Accounting Manager: GAAP, SOX, Audits, M&A & Leadership

Morningstar; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Morningstar in Chicago seeks an experienced accounting professional to lead the monthly close, review journal entries, and ensure accurate reconciliations under US GAAP. The role partners with auditors, oversees SOX controls, mentors accounting staff, and drives process improvements, including during M&A purchase accounting and post‑integration activities.

Strong communication and leadership are essential. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to enhance automation and leverage

Qualifications

• CPA designation required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience in public accounting or publicly held company.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly close processes including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Research and resolve GAAP accounting issues and complex transactions.
• Ensure SOX/internal controls compliance and drive enhancements.
• Support audits with internal and external teams.
• Assist in creation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff; manage priorities and workload.
• Support M&A activities including purchase accounting and post‑integration work.
• Provide periodic and ad-hoc analyses to drive insights.

Skills

CPA designation

US GAAP knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Office

Co-Pilot

Job description

• 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 functionals 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
  
  

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 functionals 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 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

$121,400.00-186,150.00

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.

001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity