Accountant

Accountant - Chicago area

The position is based in Chicago, reporting into a downtown office 1-2x per week.

Why Consider This Job/Company?

1. This is a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor of an exciting new US business that is part of an innovative approach to the market.
2. This person will have the opportunity to help form the US accounting department, instituting protocols and systems that will support the company’s growth and financial health.
3. Opportunity to work very independently, often from home, while still being a critical piece of the company's growth strategy.
4. Advancement opportunities as the department grows.

Responsibilities - SUMMARY:

This person will be responsible for basic accounting responsibilities, bookkeeping, reporting, P&L, balance sheets, audit preparation, etc. Also responsible for consolidating the accounting efforts in South America with those in the US to merge them together. Additionally, because this is a new role in the US, this person will be able to put in place systems or protocols for effective accounting management.

1. Manage all accounting transactions for US business.
2. Prepare budget forecasts for US business.
3. Consolidate foreign operations into US holding company.
4. Publish financial statements in time.
5. Manage US audit process.
6. Interface with South American accounting teams and provide proper guidance to report figures for US consolidation and tax purposes.
7. Handle monthly, quarterly, and annual closings.
8. Reconcile accounts payable and receivable.
9. Ensure timely bank payments.
10. Compute taxes and prepare tax returns.
11. Manage balance sheets and profit/loss statements.
12. Audit financial transactions and documents.
13. Reinforce financial data confidentiality and conduct database backups when necessary.
14. Comply with financial policies and regulations.

Requirements - IDEAL:

1. An accounting degree and ten years of experience in basic accounting such as P&L, balance sheets, bookkeeping, etc.
2. Some exposure to global business is preferred.
3. Experience with a diversity of teams involving different languages and cultures is also a plus.
4. Strong communication skills who can talk to people at all levels.
5. They should be a strong collaborator and work very well in teams.
6. Experience in working with multiple legal entities under different legal umbrellas.
7. Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
8. Hands-on experience with accounting software like FreshBooks and QuickBooks.
9. Advanced MS Excel skills, including Vlookups and pivot tables.
10. Experience with general ledger functions.
11. Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills.
12. BSc in Accounting, Finance, or a relevant degree.
13. Additional certification (CPA or CMA) is a plus.

Flexible work from home options available.