Manager, Accounting Research & Policy

CME Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

CME Group in Chicago offers a hybrid 3-day on-site role where you lead technical accounting research and advise businesses on the financial implications of transactions. You will craft authoritative position papers and work with leadership to ensure SEC compliance.

This senior role requires a CPA, 4+ years of experience in technical accounting and SEC reporting, and a strong grasp of US GAAP with IFRS familiarity.

Qualifications

• CPA licensed with 4+ years in technical accounting and SEC reporting.
• Bachelor’s or higher in Accounting or Finance.
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP; IFRS a plus.
• Experience in financial services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical accounting research for routine and complex transactions.
• Prepare accounting position papers for executive leadership.
• Advise on mergers, acquisitions, new products, and strategic investments.
• Draft footnote disclosures and MD&A for SEC filings.
• Collaborate with external auditors and cross‑functional teams.
• Maintain corporate accounting policy manual and research repository.
• Deliver educational presentations on accounting transitions.

Skills

CPA license

Technical accounting

SEC reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Workiva (Wdesk)

Workday

SharePoint

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

This is a hybrid (3 days) on-site position in our Chicago office.

Job Summary

Serve as a senior individual contributor reporting directly to the Executive Director, Accounting Research & Operations, acting as the authoritative technical accounting strategist for CME Group. Direct technical accounting research, formulate authoritative position papers, and advise business units on the financial implications of routine and non-routine corporate transactions. Partner cross-functionally with financial reporting, corporate accounting, and executive leadership to ensure seamless quarterly and annual SEC compliance and adoption of emerging accounting standards.

What You’ll Get

A supportive environment fostering career progression, continuous learning, and an inclusive culture. Broad exposure to CME's diverse products, asset classes, and cross-functional teams. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Explore our full range of benefits.

What You’ll Do

Lead technical accounting research across routine and complex transactions under authoritative U.S. GAAP. Formulate robust, executive-ready accounting position papers that document methodologies, technical interpretations, and final conclusions. Advise business units and functional leaders on accounting implications, aligning strategic initiatives with corporate financial standards. Evaluate the financial structure of proposed mergers, acquisitions, new products, and strategic investments submitted for Executive Leadership and Board review. Author and review financial statement footnote disclosures and MD&A contributions for quarterly and annual SEC filings. Direct technical accounting interactions with external auditors to ensure alignment and timely resolution of accounting considerations. Curate and modernize the internal technical accounting research repository, synthesizing new standards and authoritative guidance for firmwide accessibility. Monitor emerging FASB and SEC regulatory initiatives, evaluate organizational impact, and draft formal comment letters representing CME Group’s position. Establish, update, and maintain a comprehensive corporate accounting policy manual reflecting current regulatory standards. Deliver targeted educational presentations and implementation frameworks to guide cross‑functional teams through technical accounting transitions. Champion reporting technology enhancements and process automation to elevate research workflow efficiency.

What You’ll Bring

Hold an active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license (required). Bring 4+ years of progressive technical accounting, policy research, and SEC reporting experience. Possess a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. Apply comprehensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP authoritative literature (working familiarity with IFRS is a plus). Demonstrate a proven track record of writing concise, impactful technical memorandums and executive summaries for senior leadership. Leverage prior accounting experience within the financial services industry or public accounting serving financial sector clients. Lead cross‑functional change management when interpreting and operationalizing new accounting standards across diverse business units. Utilize advanced proficiency across productivity platforms, including Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) and Microsoft Office. Navigate financial and enterprise systems effectively, with hands‑on experience in Workiva (Wdesk), Workday, and SharePoint preferred.

#LI-DS2 #LI-Hybrid CME Group is committed to offering a competitive total rewards package for our employees that recognizes their contributions to the business and reflects our long‑term investment in their future. The pay range for this role is $119,900-$199,800. Actual salary offered will be dependent on a wide array of factors including but not limited to: relevant experience, skills, education and comparison to internal employees (where relevant). Our compensation program also includes an annual target bonus opportunity for all employees, as well as the opportunity to become an owner in the company through our broad‑based equity program.

Through our benefits program, we strive to offer flexibility, value and choice. From comprehensive health coverage, to a retirement package that includes both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, to highly competitive education reimbursement provisions, paid time off and a mental health benefit, CME Group offers a holistic benefits package for our team and their dependents.

CME Group

CME Group: Where Futures are Made CME Group is the world’s leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it— all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we’re looking for more. At CME Group, we embrace our employees’ unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone’s perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.

Compliance & Eligibility

For U.S. employment, CME Group is legally required to validate a new hire’s employment eligibility by having them complete an Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I‑9) accompanied with legally acceptable proof of identity and work authorization (as listed on the Form I‑9). CME Group uses E‑Verify, which is an online system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment eligibility and validate social security numbers. Through participation in the E‑Verify program, information entered on Form I‑9 will be provided and compared to information available at both of these agencies. See posters below for more details. E‑Verify Notice E‑Verify Notice Español U.S. Right to Work Notice U.S. Right to Work Notice Español