Accounting Associate

Accounting Associate, Corporate Accounting (Private Equity)

Chicago, IL - West Loop (hybrid, 3 days in office) | $100,000 to $120,000 base + 10% to 15% bonus

Our client is one of the largest private equity firms in the world, with a long Chicago history and offices across the US and Europe. They hire sharp people, train them well, and promote from within.

This Accounting Associate joins the corporate accounting team that keeps the firm's own books (the management company, not the funds). You will report to the Corporate Controller and own the close for a group of US and international entities. A separate team handles AP, AR, and expenses, so your focus is financial accounting and you will learn the business fast.

What you'll own

• Month-end and quarter-end close for about five entities, including the UK and Asia
• Journal entries, accruals, prepaids, and depreciation
• Intercompany allocations and invoicing
• Balance sheet reconciliations and GL review
• Monthly financial statements, management reports, and variance analysis
• Requests from external auditors and regulators
• Internal controls, policies, and process improvements, including AI tools
• Special projects with the Controller

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in accounting from a strong program, with a high GPA
• 2 to 5 years of accounting experience, with hands-on corporate accounting (close and journal entries)
• Corporate or private-side experience; a smaller company or family office background works well
• Strong U.S. GAAP and Excel skills
• Clear writing and speaking, and a high bar for accuracy
• Wants to learn and grow on the financial accounting side

Nice to have

• CPA (or in progress)
• Asset management, private equity, or family office experience
• Multi-entity or international entity accounting
• Sage Intacct or a similar system

Details

• Hybrid: 3 days a week in the West Loop office, more in office early on for training
• $100,000 to $120,000 base plus a 10% to 15% bonus
• Strong benefits: fully covered medical, dental, and vision, 401(k) match, and a co-invest program
• Catered lunch on office days, on-site gym, and team events
• A clear path to Senior Associate and Manager