Accountant
Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC is seeking a Staff Accountant to support monthly close, reconciliations, and financial reporting across the Americas. This full-time role is based in Chicago with a hybrid schedule and interaction with accounting, tax, treasury, FP&A, and business teams.
You will leverage data, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve processes, while growing technical accounting knowledge and contributing to a controllership mindset.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- CPA eligibility or pursuing CPA designation preferred.
- 1–3 years of experience in public or corporate accounting.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial statement prep.
- Experience preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and schedules.
- Analytical, detail‑oriented, and able to multi‑task in a fast pace.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Independent with ability to collaborate cross‑functionally.
- Proficient in Excel and Office applications.
- Interest in leveraging automation, data analytics, AI tools.
Responsibilities
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities with entries and reconciliations.
- Assist in statutory filings and other entity reporting requirements.
- Maintain accounting records and supporting documentation per policy.
- Analyze variances and investigate accounting issues for accurate reporting.
- Support SOX through control documentation and evidence retention.
- Collaborate with teams to gather information for accounting conclusions.
- Assist with quarterly and annual audits and auditor requests.
- Prepare ad hoc reports and analyses for finance leadership.
- Utilize data analytics, automation, and AI tools to improve processes.
- Maintain accounting policies and process documentation.
- Participate in finance projects and implement new processes/systems.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Morningstar is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call +1 312 384-3900 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note: We only accept calls from applicants who need accommodation related to a disability. Please, no calls with unrelated questions or requests. Please be sure to include the title and location of the open position you’re interested in when you leave a message.
Morningstar is an E-Verify program participant. Learn more: This Organization Participates in E-Verify (English) - https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster.pdf This Organization Participates in E-Verify (Spanish) - https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf Right to Work (English) - https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Verification/E-Verify/E-Verify_Native_Documents/OSC_Right_to_Work_Poster.pdf Right to Work (Spanish) - https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Verification/E-Verify/E-
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