Staff Accountant

Morningstar; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Morningstar in Chicago invites an Accountant to join a full-time hybrid team, four days in-office. The role supports monthly close, prepares financial statements, maintains records, and ensures US GAAP compliance across the Americas. You'll analyze accounts, assist audits, and drive process improvements using data analytics and automation.

This early-career position emphasizes developing technical accounting and analytic skills within a corporate accounting and controllership framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 1-3 years of public or corporate accounting experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and Office; ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial statements and support monthly close.
• Maintain accounting records and ensure SOX compliance.
• Analyze accounts and resolve variances.
• Assist with audits and auditor requests.
• Drive process improvements with data analytics and automation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Oracle

ARCS

FCCS

Workiva

Power BI

Tableau

Alteryx

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Accountant | Morningstar

The Tone:

This is a full-time role at Morningstar, located in Chicago, operating in a hybrid environment with team members working in the office four days per week. Morningstar is an organization focused on supporting financial professionals through accurate financial statements and compliance across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Morningstar's financial information, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, and developing technical accounting and analytical skills within a corporate accounting and controllership framework.

The TL;DR

• Role: Early Career
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Hybrid, Chicago, IL
• Pay: $74325-$109008 yearly
• Team: Reports to Americas Accounting Manager
• Mission: Supports the preparation of accurate financial statements, maintenance of accounting records, account reconciliations, and compliance across multiple countries to ensure the integrity of financial information.
• Tech Stack: Oracle, ARCS, FCCS, Workiva, Power BI, Tableau, Alteryx, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office applications

What You'll Actually Do

• Prepare Financial Statements: Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting schedules, and assist in preparing statutory financial statements and regulatory filings.
• Maintain Records and Compliance: Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP, company policies, and internal control requirements, and support Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.
• Analyze Accounts: Perform account analyses, investigate variances, and resolve unusual transactions or accounting issues to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Support Audits: Assist with quarterly and annual audits by responding to auditor requests and preparing necessary supporting schedules.
• Drive Process Improvement: Utilize data analytics, automation platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance the efficiency, documentation, reporting, and account analysis activities, and contribute to the maintenance of accounting policies and procedures.

The Must-Haves

• Background: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with an understanding of accounting principles and financial statement preparation.
• Experience: 1-3 years of experience in public accounting, corporate accounting, or a combination, including preparing journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines; strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Bonus: CPA eligibility or interest in pursuing the CPA designation; interest in leveraging technology, automation, data analytics, and AI-enabled tools; experience with financial systems such as Oracle, ARCS, FCCS, Workiva, Power BI, Tableau, or Alteryx.