Lead Accountant - SEC Reporting

Oliver James

Chicago (IL)

Hybrid

USD 75,000 - 100,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus opportunity

Generous paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Oliver James is looking for a Lead Accountant - SEC Reporting in Chicago, IL. This hybrid position requires a CPA and offers the chance to prepare SEC filings, collaborate with executives, and contribute to financial reporting processes.

Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in SEC reporting and technical accounting, with opportunities for career growth into managerial roles. The company prioritizes work-life balance, offering flexible arrangements and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

4+ years of progressive accounting experience.
Hands-on experience with SEC reporting requirements.
Experience preparing Forms 10-Q and 10-K.

Responsibilities

Prepare and review quarterly and annual SEC filings.
Assist with preparation of earnings releases.
Coordinate collection and validation of information for SEC reporting.

Skills

SEC reporting

Technical accounting

Financial analysis

U.S. GAAP compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA license

Tools

Workiva

SAP

Oracle

Workday

Job description

Lead Accountant - SEC Reporting

CPA Required | Insurance Industry | Hybrid

About the Opportunity

A financially strong and growing public company is seeking a Senior Accountant to join its Financial Reporting team. This is a highly visible role responsible for supporting SEC reporting, technical accounting, and consolidated financial statement preparation.

The position offers significant exposure to executive leadership, external auditors, accounting policy matters, and public company reporting requirements. It is an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in SEC reporting, financial statement preparation, and technical accounting while contributing to a collaborative and high-performing finance organization.

This opportunity is particularly well suited for:

Public accounting professionals with SEC registrant audit experience.
SEC Reporting Accountants and Senior Accountants.
Financial Reporting professionals responsible for 10-Q and 10-K preparation.
Technical Accounting professionals seeking broader reporting ownership.

Insurance industry experience is considered a plus but is not required.

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant will support the preparation and review of external financial reporting deliverables, including Forms 10-Q and 10-K, consolidated financial statements, footnotes, earnings releases, and technical accounting analyses.

This individual will work closely with accounting leadership, external auditors, and business partners to ensure timely and accurate reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements.

The role combines hands‑on reporting responsibilities with technical accounting research, financial analysis, and process improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

SEC Reporting & External Financial Reporting

Prepare and review quarterly and annual SEC filings, including Forms 10-Q and 10-K.
Draft and maintain financial statement footnotes and related disclosures.
Assist with preparation of earnings releases and supporting reporting packages.
Coordinate the collection, review, and validation of information required for SEC reporting.
Manage the review and submission process for iXBRL tagging and related filing requirements.
Ensure compliance with SEC regulations and U.S. GAAP reporting standards.

Financial Reporting & Consolidations

Prepare monthly consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements.
Support consolidation activities and financial reporting processes.
Perform analytical reviews and variance analyses to support management reporting.
Prepare materials and presentations for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Technical Accounting

Research and interpret new accounting pronouncements and SEC guidance.
Assist with implementation of new accounting standards and disclosure requirements.
Maintain accounting policies, procedures, and technical accounting documentation.
Prepare technical accounting memoranda and supporting analyses as needed.

Required Qualifications

Education & Certification

Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
CPA license required.

Experience

4+ years of progressive accounting experience.
Demonstrated hands‑on experience with SEC reporting requirements.

SEC Reporting Experience (Required)

Candidates must possess experience in one or more of the following areas:

Preparation of Forms 10-Q and 10-K.
Drafting or reviewing financial statement footnotes and disclosures.
Preparation or support of earnings releases.
Preparation or review of consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements.
iXBRL filing review and coordination.
Technical accounting research supporting SEC filings.
External audit experience serving SEC registrants and public company clients.

Preferred Qualifications

Insurance industry experience.
Technical accounting or accounting policy experience.
Experience with share-based compensation accounting.
Experience calculating EPS and diluted shares outstanding.
Experience supporting SOX compliance programs.
Familiarity with Workiva, Wdesk, SAP, Oracle, Workday, or similar reporting platforms.

Ideal Candidate Backgrounds

Big 4 Audit Senior or Manager serving SEC registrants.
Public Company Audit Senior from a national or regional CPA firm.
SEC Reporting Senior Accountant.
External Reporting Accountant.
Financial Reporting Senior Accountant.
Technical Accounting Senior.
Accounting Policy Senior Accountant.
Corporate Accounting Senior supporting public company reporting.

Why This Opportunity?

Direct ownership of critical SEC reporting deliverables.
Significant exposure to executive leadership and external auditors.
A strong blend of SEC reporting, technical accounting, and strategic project work.
Opportunities to influence reporting processes and operational improvements.
Long-term career progression into Financial Reporting Manager, SEC Reporting Manager, Technical Accounting Manager, Accounting Policy, or broader Corporate Finance leadership roles.

Compensation & Benefits

Financial Rewards