Senior Tax Accountant

JOB TITLE: Senior Accountant (Audit, Tax & Technical Accounting)

DEPARTMENT: Accounting

REPORTS TO: Audit, Tax and Technical Accounting Sr. Manager

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSTATION: $76,500 - $105,000 USD

BEING PART OF THE TEAM

Our business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports an entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?

OUR STORY

THE CHICAGO CUBS FRANCHISE The Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE:

The Senior Accountant works closely with the Audit, Tax and Technical Accounting Sr. Manager to effectively and efficiently complete a variety of tasks including (i) the management of various financial statement audits, (ii) the management of non-income taxes and the income tax projections and returns process, and to a lesser extent (iii) technical accounting research. At times, this role also assists with certain monthly/annual financial close responsibilities.

THE DAY-TO-DAY:

• Assist with multiple financial statement audits, coordinating across multiple external audit firms, which may include (i) being the first point of contact with external auditors regarding coordination of engagement including audit administration (e.g., engagement letters, management representation letters, coding of invoices), (ii) owning the PBC request list coordination, collection, and submission of requests, (iii) populating and tying out financial statements and footnotes, and (iv) resolving questions and comments from management review.
• Perform tasks related to non-income tax processes, which may include (i) analyzing data and calculating non-income taxes from various jurisdictions, (ii) ensuring the timely filing of returns and payment of amounts due, (iii) researching relevant tax issues, keeping process documentation up-to-date, and documenting internal statute interpretations, and (iv) ensuring the Company is in compliance with taxing jurisdictions.
• Assist with income tax projections and income tax return processes, which may include (i) management of relevant PBC lists, (ii) analysis of certain accounts and/or activity for proper tax treatment, (iii) research of relevant tax issues, and (iv) coordination of various state, local, and federal payments and return submissions.
• Assist with the management of governmental audits, which may include (i) communication and coordination with auditors, (ii) collection and submission of supporting information, and (iii) analysis of auditor findings.
• Assist with the implementation of any new accounting pronouncements (leasing, CECL, etc.).
• Perform reconciliations and prepare journal entries (as necessary) for certain identified balance sheet accounts to ensure items are properly and accurately recorded in accordance with GAAP.
• Evaluate and summarize contracts (leases, management agreements, etc.) on a timely basis as they are executed including documentation of key terms and all relevant GAAP accounting.
• Assist with the analysis and research of certain technical accounting topics including (i) identifying and clarifying the issues, (ii) researching the applicable literature (GAAP, audit firm guidance, etc.), (iii) recommending the appropriate accounting treatment and (iv) documentation of the issues, applicable guidance and conclusions through technical memos.
• Assist with responding to questions and requests from other parties including auditors, tax professionals, MLB and internal parties (the Controller, other departments, etc.).

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

• A four-year undergraduate degree or graduate degree in accounting from an accredited university or college
• 3 years of accounting experience with a minimum of 1.5 years (including 2 busy seasons completed) of public audit experience
• Ability to take ownership and initiative on assigned projects with little guidance
• Ability to multitask and work on a wide variety of accounting topics
• CPA or progression toward CPA
• Strong fundamental GAAP accounting understanding
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in an organized manner and manage time efficiently and effectively with continuous improvement in mind

WHAT SETS YOU APART:

• Big Four audit experience
• Experience with federal income taxes and state/local non-income taxes
• Demonstrated ability to effectively research and understand technical accounting issues
• Consistent annual performance reviews in the top quartile

TOTAL REWARDS:

• On-site parking
• Transit benefits
• Paid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter Break
• Flexible work arrangement
• Casual work attire environment
• Complimentary Meal & beverage plan
• Cubs home game & spring training game ticket allotment
• Access to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales
• 401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer Match
• Benefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Health & Wellness engagement & programming
• Variety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free access to EV charging stations

* This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience.

The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.