Freight Forwarder Accountant

Phoenix International Freight Services, Inc.; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

EAP

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401k with 6% match after 90 days

Job summary

Phoenix International Freight Services, Inc. in Itasca, IL is seeking a Mid/Associate level finance professional to oversee month-end close and deliver timely financial statements for a global logistics business.

The role emphasizes GAAP knowledge, budgeting, reporting, and internal controls, with CargoWise CW1 experience preferred. The position offers competitive benefits and growth opportunities in a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2-3 years in the freight forwarding or international logistics industry.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting practices.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end closing, reconciliations, and financial reporting within five business days.
• Prepare monthly statements: P&L, balance sheet, and expense reports.
• Develop financial dashboards and analyses for management decisions.
• Prepare annual budgets and forecasts.
• Evaluate trends and support long-term planning.
• Analyze revenue, expenses, gross profit, and margins.
• Provide actionable insights to drive growth and efficiency.
• Maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Identify risks and improve accountability and accuracy.
• Support audits with documentation and reconciliations.
• Lead accounting team meetings and set priorities.
• Train staff on accounting procedures and best practices.
• Streamline processes and improve reporting accuracy.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficient

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

CargoWise (CW1)

Job description

About Phoenix

Phoenix International Freight Services, Inc. is a privately-owned global logistics company with U.S. locations in the greater Chicago and Los Angeles areas. The company focuses on providing quality freight forwarding as well as providing services in international freight, freight procurement, global supply chain planning, customs brokerage, contract logistics and solution design, and cross border eCommerce.

We're privately owned, which means our decisions are driven by what's best for our employees and customers, not quarterly earnings.

Why Phoenix?

At Phoenix, you're not just filling a position. You're joining a team that believes great customer service is still delivered by great people. We invest in technology, but we never lose sight of the human side of logistics. Our clients know us because we answer the phone, solve problems, and build relationships that last. If you enjoy making a difference, taking ownership, and working with a team that genuinely supports one another, you'll feel right at home.

At Phoenix, we're looking for motivated, driven individuals who take pride in their work and aren't afraid to go the extra mile. You'll thrive here if you're a natural problem‑solver who takes ownership, follows through on commitments, and believes that even the smallest details can make a big difference. We value people who communicate openly, collaborate with their teammates, and approach challenges with confidence, creativity, and a positive attitude.

Most importantly, we're looking for people who want more than just a job. We want individuals who are eager to learn, grow their careers, contribute new ideas, and be part of a team where their efforts truly matter.

What You'll Find Here

• Leadership that is accessible and invested in your success.

• A team that celebrates wins together.

• A culture built on integrity, accountability, and doing what's right for our customs.

• Industry competitive earnings

• Benefits (Health, Vision, Dental, EAP, Disability, Life)

• 401k available after 90 days at 6% match

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the month-end closing process, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting, ensuring completion within five business days following month-end
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial statements, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and expense reports
• Develop financial reports, dashboards, and analyses to support management's strategic objectives and decision-making.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive annual budgets, financial forecasts, and projections.
• Evaluate financial trends, operational performance, and anticipated business needs to support long‑term financial planning.
• Analyze revenue, expenses, gross profit, and operating margins to identify opportunities for improved profitability.
• Provide management with actionable financial insights and recommendations to support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Identify financial risks, process inefficiencies, and opportunities to strengthen accountability and accuracy.
• Support internal and external financial audits by preparing documentation, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Lead and coordinate regular accounting team meetings to review performance, priorities, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Provide guidance and training to team members and operational departments regarding accounting procedures and financial best practices.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, improve reporting accuracy, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Promote accountability, timely follow-through, and continuous improvement across financial and operational activities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum of 2-3 years in the freight forwarding or international logistics industry
• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and accounting practices
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong mathematical aptitude and advanced analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to interpret financial data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and strong analytical ability
• Enthusiastic, persistent, and confident approach
• CargoWise (CW1) strongly preferred

If you're looking for "just another job", Phoenix probably isn't the right place for you. It you're looking for a career where your work matters, your ideas are valued, and you can help shape the future of a growing company, we'd love to meet you!

Seniority Level

• Mid/Associate

Industry

• Logistics & Supply Chain
• Transportation/Trucking/Railroad

Phoenix is an Equal Opportunity Employer m/f/d/v/so