Sports Accounting Manager Jobs in Chicago Ridge, IL

Job Title: Staff Accountant

Department: Finance

Reports to: Manager, Accounting

# Direct Reports: 0

Location: United Center

Status: Exempt

Level: Emerging Professional

Compensation: The budgeted annual salary for this position is $60,000 – 65,000, with the final offer commensurate with experience and qualifications. This role is eligible to participate in the company's annual bonus program.

The Chicago Blackhawks is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Role Summary:

The Staff Accountant is a key contributor to the accounting and finance team, supporting the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of the organization’s financial reporting process. The role is responsible for completing bank reconciliations across several entities, maintaining accounts receivable, creating and maintaining invoices, verifying and reconciling account balances, and assisting with journal entries and other accounting processes in accordance with GAAP. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced sports environment and brings strong attention to detail and the highest level of integrity.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain ownership of the general ledger, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and appropriate accounting treatment for Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, Rockford IceHogs, Chicago Steel, and Blackhawks Ice Center.

• Perform detailed account reconciliations and support the month-end close process

• Prepare invoices and own monthly revenue close activities including preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations, deferred revenue rollforwards and revenue schedules

• Manage banking activities, reconciliations, and cash-related reporting

• Assist in the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements in accordance with GAAP

• Leverage the team’s ERP system (NetSuite) to drive reporting, reconciliations, and process efficiency

• Support the Finance department with any other needs or special projects

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

• 1-3 years of accounting experience, ideally including sports/entertainment industry experience

• Working knowledge of GAAP; detail oriented with a strong focus on accuracy of all reports and financials

• Strong proficiency with Excel and experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite) preferred

• CPA preferred

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines

• Strong interpersonal and proactive communication skills

• Passion for sports and understanding of the business of professional athletics a plus

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays, as may be dictated by game and event schedule

What It’s Like Working Here:

The Chicago Blackhawks experience isn’t just on the ice. Our office, located in the United Center, promotes a fun, engaging, fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere where we can celebrate both hockey and each other. Our commitment to curating an environment where all individuals feel empowered to bring their best self to work each day can be seen throughout our organization. Whether you are a job seeker looking to join the organization, a current member of our amazing team, or someone looking to help support our mission, our goal is the same – to reimagine the potential of hockey through memorable, inclusive experiences.

Perks and Benefits:

Competitive total rewards package, full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid life insurance), employee assistance program (EAP), comprehensive PTO package, social events, volunteer opportunities, and learning and development. Employer-paid breakfast, lunch, parking, on-site gym and training classes, employee ticket program, and more.

The Team:

The Chicago Blackhawks started their journey as one of the NHL’s “Original Six” professional ice hockey teams in 1926. Members of the Central Division in the NHL’s Western Conference and six-time Stanley Cup Champions (1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015), the team calls the United Center home.

The Chicago Blackhawks proudly show up every day to make Chicago Proud and reimagine the potential of hockey. At its core, the team and greater organization uphold its mission through its core values centered around integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality. They are fiercely dedicated to evolving and delivering new and legendary fan experiences and captivating new and diverse audiences, both on and off the ice. As part of their unwavering commitment to drive impact and purpose in the Chicago community, the organization opened the Fifth Third Arena (the team’s official practice facility and community space for youth hockey development), continues to make expansions to the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, and acquired the AHL team the Rockford IceHogs.

The Chicago Blackhawks continue to grow in its commitments to honor and celebrate Black Hawk's legacy by offering our platforms, making meaningful contributions, collaborating with Native American people, and reimagining ways to support the many Native American people and communities they live amongst and alongside. They engage in this work through their formal partnership with Black Hawk’s ancestral tribe, the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma, which the tribe established with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021.