Associate Internal Controls Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Are you a technical accounting expert ready to take your expertise to the next level with public and pre-IPO companies? At Cohen & Co, we prioritize a people-first culture and professional growth, giving you the opportunity to work directly with clients on meaningful, high-impact engagements.

As a Director on our Technical Accounting & SEC Reporting team, you will lead technical accounting consultations, SEC filings, and internal controls programs for public and pre-IPO clients, managing complex transactions and compliance requirements with precision and rigor. This role offers exposure to complex client structures, the chance to provide strategic insights, and the opportunity to grow your career within a collaborative, learning-focused environment where your contributions truly make an impact.

Technical Accounting & Advisory

• Lead technical accounting consultations on complex transactions, including business combinations (ASC 805), revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), debt and equity transactions, impairments and restructurings, consolidations and variable interest entities, and tax equity partnerships and energy credits.
• Research accounting issues and draft comprehensive technical accounting memoranda.
• Provide accounting policy development and implementation support.
• Advise management teams on the impact of new accounting standards and emerging regulatory guidance.
• Review and approve technical accounting analyses prepared by managers and staff.

SEC Reporting & Financial Reporting

• Lead the preparation and review of SEC filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, Form 8-K, registration statements (S-1 and S-4), and proxy statements.
• Review financial statements, footnote disclosures, and Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A).
• Advise clients on SEC disclosure requirements and reporting best practices.
• Support IPO readiness, public company compliance initiatives, and transaction-related reporting requirements.
• Coordinate filing timelines and work directly with executive management, legal counsel, and external auditors.

Internal Controls, SOX & COSO

• Lead SOX 404 compliance programs for public and pre-IPO companies.
• Assess the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.
• Develop and enhance internal control frameworks aligned with COSO principles.
• Perform controls risk assessments, walkthroughs, control testing, and remediation planning.
• Assist clients with disclosure controls and procedures.
• Evaluate control deficiencies and advise management on remediation strategies.
• Support internal audit and audit readiness initiatives.

Client Experience

• Serve as the primary client contact on engagements.
• Develop trusted relationships with CFOs, Controllers, Chief Accounting Officers, Private Equity sponsors, and executive leadership.
• Identify opportunities to expand service offerings and provide additional value to clients.
• Manage engagement economics, budgets, staffing, and timelines.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor managers, senior associates, and staff.
• Review deliverables and ensure technical excellence.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Participate in practice development, recruiting, and thought leadership initiatives.
• Contribute to the growth of the firm's technical accounting and financial reporting capabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; active CPA license.
• Extensive experience in public accounting, technical accounting advisory, or corporate financial reporting for public or pre-IPO companies.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting requirements, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and registration statements.
• Demonstrated experience leading SOX 404 compliance programs and internal controls frameworks aligned with COSO principles.
• Strong technical writing, project management, and client relationship skills.

Preferred Experience

• Big Four or national firm experience.
• Experience supporting IPO readiness and transaction-related reporting.
• Exposure to tax equity partnerships and energy credit accounting.
• Experience mentoring managers and senior staff.

#LifeatCohen

Sure, we like numbers. (But we'll never treat you like one.)

At Cohen & Co our foundational principles offer insight into how we achieve an inclusive, growth-oriented culture that fuels the success of our firm, our clients and our people. In particular, we honor our foundational principle of "great people first" by:

• Championing the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion by embracing the unique stories, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that come from our people; and
• Offering a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewardspackage, which allows each employee to use the benefits that best suits their needs. Our offerings go beyond standard options, including time off outside of your standard PTO to give back to the community, annual discretionary merit increases and bonuses, talent development resources to tap into growth opportunities, and so much more!

• Discover our Passion, Purpose & Expertise
• Learn more about our Firm's culture

*Base compensation offered to candidates are determined based on factors such as candidate's relevant skillset, experience, licensure, and certifications, as well as job responsibilities, geography, market considerations, and organizational needs. At Cohen & Co, we don't stop at setting ourselves apart by offering competitive base compensation. As part of our 'great people first' foundational principle, our firm offers a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that allows each employee to design a package that best suits their needs and goes beyond standard options, including time off outside of your standard PTO to recharge and give back to the community, annual discretionary merit increases and bonuses, talent development resources to tap into growth opportunities.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity of thought and background to build an inclusive and energized culture and better meet the needs of our clients.

Agency recruiters may not submit unsolicited candidate information or resumes to any Cohen & Co employee without a recruiting services contract first being entered into with the Cohen & Co Talent Acquisition Team; see policy here.