Senior Accountant

Altair Advisers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Altair Advisers, a fiduciary wealth advisory firm in Chicago, seeks a Senior Accountant to own core accounting operations for two related companies, including accounts payable, cash receipts and deposits, payroll entries, and vendor file maintenance, with timely month-end close.

The role supports financial reporting, forecasting, audits, and process improvement, demanding detail orientation, strong GAAP knowledge, excellent written and verbal communication, and the ability to leverage

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of GAAP accounting experience, with 3 years at a professional services or similar firm.
• Detail-oriented and accurate with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, able to explain accounting matters clearly to non-accounting colleagues.
• Proficient in MS Office with advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Own core accounting operations for two related companies, including accounts payable, cash receipts, deposits, interbank transfers, payroll entries, expense reimbursements, and vendor file maintenance.
• Oversee bi-monthly payroll processing, including review and timely submission.
• Drive accurate and timely month-end and quarter-end close activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare financial reporting packages for management, including balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, and supporting analysis.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis by helping identify trends, questions, and follow-up items.
• Own key revenue and billing support processes, including review of billing data, analysis of billing changes, and preparation of related journal entries.
• Support annual audit, tax, 1099, compensation, and other recurring finance processes with organized schedules, accurate data, and strong follow-through.
• Serve as a resource to employees on finance-related processes, including expense reports, payroll-related items, and onboarding support.
• Continuously look for ways to improve processes, strengthen controls, reduce manual work, and use technology, automation, and AI tools responsibly to improve accuracy and efficiency

Skills

GAAP accounting

Excel

Financial analysis

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Accountant

Chicago, IL, US

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1033

Salary Range: $100,000.00 To $110,000.00 Annually

Job Title: Senior Accountant

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Accounting Manager

About Us:Altair Advisers is an independent wealth advisory firm providing investment management, financial planning, and client education services. We counsel a select group of individuals, families, foundations, and endowments. As a fiduciary, we serve as an advocate for our clients, providing objective advice and comprehensive guidance across all aspects of our clients’ financial lives.

Position Summary:
Altair Advisers is growing, building, and continuing to professionalize the way we operate behind the scenes. We are looking for a Senior Accountant who wants more than a narrow accounting seat. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role for someone who is detail-oriented, driven, curious, and energized by the opportunity to own a meaningful body of work in a firm that is evolving. The right person will take pride in accuracy, move with urgency, ask good questions, solve problems, and step in wherever needed without waiting to be told. This role will be deeply involved in the day-to-day finance and accounting operations for two related companies, including financial reporting, forecasting, accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, billing, payroll entries, audit support, and process improvement. It is an excellent opportunity for a high-performing accounting professional who wants to grow with the firm, help strengthen our finance function, and use technology, automation, and AI thoughtfully to make the work better, faster, and more scalable.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance and Accounting

• Own core accounting operations for two related companies, including accounts payable, cash receipts, deposits, interbank transfers, payroll entries, expense reimbursements, and vendor file maintenance
• Oversee bi-monthly payroll processing, including review and timely submission
• Drive accurate and timely month-end and quarter-end close activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, and supporting schedules
• Prepare financial reporting packages for management, including balance sheet, income statement, cash flow, and supporting analysis
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis by helping identify trends, questions, and follow-up items
• Own key revenue and billing support processes, including review of billing data, analysis of billing changes, and preparation of related journal entries
• Support annual audit, tax, 1099, compensation, and other recurring finance processes with organized schedules, accurate data, and strong follow-through
• Serve as a resource to employees on finance-related processes, including expense reports, payroll-related items, and onboarding support
• Continuously look for ways to improve processes, strengthen controls, reduce manual work, and use technology, automation, and AI tools responsibly to improve accuracy and efficiency

What We Offer:

• Meaningful ownership: The opportunity to own important pieces of the accounting function and become a trusted resource within the firm
• Professional growth: Exposure to a broad range of finance, accounting, operations, audit, tax, billing, payroll, forecasting, and process improvement work
• A building environment: A firm that is continuing to grow, evolve, and invest in stronger systems, processes, and infrastructure
• A collaborative culture: A smart, supportive team that values accountability, judgment, follow-through, and high-quality work
• Technology-forward mindset: An environment where thoughtful use of technology, automation, and AI is encouraged to improve how work gets done
• Comprehensive benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, retirement plans, and more

Qualifications:

• Highly motivated with a strong work ethic, strong sense of ownership, and willingness to do what is needed to get the work done well
• Minimum 5 years of GAAP accounting experience required, with 3 years minimum at a professional services or similar firm
• Detail-oriented and accurate, with the ability to spot issues, ask thoughtful questions, and follow through to resolution
• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with financial statements, reconciliations, schedules, and variance analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain accounting matters clearly to non-accounting colleagues
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite with advanced Excel skills
• Strong time management skills, with the judgment to prioritize and shift between tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Agile, resourceful, and comfortable working independently while staying connected to the broader team
• Curious about technology, automation, and AI, with an appetite to learn and apply tools that can improve accounting processes and reduce manual work
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred