Accounting Manager

Morningstar; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 121,400 - 186,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% 401(k) match up to 6%

Stock ownership potential

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Annual flex stipend of $1,000

Job summary

Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC seeks an experienced accounting professional in Chicago, Illinois. This role involves managing the monthly close process, ensuring compliance with GAAP, and supervising a team of accountancy staff. The ideal candidate will have a CPA designation and extensive knowledge of financial reporting standards.

Additional responsibilities include partnering with auditors, preparing financial analyses, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Competitive compensation includes a total cash range from $121,400 to $186,150, along with various benefits such as a 401(k) match and health insurance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience in public or publicly held companies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of SOX/internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly close process and oversee accounting operations.
• Research and resolve general ledger accounting issues.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, promoting professional development.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Documentation skills

Team mentoring

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

CPA designation

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee monthly close processes, including preparation, review and approval of journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Research and resolve day‑to‑day general ledger accounting issues, and assist with the resolution of significant, complex transactions to ensure proper application of GAAP.
• Review general ledger activity and investigate variances or unusual transactions.
• Ensure continued compliance with SOX/internal control requirements and proactively identify control enhancements.
• Partner with internal and external auditors to support quarterly and year‑end audits, including managing audit requests.
• Assist in the creation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, providing guidance on technical accounting and process execution.
• Manage team priorities and workload while promoting a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Support M&A activities, including purchase accounting and post‑acquisition integration activities.
• Prepare and review periodic and ad‑hoc financial analyses to provide performance analysis and drive actionable insights.
• Leverage data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improved financial performance.
• Identify and implement opportunities to standardize, streamline, and automate accounting processes.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities for AI‑driven enhancements within accounting processes.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to implement new technologies and tools.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• CPA designation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience (public accounting and/or publicly held company).
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing work and mentoring team members.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong documentation skills for routine and complex transactions (audit‑level support).
• Strong understanding of SOX/internal controls and ability to guide others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office / Co‑Pilot.

Compensation & Benefits

• 100% 401(k) match up to 6% of salary.
• Stock ownership potential.
• Company‑provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission.
• Physical 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 annually.
• 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 – $1,000 annually.
• 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 $121,400.00 – 186,150.00 inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive.

Hybrid Work Environment

Morningstar's hybrid work environment allows collaboration in‑person each week, with most locations following a four‑day in‑office schedule. A range of other benefits are available to enhance flexibility as needs change.

EEO is the Law Pay Transparency Notice. 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.