Staff Accountant

Imperative Logistics; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperative Logistics in Barrington, IL seeks a Staff Accountant to support the Global Forwarding segment's accounting and financial reporting. This onsite role reports to the Segment Controller and covers month-end close, reconciliations, and audits, collaborating with accounting, operations, and management.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance, at least 5 years of full-cycle accounting experience, and strong GAAP knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience with responsibility for full-cycle accounting functions.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Public accounting experience and/or active CPA license preferred.
• Experience preparing journal entries, maintaining ledgers, and performing reconciliations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Experience with multi-entity/matrix structures preferred.
• Experience with logistics software like CargoWise, Sage Intacct, or Concur is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide support in month-end close, cash management, account analysis, expense report review, and payroll accounting activities for assigned segments.
• Assist with timely monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for Global Forwarding.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Analyze financial data to ensure compliance with GAAP and internal controls.
• Support external audits and borrowing base audits by preparing schedules and documentation.
• Assist with integration of newly acquired entities and transition of financial reporting.
• Partner with Operations and Sales to develop meaningful financial reporting and metrics.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc analyses as needed.
• Identify opportunities to automate and improve accounting processes for efficiency and scalability.

Skills

GAAP

Public accounting

Analytical skills

Cross-functional work

Financial reporting

Excel (advanced)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

CPA license preferred

Tools

CargoWise

Sage Intacct

Concur

Job description

Our Global Forwarding segment specializes in complex air, ocean and ground shipments and customs brokerage services. We have over 30 licensed U.S. Customs Brokers in our offices. We have expertise in various industries, from technology, aerospace, energy, specialty automotive and life sciences. We have a physical presence from coast-to-coast and have an extensive global network of partners that support your supply chain. Imperative Logistics is the team you call when the stakes are the highest. The Staff Accountant will be responsible for providing high-level support to the Segment Controller in managing the accounting and financial reporting functions for the Global Forwarding business segment. This position is based onsite in Barrington, IL and offers an hourly pay range of $30.00 - $45.00 per hour , depending on experience and qualifications.

Reporting directly to the Global Forwarding Segment Controller, this individual will partner closely with accounting, operations, sales, and management teams to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timely reporting of financial information.

The Staff Accountant will play a key role in supporting month-end close activities, financial analysis, reconciliations, audits, process improvements, and business growth initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and enjoys collaborating across multiple departments to drive operational and financial success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide support in various aspects of the accounting process, including month-end close, cash management, account analysis, expense report review and approval, and payroll accounting activities for assigned business segments.
• Assist with the timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the Global Forwarding segment.
• Prepare, review, and maintain balance sheet account reconciliations and work collaboratively with team members to investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Analyze financial data and transactions to ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal controls.
• Support external financial statement audits and borrowing base audits by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, and responding to audit requests in a timely manner.
• Assist with the integration of newly acquired entities, including accounting process alignment, system transitions, and financial reporting support.
• Partner with Operations and Sales teams to develop meaningful financial reporting, performance metrics, and analytical tools that support business growth and informed decision-making.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Imperative Logistics Group's service offerings, operational processes, and overall business model.
• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis projects as assigned.
• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve accounting and reporting processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Provide exceptional customer service and support to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in conferences, meetings, training programs, and professional development opportunities as applicable.
• Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience with responsibility for full-cycle accounting functions.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Public accounting experience and/or active CPA license preferred.
• Experience preparing journal entries, maintaining general ledgers, and performing account reconciliations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership teams, including CFOs, CEOs, Presidents, and other senior leaders.
• Understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, and audit processes.
• Experience assessing, documenting, and improving accounting procedures and controls.
• Demonstrated success in streamlining processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, data analysis, and financial modeling.
• Experience working within multi-entity and matrix organizational structures preferred.
• Experience with CargoWise, Sage Intacct, Concur, or similar ERP and logistics software preferred.
• Experience within freight forwarding, logistics, transportation, supply chain, or re