Staff Accountant

Imperative Logistics Group•Chicago West, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Accountant provides high-level support to the Global Forwarding Segment Controller in managing accounting and financial reporting for the Global Forwarding business segment. Based onsite in Barrington, Illinois, this role partners with accounting, operations, sales, and management teams to ensure accurate, complete, and timely financial reporting. The position supports month-end close, financial analysis, reconciliations, audits, process improvements, and business growth initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
At least 5 years of accounting experience with responsibility for full-cycle accounting functions.
Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Experience preparing journal entries, maintaining general ledgers, and performing account reconciliations.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate across organizational levels.
Experience working directly with executive leadership, including CFOs, CEOs, Presidents, and other senior leaders.
Understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, and audit processes.
Experience assessing, documenting, and improving accounting procedures and controls.
Demonstrated ability to streamline processes and drive continuous improvement.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, data analysis, and financial modeling.
Willingness to travel occasionally as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

Public accounting experience and/or an active CPA license.
Experience working in multi-entity and matrix organizational structures.
Experience with CargoWise, Sage Intacct, Concur, or similar ERP and logistics software.
Experience in freight forwarding, logistics, transportation, supply chain, or a related industry.

Responsibilities

Support accounting processes, including month-end close, cash management, account analysis, expense report review and approval, and payroll accounting for assigned business segments.
Assist with timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the Global Forwarding segment.
Prepare, review, and maintain balance sheet account reconciliations; investigate and resolve discrepancies with team members.
Analyze financial data and transactions for compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
Support external financial statement audits and borrowing base audits by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, and responding to requests.
Assist with newly acquired entity integration, including accounting process alignment, system transitions, and financial reporting.
Partner with Operations and Sales to develop financial reporting, performance metrics, and analytical tools for business growth and decision-making.
Develop an understanding of the company’s service offerings, operational processes, and business model.
Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis projects.
Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve accounting and reporting processes.
Support the maintenance and enhancement of internal controls and accounting procedures.
Provide customer service and support to internal and external stakeholders.
Participate in conferences, meetings, training, and professional development opportunities as applicable.
Complete special projects and additional duties as assigned by management.