Accounting Specialist — Close & Reconciliations (Hybrid)

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K and Pension

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Lifestyle Spending Account

Five weeks PTO

11 paid holidays per year

Work from home options

Job summary

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is seeking an Accountant to support the accuracy and integrity of financial information. You will prepare reconciliations, journal entries, financial analyses, supporting schedules, and reports while contributing to monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.

This role is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys detail work, cross-team collaboration, and building a solid financial foundation within a financial services environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant accounting experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve routine accounting issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across the organization.
• CPA or progress toward a CPA designation is a plus.
• Experience with BlackLine, Tableau Prep, and Workday is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.
• Prepare reconciliations, journal entries, financial analyses, and schedules.
• Analyze account activity, revenues, expenses, and variances to identify issues and communicate relevant findings.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities, escalating unusual matters when appropriate.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate financial data, schedules, and documentation.
• Help strengthen accounting processes by identifying practical opportunities to improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Prioritization

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

BlackLine

Tableau Prep

Workday

Job description

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is seeking an Accountant to support the accuracy and integrity of financial information. You will prepare reconciliations, journal entries, financial analyses, supporting schedules, and reports while contributing to monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.

This role is ideal for an accounting professional who enjoys detail work, cross-team collaboration, and building a solid financial foundation within a financial services environment.