Accountant

Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Stock ownership

Life insurance

Wellness incentives

Disability insurance

Sabbatical program

Parental leave

Job summary

Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC seeks a Staff Accountant in Chicago to support monthly closes, prepare financial statements, and maintain accounting records across the Americas. The role emphasizes technical accounting, data analytics, and automation to improve processes.

Collaboration with accounting, tax, treasury, FP&A, and business teams is essential. You will work in a hybrid environment, four days in the office, reporting to the Americas Accounting Manager, with potential involvement in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA eligibility or pursuing CPA preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in public accounting, corporate accounting, or a combination of both.
• Understanding of accounting principles and financial statement preparation.
• Experience preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Interest in leveraging technology, automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools to improve accounting processes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and support monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Assist in statutory financial statements, regulatory filings, and other reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
• Perform analyses and investigate variances and accounting issues to support reporting.
• Support SOX compliance through control documentation and evidence retention.
• Collaborate with teams to gather information for accounting conclusions and reporting.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Communication

Multi-tasking

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Oracle

ARCS

FCCS

Workiva

Power BI

Tableau

Alteryx

Job description

The Role

As a Staff Accountant on the Americas Accounting team, you will support the preparation of accurate financial statements, maintenance of accounting records, account reconciliations, and compliance with internal control requirements across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil. You will work closely with accounting, tax, treasury, FP&A, and business teams to support the monthly close process and help ensure the integrity of Morningstar's financial information. This role is ideal for an accounting professional who is eager to develop technical accounting knowledge, strengthen analytical skills, and contribute to a continuous improvement culture. You will use data, technology, automation, and emerging AI-enabled tools to improve the efficiency, quality, and consistency of accounting processes while building a strong foundation in corporate accounting and controllership. This position reports to the Americas Accounting Manager. This is a full-time position based in our Chicago office. We operate in a hybrid environment with team members working in the office four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and support monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting schedules.
• Assist in the preparation of statutory financial statements, regulatory filings, and other legal-entity reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP, company policies, and internal control requirements.
• Perform account analyses and investigate variances, unusual transactions, and other accounting issues to support accurate financial reporting.
• Support Sarbanes-Oxley compliance activities through the preparation of control documentation and retention of supporting evidence.
• Partner with team members and business stakeholders to gather information necessary to support accounting conclusions and reporting requirements.
• Assist with quarterly and annual audits, including responding to auditor requests and preparing supporting schedules.
• Prepare ad hoc reports and analyses to support finance leadership and business partners.
• Use data analytics, automation platforms, and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, documentation, reporting, and account analysis activities.
• Contribute to the maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, and process documentation to support a well-controlled and scalable finance organization.
• Participate in accounting and finance projects as assigned and support the implementation of new processes, systems, or reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA eligibility or interest in pursuing the CPA designation preferred.
• 1-3 years of experience in public accounting, corporate accounting, or a combination of both.
• Understanding of accounting principles and financial statement preparation.
• Experience preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Interest in leveraging technology, automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools to improve accounting processes and reporting.
• Experience with financial systems such as Oracle, ARCS, FCCS, Workiva, Power BI, Tableau, Alteryx, or similar tools is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
• Stock Ownership Potential
• Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
• Physical Health Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
• Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
• Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
• Emotional Health Trust-Based Time Off
• 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
• 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
• Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave Adoption Assistance
• Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
• Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Social Health Charitable Matching Gifts program
• Dollars for Doers volunteer program
• Paid volunteering days 15+
• Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

Total Cash Compensation Range $74,325.00-109,008.33 Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

100_MstarResCanad Morningstar Research, Inc. (Canada) Legal Entity

Morningstar is a global independent investment research and financial data company. Here, you'll help uncover what’s hidden, simplify what’s complex, and create insights that empower investor success.

Company overview

Morningstar Development Program

Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants.

We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.