Chicago - Financial Analyst

Winston & Strawn LLP; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Winston Taylor, a transatlantic law firm, is seeking a Financial Analyst to prepare financial data for retirement benefit plans, including 401(k) and Cash Balance plans. The role involves reconciliations, reports, contributions, withdrawals, and aiding in annual audits.

Requirements include a finance/accounting degree, 2+ years of experience, and strong Excel skills. The position is fully remote but within commuting distance to the firm's office in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting is required.
• 2+ years of relevant finance or accounting experience is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills are required to communicate with all levels of firm personnel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly and quarterly retirement plan reconciliations and reports.
• Process contributions and withdrawals for 401(k) and Cash Balance plans.
• Assist with annual retirement plan audits and 5500 filings.
• Prepare and file tax returns and SSA/IRS schedules as needed.
• Maintain plan documentation and intranet postings.

Skills

Finance experience

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting

Tools

Aderant CMS Open

Job description

About us

At Winston Taylor, we set the standard, together.

Winston Taylor is a transatlantic law firm built for the businesses, people, and markets driving capital and innovation. Here, you're in the room. In the action. Sleeves rolled up. You'll work with leading clients. Disruptors. Fast-growth companies. And help them to stay one step ahead of the moment and make critical decisions that shape their future. We're present in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, combining the scale and speed that clients demand. You'll be trusted with real responsibility from the outset and build experience through hands‑on work. We take your progression personally. We provide the platform. You shape the work around your goals and aspirations. Step into the moments that matter. Join Winston Taylor.

Position summary

This is a Financial Analyst position with an emphasis on preparing financial data for the Firm's various retirement benefit plans. Responsibilities include prepare account reconciliations, analysis, and reports for the Firm's 401(k) and Cash Balance Plans. Prepare and process contributions and withdrawals for each plan and assist in the annual audit. Complete schedules for retirement benefit plan audits and file tax returns.

Position responsibilities

• Prepares monthly 401(k), Profit Sharing reconciliations between payroll and the general ledger.
• Prepares monthly 401(k) & Profit Sharing reconciliations between payroll & Fidelity.
• Processes Profit Sharing contributions for staff with Fidelity via uploading to Fidelity's website. Resolve any issues. Book journal entries in CMS/general ledger to record payment of these payroll deductions to Fidelity.
• Processes 401(k) contribution, Partner Profit Sharing contributions, and loan payroll deductions with Fidelity including regular payrolls and off cycle payrolls. Resolve any issues. Book journal entries in CMS/general ledger to record payment of these payroll deductions to Fidelity.
• Prepare and file annual benefit plan 5500's & SSA extensions with the IRS.
• Compiles contribution and loan information for staff and partner comparison reconciliation between Ulti and Fidelity for regular payrolls and off cycle payrolls.
• Update 401(k) Activity and Balances and Fund Performance Report for the Monthly Retirement Plans Committee meetings.
• Post monthly Fund Performance to Firm's intranet; distribute report Firmwide.
• Review and process quarterly BAML fee for ESP and Fidelity invoices.
• Monitor and process Quarterly Fidelity Expense Credit Reimbursement.
• Assist with updating annual Summary Plan Descriptions, Investment & Enrollment Guides, and new hire memos, including posting updated documents to firm's intranet.
• Prepare monthly Cash Balance Plan by participant reports from Willis Towers Watson and monthly investment performance reports from BAML. Identify and resolve any issues.
• Prepare monthly Cash Balance Plan reconciliation between participant accounts and Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML). Identify issues and work with BAML on proper resolution.
• Compile Cash Balance Plan Distribution and In Service Withdrawal rollover forms and create distribution forms. Identify and resolve any issues. Work with BAML to process distributions and resolve any wire or check issues.
• Organize information and prepare partner statements for annual Cash Balance Plan In Service Withdrawals, to be distributed to eligible participants.
• Distribute quarterly Cash Balance Plan statements to termed participants.
• Analyze monthly and quarterly Cash Balance Plan invoices from BAML. Work with BAML on any issues to ensure Firm is charged correctly.
• Assists in the annual Firm audit and the Retirement Plans audits. Prepare required schedules, reports, and financial statements. Work with auditors to resolve any open issues.
• Assists in annual 401(k) tax filing including annual financials and Schedule of Assets and SSA's with the Internal Revenue Service.
• Assists in review of Summary Annual Reports for the 401(k) Plan for distribution to all Plan participants.
• Updates CTR site with various documents - 401(k) 5500's & SSA's & misc items.
• Analyze and prepare quarterly reconciliations for 401(k) Plan suspense/forfeiture accounts.
• Prepare schedules for annual Firm financial audit and tax returns, to include information related to the 401(k) Savings Plan and Cash Balance Plan.
• Assists with miscellaneous analysis projects and other special/on-going projects, including retirement plan surveys.
• Maintains updated procedure documentation for all areas of responsibility.
• Assist with related special projects.

Experience, skills, and qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting required.
• 2+ years of relevant finance or accounting experience required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required.
• Experience with Aderant (CMS Open) and knowledge of accounting systems, procedures, and principles preferred.
• This role is fully remote but must reside within a commutable distance to the applicable firm's office.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to organize and present detailed and complicated information in an easily understandable format.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills required to communicate effectively with all levels of firm personnel.
• Ability to identify and analyze financial issues related to the financial statements.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

Salary

Illinois based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $90,000 - $110,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

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