Accounting Associate

Our client, a leading investment firm, is looking for a detail-oriented, driven Accounting Associate to join its Management Company team in Chicago, which focuses on the firm’s internal accounts. The Associate will handle accounts payable and receivable, code expenses, support the quarterly close and related tax filings, prepare internal management reports and financial statements, and help strengthen the firm’s internal controls and accounting procedures. The role works with staff across the firm every day and also supports requests from external auditors, regulators, and service providers.The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and adaptable, with strong communication skills, a sense of ownership, and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines while working both independently and as part of a team.Below is a sample of the Accounting Associate’s responsibilities:Maintain the general ledger for about five management company entities, including UK and Hong Kong entitiesReview expenses, reconcile balance sheet accounts, and process accounts payablePrepare journal entries, accruals, prepaids, and depreciation as part of the month-end and quarter-end closeHandle intercompany allocations and invoicing across entitiesReview monthly employee expense reports and flight activity to ensure correct coding and policy complianceHelp prepare internal management reports, variance analyses, and financial statementsSupport the upkeep and improvement of internal controls, policies, and procedures in line with US GAAPRespond to requests from external auditors, the SEC, and other service providersAssist with accounts receivable and tax filings tied to the management companiesEmbrace AI tools and new technologies to make team processes faster and more accurateJump in on special projects and ad hoc requests across the firmWho you are:Degree in accounting (bachelor’s level)Two to five years in accounting, whether in industry alone or split between public accounting and industryHands-on familiarity with Sage Intacct or another cloud-based general ledger platformBackground in private equity, asset management, or a related investment setting is preferredPrecise and thorough, taking pride in getting the numbers right the first timeKeeps multiple workstreams on track and consistently delivers on scheduleTakes initiative and follows tasks through to completion without needing to be pushedStays steady and flexible when priorities changeCommunicates clearly and confidently, both in writing and in conversationEqually effective working alone or alongside colleaguesEager to use automation and AI to streamline everyday accounting work