Senior Accountant

The Role:
As a Senior Accountant in the America's Accounting Team, you will play an integral role in all aspects of financial statement preparation, regulatory filings, general ledger accounting, Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance, automation and process improvements for America's ledger (Canada, USA, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil) as well as certain global responsibilities. This position reports to the Americas Accounting Manager.
This is a full-time position and is based in our Chicago office in the heart of the loop. We are operating in a hybrid environment where we are in-office 3 days/week.
Responsibilities:

• Research and resolve day-to-day general ledger accounting issues, and assist with the resolution of significant, complex, and/or unusual transactions to ensure proper application of US GAAP.
• Prepare and review SEC filing for Broker Dealer financial statements.
• Prepare and review statutory filings including financial statements and tax returns.
• Responsible for maintaining a complex calendar of regulatory filings and ensuring timely submission to government entities.
• Ensure continued compliance with internal control requirements (SOX focus) and identify process/control enhancements.
• Responsible for various monthly close activities, including preparing and/or reviewing various journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Coordinate with auditors and internal colleagues to assist in quarterly and year-end audit procedures, including audit requests; and advocate for accounting and other departments during the audit process.
• Prepare ad-hoc analyses for management and auditors, as needed.
• Assist in the creation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain relationships with various members of the organization in order to implement process improvements.
• Facilitate process automation for the controllership globally.
• Perform project management responsibilities for small to midsize projects within the controllership.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field is required.
• CPA or CPA candidate preferred.
• Minimum of three to five years of work experience in public accounting or industry.
• Financial statement preparation experience.
• Familiarity with regulatory filings a plus.
• Familiarity with international audit/tax coordination a plus.
• Ability to multi-task and manage shifting priorities and deadlines, with attention to detail, and an ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent control documentation skills and ability to mentor team members and business partners regarding SOX requirements.
• Excellent documentation skills supporting routine and non-routine transactions (audit support documentation level required).
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills; interpersonal skills.
• Strong skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word) - will be tested.
• Familiarity with accounting software is a plus, including Oracle, FCCS, Workiva, Asana, Blackline and Tableau.
• Experience with automation tools like Alteryx is a plus.

100_MstarResCanad Morningstar Research, Inc. (Canada) Legal Entity
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. We've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, at least three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.