Job Description

Position: Lead Accountant

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Western Suburbs

Hours: Full-Time

The Company

We are in the process of identifying and meeting with qualified candidates for this exciting opportunity as a Lead Accountant for a private family office in the Chicagoland Area. The Family Office serves on a confidential basis the financial and personal needs of a single multigenerational family. The right candidate will thrive in our environment - service oriented and highly professional, while informal and friendly. The office culture is dynamic and will provide a diversity of experiences and challenges for the candidate.

The Position

The Lead Accountant will be responsible for the financial statements and tax preparation for all individuals and entities, and also for managing the accountant at a small start-up company. As a small family office, this is a very hands on role that requires collaboration and limited delegation.

Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

Cash Management Oversight

• Oversee cash transfers and deposits through weekly bill pay approval for individuals and entities, approve employee expense reports and manage petty cash
• Monitor and reconcile bank account statements
• Track budgets and spending against monthly liquidity needs

General Ledger

• Manage best practices for the internal accounting system (QuickBooks desktop) for individuals and entities
• Maintain chart of accounts and books and records for all individuals and certain investment partnerships
• Prepare journal entries and download bank transactions into QuickBooks
• Maintain cost basis for properties

Financial Statements and Entities

• Collaborate with Finance Associate to prepare quarterly reports for the Partners, including personal cash flow and net worth statements, expenditures vs. budgets, investment portfolio dashboards, charitable summaries and significant events
• Track trust reimbursements and budgets for Partners
• Track and oversee LLC filings
• Prepare other reports and analyses as requested

Tax Oversight

• Liaise with outside tax firms to exchange tax information, review individual and trust tax returns and assure timely filings and estimated payments made
• Prepare and send 1099s
• Review tax return for the family foundation
• Work with Partners to collect tax information and provide to tax preparers for individual and gift tax returns
• Research miscellaneous tax questions
• Follow up on and track tax notices with appropriate tax advisors throughout the year
• Prepare various tax analyses and monitor industry trends

Operating Company Accounting Oversight

• Supervise the Accountant at a small affiliated start-up company, overseeing financial statement preparation and miscellaneous reporting
• Collaborate with Accountant to fine tune inventory tracking and reconciliation processes and other accounting processes including purchase orders
• Implement internal controls where possible to mitigate risk

Qualifications and Pesonal Characteristics

• Dedicated to continuous improvement and efficiency; possesses a knack for maximizing time, prioritizing tasks and streamlining processes
• Strong spreadsheet and technology skills with desire to continuously automate existing processes
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across departments, work collaboratively, and manage conflict constructively
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor
• Strong work ethic and highly responsive, with client service mindset
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and environments
• 5-10 years of accounting and tax experience
• QuickBooks experience required
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel and demonstrated mastery of other relevant business tools and technologies
• 4- or 5-Year Degree in Accounting, with CPA
• Demonstrate highest level of integrity and confidentiality in all matters
• Background and reference checks required with employment offer
• As this employee will be asked to handle finances and credit as part of this job, each qualified candidate will be asked to authorize a credit review - in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The results of this review, which will be conducted at the employer's expense, will have a bearing in the final selection process.

Compensation and Benefits

The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation commensurate with experience. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental insurance, paid ­time-off, and 401 (k).