Associate Accounting Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Topco Associates is currently seeking an Associate Accounting Manager for the Accounting team in Itasca, IL. This position will be a hybrid role, with the successful candidate conducting work in our Itasca office three times per week and virtually twice per week.

Topco’s mission is to deliver solutions that help our member owners, regional retailers, and wholesalers achieve a competitive advantage. We are committed to building high-performing, diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve and drive innovation across our business.

BASIC PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Associate Accounting Manager is responsible for leading complex general accounting activities while serving as a technical resource and mentor to the accounting team. This role partners closely with the Controller and Assistant Controller to ensure the integrity of the Company's financial records, support the month-end close process, strengthen internal controls, and drive continuous process improvement.

The Associate Accounting Manager performs advanced accounting analysis, reviews key reconciliations and journal entries, assists with financial reporting, supports external audit and tax activities, and leads cross-functional accounting initiatives. While this position does not have full departmental management responsibility, it provides day-to-day guidance, coaching, and technical oversight to accounting staff and serves as a key resource within the Accounting department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

General Accounting

• Involved in accounting activities supporting the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure accuracy and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Analyze financial results, identify unusual trends and variances, and communicate findings to Accounting leadership.
• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger by ensuring financial transactions are properly recorded and documented.
• Research technical accounting issues and recommend appropriate accounting treatment.

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Assist in coordinating the monthly close process to ensure timely completion of reporting deadlines.
• Review balance sheet reconciliations and investigate complex accounting issues.
• Assist with the preparation of internal and external financial reporting.
• Prepare financial analyses and supporting schedules for management review.

Process Improvement & Internal Controls

• Develop, document, and improve accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Identify opportunities to automate, streamline, and improve accounting processes.
• Support compliance with Company accounting policies and internal control requirements.
• Recommend solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency within the Accounting department.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide day-to-day guidance, technical support, and mentoring to Staff and Senior Staff Accountants.
• Review work prepared by team members and provide constructive feedback to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist with onboarding and training new accounting staff.
• Serve as a technical resource for resolving complicated accounting questions.
• Lead or participate in departmental projects and initiatives that support Accounting and Finance objectives.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Support annual external audit activities by preparing schedules and responding to audit requests.
• Assist with tax reporting and regulatory compliance activities as assigned.
• Ensure accounting records are maintained in accordance with Company policies and applicable accounting standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with FP&A, Sales Accounting, Treasury, and other departments to resolve accounting matters and improve financial reporting.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA

Successful performance of these job functions should result in:

• Accurate and timely completion of month-end close activities.
• High-quality journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Accurate financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Company policies.
• Continuous improvement of accounting processes and internal controls.
• Effective mentoring and technical development of accounting staff.
• Successful completion of audit and compliance activities.
• Strong collaboration across Accounting and Finance functions.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA license, CPA eligibility, or active pursuit of CPA certification preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and accounting research skills.
• Knowledge of internal controls and financial reporting processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Previous Experience

• Five to six years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Preferred experience includes approximately two years of public accounting or audit experience, followed by two to three years of accounting experience within a private or publicly traded (SEC reporting) company.
• Experience supporting month-end close, financial reporting, and external audit activities required.
• Experience reviewing the work of others or serving in an informal leadership capacity preferred.

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and influence others without direct supervisory authority.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• High degree of initiative, integrity, accountability, and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify efficiencies and implement process improvements.
• Ability to work independently while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Topco strives for an inclusive workplace that reflects our member shopper’s communities. If your experience similarly reflects what you see listed in the job description, please consider applying, as individuals come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence; therefore, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

Topco is an equal employment opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis, including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, political belief, veteran's status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the interview process.

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO and HDHP offered)
• Health Savings Account
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Annual flexible spending accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive 401(k) match
• Generous PTO offered