
• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software: Experience with 3E and Elite Accounting Systems, and business analytic tools strongly preferred.
• Excellent Microsoft Office software skills

Nice To Haves

• MBA or other advanced degree in finance or accounting is encouraged
• CPA highly encouraged
• Experience with 3E and Elite Accounting Systems, and business analytic tools strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare documentation for external tax advisors to facilitate the preparation of corporate and partnership tax filings.
• Review of externally prepared tax returns to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Conduct research, analysis, and preparation of state, local, and international tax filings to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Assist in annual conversion of modified cash basis accounting to accrual accounting for statutory audits, including preparing adjusting journal entries, reconciliations, and support to external auditors.
• Coordinate with various departments across the firm to gather audit support
• Facilitate the preparation and review of domestic and international financial statements
• Prepare and analyze financial statements.
• Generate and present financial reports to management and other stakeholders.
• Inspect account books for efficiency and accuracy
• Participate in the month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare manual and automated journal entries.
• Conduct in-depth financial analyses to support decision-making.
• Prepare ad hoc reports and work with CFO, Controller, Practice Leaders and Department Directors.
• Work with Risk Department to implement and monitor internal controls and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and corporate policies.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary : We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program : Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning : Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness : Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off : Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development : Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition : Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance : Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks : Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

What This Job Offers

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