Staff Accountant

Blue River PetCare; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Retirement plans with company match

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Disability, Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

CTA Transit Program Benefits

Discounted gym memberships

Job summary

Blue River PetCare is seeking a Staff Accountant to support monthly close, reporting, reconciliations, and tax filings. This hybrid role requires residence within 40 miles of the Chicago office and offers collaboration across the accounting team.

Ideal candidates have 1-2 years in Accounting/Finance, strong GAAP knowledge, Excel proficiency, and the ability to present complex information clearly. CPA a plus, with benefits including health and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of Accounting or Finance experience, preferably in Public Accounting
• Strong analytical and accounting skills required
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to present complex information clearly to varied audiences
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and meet deadlines
• Strong time management and prioritization to handle multiple projects

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, insightful, accurate financial reporting and analysis
• Complete monthly close activities with accurate statements
• Prepare and book monthly reconciliations and journal entries
• File Sales and Use Tax for each entity
• File Personal Property Tax annually or semi-annually
• Process and track Real Property Tax Payments
• Review invoices and print checks
• Prepare post-close reconciliations for newly acquired clinics
• Maintain fixed asset schedules
• Assist with year-end audits
• Review payments for large vendors paid on a consolidated basis
• Review credit card transactions processed by Accounts Payable
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Skills

GAAP

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Deadline oriented

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

CPA accreditation is a plus

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

This team member must live within 40 miles of Blue River PetCare's corporate office (1 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606) to work a hybrid schedule (two days per week in office).

The Staff Accountant performs key monthly accounting tasks and provides assistance to the Accounting Department on accounting and financial projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide timely, insightful, actionable, and accurate financial reporting and analysis
• Complete monthly close activities, ensuring financial statements are accurately and appropriately stated
• Prepare and books monthly account reconciliations and journal entries
• File Sales and Use Tax for each entity on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis
• File Personal Property Tax for each entity on an annual or semi-annual basis
• Process and track Real Property Tax Payments
• Review processed invoices and print checks
• Prepare post-close reconciliations for newly acquired clinics in a timely manner
• Maintain fixed asset schedules
• Assist with year-end financial audits
• Review and process payments for big vendors paid on a consolidated basis
• Review credit card transactions processed by the Accounts Payable Team
• Perform other duties as assigned, including special projects

Requirements

• 1-2 years of Accounting or Finance experience required, preferably in Public Accounting setting
• Strong analytical and accounting skills are a must
• Strong verbal and communication skills are necessary as this position will be required to present complex information in a clear, digestible manner
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organizational skills
• Proven track record of successfully meeting deadlines while producing high quality work
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results
• Ability to act and operate independently with minimal direction from manager to accomplish daily tasks
• Strong time management and prioritization skills are a must in order to complete multiple projects simultaneously

Technical Skills

• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field is required
• CPA accreditation is a plus

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, supplies, and office machinery
• The person in this position frequently communicates with managers at remote locations using email and phone; must be able to exchange clear, accurate information in these situations
• Occasionally moves equipment and supplies weighing up to 15 pounds
• The person in this position frequently communicates and collaborates with co-workers in the office
• Frequent keyboarding/use of computer for data entry

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $68,000-74,000 per year (no CPA) / $73,000-77,000 (CPA)

Blue River PetCare team members are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus program.

Blue River PetCare offers the following benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible & Health Spending Accounts
• Disability, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement plans with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, and Bereavement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Perks with industry vendor partners, including deals on insurance, preventatives, food, and supplies
• Chicago CTA Transit Program Benefits
• Discounted gym memberships for local Chicago team members
• Childcare discounts with KinderCare
• Exclusive travel, entertainment, and retail discounts