Staff Accountant

Job Description

Staff Accountant | CFS

The Tone:
This is a full-time Staff Accountant role at CFS, an established real estate firm nestled in the Chicagoland area. The company is actively seeking a diligent and hands-on individual to contribute to their growing team. This position is central to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the firm’s financial records, directly supporting robust accounting operations. For someone deeply interested in the intricacies of real estate, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to gain substantial, direct experience within the industry, making a genuine impact in a supportive and evolving environment. The firm values its employees, fosters a pleasant culture, and is committed to continuous improvement, ensuring a great work-life balance and significant room for professional development.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Highland Park, IL
• Pay: $60000–$80000 yearly
• Team: Reports directly to Controller
• Mission: Maintain accurate financial records and support core accounting processes for a growing real estate firm.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Journal Entry Preparation: Take responsibility for the accurate preparation of complex journal entries, encompassing various accounts such as revenue, cash, assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accruals, interest, depreciation, amortization, and pledge receivables.
• Reconciliation Support: Provide assistance with the thorough preparation of essential reconciliations following the completion of each month-end close cycle.
• General Ledger Maintenance: Systematically maintain comprehensive work papers that provide robust support for all general ledger account balances, ensuring financial transparency and accuracy.
• Payroll Administration Aid: Contribute to the smooth execution of monthly and semi-monthly payroll processes, supporting timely and accurate compensation.
• Financial Close & Analysis: Assist with critical accounting close procedures and contribute to the analysis of budget variances, offering insights into financial performance.
• Transaction Review & Posting: Review and accurately post accounts payables, student receipts, contributions, and gift receipts for proper approval and recording.
• Audit & Compliance: Offer crucial support for annual audit preparations, assist with ad hoc data requests for auditors, and ensure all accounting practices strictly adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Asset Tracking: Maintain diligent tracking of company assets and inventory, contributing to accurate financial reporting and control.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, preparing them for an early career position within a professional accounting environment. This role is suitable for both new graduates with relevant experience and individuals with up to five years of specialized experience.
• Experience: Possess between one to five years of relevant accounting experience. Candidates with previous Accounts Payable (AP) experience are strongly preferred. New graduates who have completed an internship in accounting will also be seriously considered for this foundational role.
• Skills: Demonstrate excellent communication abilities, exhibit strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively, show proficiency in Excel for financial analysis and reporting, and possess the capability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Bonus: Be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or be actively pursuing this professional certification, indicating a commitment to advanced accounting knowledge and practice.