Staff Accountant

Job Description

Staff Accountant – Budgeting & Reporting | Sidley Austin LLP

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Sidley Austin LLP, located in Chicago, IL (Illinois). Sidley Austin LLP is a global law firm that relies on precise financial operations. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the firm’s financial data and supporting essential budgeting and reporting functions through meticulous analysis and accurate record-keeping.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Chicago, IL
• Pay: $70000–$84000 yearly
• Team: Reports to the Accounting Associate Manager and supports other department staff.
• Mission: To produce accurate financial reporting and support firm-wide budgeting processes, ensuring data integrity and providing financial liaison services.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• Reporting: Produce financial reports quickly and accurately while contributing to the firm’s overall financial reporting.
• Analysis: Develop and maintain Excel spreadsheets to prepare comprehensive analyses and reports using advanced functions.
• Budgeting: Participate in the firm-wide annual forecasting and budgeting processes.
• Operations: Review and analyze general ledger transactions and accounts, applying technical judgment to ensure proper financial recording.
• Advisory: Act as a financial liaison to multiple departments by understanding and servicing their specific business needs.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Experience: No explicit years required; prior financial reporting experience is preferred.
• Skills:
• Advanced Excel functions for developing and maintaining analyses and reports.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for reviewing general ledger transactions and performing variance analyses.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills to maintain data integrity and accuracy.
• Good judgment and strong interpersonal communication skills to act as a financial liaison.
• Bonus: CPA or candidate for CPA certification; financial reporting experience.