Financial Reporting Specialist

Sterling St James LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Financial Services Client in the Chicago area seeks a Senior Financial Analyst – Technical Accounting to support a diversified platform (wealth management, leasing, banking, mortgage). This role is heavily project-based (~80%) and centers on solving real-time accounting questions from the business, not closing the books.

Training will be provided. You will research, analyze, and document conclusions relied on by senior management and leadership, partnering with finance and business

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of public accounting experience (audit or tax) is required.
• 2–3 years of public accounting experience, with a strong foundation in audit.
• Bachelor’s in Accounting; CPA or CPA track preferred.
• Exposure to accounting standards (revenue, lease) within audit is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research and resolve technical accounting issues (GAAP) across multiple business lines.
• Analyze contracts, new products, and transactions to determine proper accounting treatment.
• Prepare technical accounting memos and documentation for leadership review.
• Partner directly with senior management and business leaders to answer accounting questions.
• Evaluate and monitor new accounting standards (FASB, etc.) and assess impact.
• Support ad hoc, high-impact accounting projects.

Skills

Public accounting

Audit

Education

Bachelor’s in Accounting

CPA track preferred

Job description

IMPORTANT: Minimum of 2 years of public accounting experience (Audit OR Tax) is REQUIRED.

Candidates without at least 2 years of public accounting experience will not be considered for this position.

Senior Financial Analyst – Technical Accounting (Confidential Financial Services Client)

Hybrid (3 days in office / 2 remote) – Chicago Area: Near NW side , Blue Line Accessible
Base to $95K + ~10% bonus (paid out last 5 years straight)

Why This Role

• Consistent bonus payout – paid every year for the past 5 years (~10%)
• Outstanding benefits package, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) with strong company match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (discounted)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Commuter/Transportation Benefits
  • Pet Insurance + additional voluntary coverages
• Award-winning culture – Top Workplace (Chicago Tribune, 12+ years) & Employee Recommended (Globe & Mail, 6+ years)
• High-growth organization – tripled in size over the past 10 years
• High visibility – direct interaction with senior accounting leadership
• Proven career growth – examples include internal promotions and leadership advancement (manager promoted twice in 3 years)
• ~80% project-based work – not a routine month-end close role

The Opportunity

Join a Technical Accounting / Accounting Policy function supporting a diversified financial services platform (wealth management, leasing, banking, mortgage).

This role is heavily project-based (~80%) and focused on solving real-time accounting questions coming from the business — not closing the books. Plenty of training will be provided.

Typical scenario:
A business unit launches a new product or signs a contract → accounting treatment isn’t clearly defined → you determine the appropriate GAAP treatment.

You’ll research, analyze, and document conclusions that are relied on by senior management and leadership.

What You’ll Do

• Research and resolve technical accounting issues (GAAP) across multiple business lines
• Analyze contracts, new products, and transactions to determine proper accounting treatment
• Prepare technical accounting memos and documentation for leadership review
• Partner directly with senior management and business leaders to answer accounting questions
• Evaluate and monitor new accounting standards (FASB, etc.) and assess impact
• Support ad hoc, high-impact accounting projects

What We’re Looking For

• 2–3 years of public accounting (REQUIRED)
• Bachelor’s in Accounting
• Strong foundation in audit
• CPA or CPA track preferred
• Exposure to accounting standards (revenue, lease) within audit a plus

Why This Role Stands Out

• 80% project-based work vs. repetitive close cycles
• Direct exposure to senior leadership early in your career
• Clear path to promotion or internal mobility within ~2 years
• Join a high-growth company that has tripled in size over the past decade
• Backed by an award-winning culture with a strong promote-from-within track record
• Ideal for someone looking to pivot out of public into a high-impact, analytical role
• Plenty of training will be provided