Accounting Clerk

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in Chicago is seeking an entry-level Accounting Clerk to support the Finance Department with a range of accounting tasks and clerical duties. The role offers exposure to treasury, tax, and financial reporting processes.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and capable of handling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while collaborating with finance leadership and teams across the firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Entry-level 1–2 years of office experience a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google productivity tools.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily cash reporting to management.
• Assist Treasury Manager with bank reconciliations and account reconciliations.
• Assist with data cleanup and review for Form 1099s and tax packages.
• Prepare, maintain and file partner deliverables.
• Route documents and secure necessary signatures.
• Code and submit invoices to Accounts Payable and maintain filing structures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Google Sheets

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Job description

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented, curious, and communicative Accounting clerk to join our Finance Department. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn and assist finance leadership with a broad range of entry level accounting assignments with some clerk duties as well. This position will interact with the finance team at large. This is a great entry level position where you will have exposure to a variety of financial elements!

Key Responsibilities

Treasury

• Performs daily cash reporting to management
• Assist Treasury Manager with bank reconciliations & other account reconciliations
• Gathers necessary data for monthly/quarterly debt compliance reporting for the bank

Partner Accounting

• Prepare, Maintain & File Partner Deliverables

Tax

• Prepare certified mail and complete mail runs as necessary
• Assist Tax Manager with Partner deliverables
• Assist with data clean-up and review for Form 1099s
• Assist with year-end compilation of tax return packages

Financial Reporting And Other Duties As Needed

• Assist financial reporting and compliance team with account reconciliations, develop and maintain supporting documentation
• Route various documents and secure necessary signatures
• Code and submit invoices to Accounts Payable after receiving approvals
• Maintain recordkeeping, file structure and google drives
• Other assignments and tasks as requested

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred but not required
• Experience: Entry Level - 1-2 years of office experience a plus
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft and Google suite including Microsoft Excel, Google sheets, Microsoft Word, and Google docs. Position requires a strong desire to learn these products fully
• Analytical Abilities: Keen attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks effectively

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $55,000 to $65,000.

For more about SOM: www.som.com