Accountant (Hybrid - Chicago, IL)

Our client is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Our client shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces, and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people, and our communities. Our client is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $18.0 billion, operations in over 80 countries, and a global workforce of more than 93,000 as of December 31, 2019.

We are seeking an Accountant on a contract basis to help support our Customer's ongoing business needs. This role is hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote/week) in Chicago, IL.

In a high-powered team environment, the successful candidate will apply accounting principles and internal controls theory to real-world scenarios involving the commercial real estate Workplace Management and Project and Development Services clients. 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 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 the 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 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 the month-end close, including leading the generation and/or review of accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, 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

Skills and Qualifications

• Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting (CPA, or working towards CPA designation, preferred)
• 0-3 years of core accounting and/or auditing experience
• Public accounting experience is a strong plus
• Experience with financial reporting systems and compilation of core financial statements for SEC registrants is a plus
• Solid understanding of US GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements
• Strong business acumen, as evidenced by critical thinking and analytical skills
• Exceptional ability to effectively communicate key issues to finance and business leadership
• An expert in Microsoft Office and PeopleSoft is a distinct plus
• Willing to challenge the status quo to ensure they are working efficiently and effectively, and not becoming stuck in historical practices and routines
• Strong interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, the ability to build consensus, and leadership skills in a collaborative setting
• Highly comfortable interacting with management and willing to share ideas
• Creative problem solver that can identify key information from disparate sources and deliver comprehensive, balanced, and actionable analysis
• Analytical mindset with the capacity and agility to work in a fast-paced, constantly changing, deadline-driven environment while handling multiple projects/tasks
• Adept at forging strong relationships across functions and locations; collaborative work style
• Detail-oriented with the ability to think strategically and analytically

We offer a competitive salary range for this position. Most candidates who join our team are hired at the median of this range, ensuring fair and equitable compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Contractor benefits are available through our 3rd Party Employer of Record (Available upon completion of waiting period for eligible engagements) Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.