Senior Associate (Finance & Accounting Advisory)

Associate / Senior Associate – Finance & Accounting Advisory

National Business Advisory Firm | Chicago, IL

Compensation

• Target First-Year Compensation: $130,000–$150,000
• Higher compensation available for more experienced professionals
• Performance-based incentive opportunities with significant upside

Work Model

• Hybrid work environment: Client-facing role with flexibility to work onsite when required by project teams...HQ for company is in Chicago.

Company Overview

• We are partnering with a nationally recognized advisory organization that works directly with finance leadership teams at large enterprises on high-impact business initiatives. The firm specializes in helping organizations navigate periods of growth, transformation, complexity, and change through embedded finance and accounting leadership support.
• Unlike traditional public accounting environments, professionals are engaged in project-based work focused on strategic business initiatives rather than recurring assurance or compliance services.

The Opportunity

• This role is designed for high-performing accounting and finance professionals seeking broader exposure beyond traditional audit or assurance work.
• Associates work directly alongside CFOs, Controllers, Finance Directors, and operational leadership teams on critical business initiatives, gaining exposure to a wide variety of finance and accounting disciplines while developing strong business and leadership skills.
• Projects are typically long enough to create meaningful impact while providing opportunities to gain exposure to multiple industries, organizations, and business challenges over time.

Areas of Exposure

Professionals may support initiatives involving:

• Financial reporting and compliance
• Finance transformation and process improvement
• Corporate accounting and controllership functions
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Business integrations and organizational change initiatives
• Transaction-related projects
• Financial systems and reporting enhancements
• Operational finance and performance analysis
• Internal controls and governance initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance & Accounting Support

• Partner with client finance organizations on critical business initiatives
• Assist leadership teams in improving reporting, processes, and financial visibility
• Support complex accounting and finance projects requiring analytical and technical expertise
• Contribute to cross-functional projects involving finance, operations, and executive leadership

Business Advisory & Problem Solving

• Analyze financial and operational information to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Assist organizations in addressing business challenges and process inefficiencies
• Support implementation of best practices and scalable operating procedures
• Participate in strategic initiatives impacting finance and accounting organizations

Stakeholder Interaction

• Work directly with senior finance and accounting leaders
• Build strong relationships with client stakeholders
• Present findings, recommendations, and project updates to leadership teams
• Operate in highly visible environments requiring professionalism and strong communication skills

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required
• 3 years of experience in public accounting, assurance, or financial reporting environments
• Experience serving publicly traded companies or large, complex organizations preferred
• CPA or progress toward CPA preferred
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, project-based environments
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills

Preferred Backgrounds

• Big 4 accounting firms
• National public accounting firms
• Public company audit and assurance professionals
• SEC reporting or SOX exposure
• Professionals seeking broader finance and accounting experience beyond traditional audit paths

Why This Opportunity

• Exposure to a broad range of finance and accounting disciplines
• Direct interaction with executive leadership teams
• Accelerated professional development and mentorship
• Opportunity to work on high-impact business initiatives
• Strong compensation model with meaningful upside potential
• Diverse project experience without changing employers frequently
• Clear long-term career development opportunities within a growing advisory platform