This role is hybrid in the client's Chicago, IL office with 2-3 days on site a week.

What does this job involve

In a high-powered team environment, the successful candidate will apply accounting principles and internal controls theory to real-world scenarios involving commercial real estate Subservice Line and Variable business lines within the Work Dynamics business. This professional will learn the current processes with a consistently-applied challenging mindset, enabling him or her to identify inefficiencies and inconsistencies. Routine duties will include recording, analyzing, and reconciling financial transactions and balances, as well as reviewing business line and client-level trial balances, financial statements, and other reports that ultimately feed into externally-reported results. Additionally, this person will help ensure completeness and accuracy of reporting; assist in the preparation and development of best-in-class Sarbanes-Oxley supporting workpapers; support external and internal audits as required; deliver the year-end reporting with no surprises; and assist across a variety of client-centric business related activities. The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of ASC 606 and a strong foundation in internal controls over financial reporting.

Responsibilities:

• Apply the financial policies and procedures of the company; escalate inconsistencies, problems, and recommendations to the attention of management along with proposed solutions
• Record and review financial activity each month for an assigned portfolio of business lines and client contracts of varying size and complexity within the Americas Work Dynamics business
• Analyze results and trends, and reconcile balance sheet accounts, to ensure the records are complete and accurate
• Prepare and assist with month-end close, including leading the generation and/or review of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other activity
• Ensure timely and accurate revenue recognition in compliance with contract terms, Sarbanes-Oxley rules, and U.S. GAAP (ASC 606)
• Actively participate in transformational initiatives, including process re-engineering, technology implementation and other ad hoc projects as applicable
• Support the timely and successful completion of various audits
• Read, interpret and abstract contracts, legal documents, and other agreements

QUALIFICATIONS

Functional Competencies:

• Solid understanding of US GAAP and Sarbanes Oxley requirements
• Strong business acumen, as evidenced through critical thinking and analytical skills
• Exceptional ability to effectively communicate key issues to finance and business leadership
• Expert in Microsoft Office and PeopleSoft a distinct plus

Interpersonal Competencies:

• High level of energy, enthusiasm and passion for controllership
• Strong interpersonal skills including diplomacy, the ability to build consensus and leadership skills in a collaborative setting
• Highly comfortable interacting with management and willingness to share ideas
• Creative problem solver that can analyze and synthesize information from disparate sources and deliver comprehensive, balanced and actionable analysis
• Adept at forging strong relationships within a matrix environment
• Collaborative work style
• Willing to challenge the status quo to ensure we are working efficiently and effectively and not becoming stuck in historical practices and routines
• Analytical mindset with the capacity and agility to work in a fast-paced, constantly changing, deadline-driven environment while handling multiple projects/tasks

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA required
• 3-5 years of core accounting and/or auditing experience
• Public accounting experience a strong plus
• Experience with financial reporting systems and compilation of core financial statements for SEC registrants a plus