Experienced Staff Accountant

Wipfli; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

Dental and vision coverage

HSAs with firm contribution

401(k) with profit sharing

Flexible time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Wipfli in Chicago invites you to join a firm where people count and flexibility matters. This role blends accounting expertise with client advisory work in a hybrid setting.

You will prepare tax returns and projections, maintain client relationships, and contribute to continuous professional development while navigating budgets and deadlines. With a bachelor in accounting and 1–3 years of experience, CPA eligibility preferred, you’ll leverage data analytics and accounting software to drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in accounting completed.
• 1–3 years of related experience.
• CPA eligibility and pursuing CPA preferred.
• Accounting internship experience preferred.
• Data analytics or big data coursework beneficial.
• Strong communication and computer skills.
• Experience with accounting software a plus.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with client and firm associate requests in a timely, accurate, positive and professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective client relationships through regular communications, including on-site visits.
• Adhere to prescribed budgets and deadlines.
• Develop technical competency and provide assistance to clients.
• Participate in continuing professional education programs.
• Serve as a trusted business advisor for clients and associates.
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities in processes to enhance efficiency.
• Use data analysis skills to discover useful information and patterns to provide support in recommendations.

Skills

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor Degree in Accounting

CPA eligibility (preferred)

Accounting internship experience

Tools

Accounting software

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Wipfli, people count.

At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do—the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.

We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.

People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.

This role requires a hybrid work arrangement.At Wipfli, hybrid is defined as associates regularly work in a Wipfli office, from home and at client sites.The client sites can vary locally, regionally, or nationally depending on the industry alignment.Note that scheduled meetings at the client and in the office will require in-person attendance.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with client and firm associate requests in a timely, accurate, positive and professional manner
• Establish and maintain effective client relationships through regular communications, including on-site visits
• Adhere to prescribed budgets and deadlines
• Develop technical competency and provide assistance to clients
• Participate in continuing professional education programs
• Serve as a trusted business advisor for clients and associates
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities in processes to enhance efficiency, recognize potential issues and/or opportunities in engagements and discuss with engagement leader
• Use data analysis skills to discover useful information and patterns to provide support in recommendations

Tax Specific

• Prepare individual, business and fiduciary tax returns and projections in accordance with firm and professional standards as directed by engagement leaders
• Understand and effectively use current tax and accounting software applications
• Research tax related issues and other related financial reports
• Perform a limited number of tax return interviews as needed

Qualifications

• Requires a completed Bachelor Degree in Accounting
• Requires 1 - 3 years of job related experience
• Above average competency in accounting as demonstrated by college GPA; Minimum 3.2 GPA
• CPA eligibility and actively pursuing CPA certification preferred
• An accounting internship experience preferred
• Preferred coursework in Data Analytics or Big Data
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computers skills; proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, Word, etc.
• Experience with accounting software is a plus
• High level of organization, focus, exceptional attention to detail and strong follow-up skills
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis upon hire. Wipfli will not consider candidates for this position who require sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future (e.g., H-1B status)

Bridgette Kahny, from our recruiting team, will be guiding you through this process.

#LI-BK1 #LI-onsite

Additional Details

Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Wipfli values fair, transparent, and competitive compensation, considering each candidate's unique skills and experiences. The estimated base pay range for this role is $64,000 to $86,000 with offers typically not made at the maximum, allowing for future salary increases. The actual salary at the time of offer depends on business related factors like location, skills, experience, training/education, licensure, certifications, business needs, current associate pay, and relevant employment laws.

Individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, subject to participation rules and based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual and Firm performance.

Wipfli cares about our associates and offers a variety of benefits to support their well-being.

• 8 health plan options (both HMO & PPO plans)
• dental and vision coverage
• opportunity to enroll in HSA with potential Firm contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• firm-sponsored basic life coverage
• short and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) savings plan & profit share as well as Firm matching contribution
• well-being incentive
• education & certification assistance
• flexible time off
• family care leave
• parental leave
• family formation benefits
• cell phone reimbursement
• travel rewards
• critical illness & accident insurance
• hospital indemnity insurance
• legal
• long-term care
• pet insurance
• ID theft protection
• supplemental life/AD&D

• paid sick leave
• access to free, confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program

Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accomodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or particpate in our recruiting process, please send us a an email at [e-mail]

Wipfli offers flexibility for many positions to be performed remotely; please discuss your work preferences with your recruiter during the interview process.