Associate Principal, Accounting

Posted 2 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Chicago, IL
Hybrid
91K-120K Annually
Mid level
Big Data • Cloud • Fintech • Information Technology • Financial Services
We clear and settle trades for the options industry.
The Role
The Associate Principal of Accounting oversees daily accounting operations, ensures compliance and accuracy in financial reporting, and supports tax preparation and audits. The role requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, while providing insights for financial analysis and process improvements.
Summary Generated by Built In
*****THIS POSITION IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR VISA SPONSORSHIP*****

What You'll Do:

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our Accounting team. In this role, you will oversee daily operations of several accounting functions, maintain critical financial records including prepaid and fixed asset ledgers, and provide analytical support for financial reporting and compliance activities. This position requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, regulated environment while demonstrating strong analytical skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to effectively multitask and prioritize competing responsibilities. You will work closely with Accounting Management and the broader Corporate Finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting and operational excellence.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

Financial Operations & Transaction Processing

  • Review and approve accounts payable invoices within the accounting system, ensuring accuracy, proper general ledger coding, and compliance with internal controls
  • Oversee accounts receivable operations including invoice generation, cash application, aging analysis, and collection activities
  • Process, reconcile, and allocate transactions based on chart of accounts, department codes, and project classifications
  • Reconcile payroll accounts to the general ledger
  • Prepare monthly journal entries to accrue estimated bonus and other employee benefit expenses
  • Prepare and maintain prepaid expense and fixed asset subledgers, ensuring proper capitalization, amortization, and depreciation in accordance with US GAAP
  • Liaise with internal departments and external vendors to expedite payment cycles and resolve billing discrepancies in a timely, professional manner

Financial Close & Reporting

  • Review and analyze general ledger accounts for accuracy and completeness, performing detailed account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts
  • Prepare month-end, quarter-end, and year-end journal entries and account reconciliations in accordance with established close calendars
  • Analyze monthly financial variances and prepare clear, concise explanations for management review
  • Collaborate with the Finance team to analyze financial performance against budget and forecast, providing insights and commentary
  • Assist in the preparation of quarterly and annual financial statements, footnotes, and regulatory filings

Compliance, Tax & Retirement Plan Support

  • Assist with quarterly and annual tax preparation, including gathering supporting documentation and coordinating with external tax advisors
  • Support completion of Form 5500 filings and preparation of Retirement Plan and 401(k) financial statements
  • Support SOC 1 audit procedures by preparing requested schedules, documentation, and responding to auditor inquiries
  • Continuously evaluate and enhance accounting procedures, controls, and workflows to drive accuracy and efficiency

Leadership & Process Improvement

  • Monitor accounting staff activities and provide recommendations for process improvements and operational efficiencies
  • Lead and spearhead ad-hoc projects and special analyses as assigned by management
  • Serve as backup support for other Accounting department roles during peak periods or staff absences

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior accounting staff and monitor staff activities.

Qualifications

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

Required:

Professional Competencies

  • Exceptional attention to detail with demonstrated commitment to accuracy and quality
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound business judgment
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly articulate complex financial concepts
  • Outstanding customer service orientation with both internal and external stakeholders
  • Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with ability to work effectively across the organization
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while knowing when to escalate issues

Technical Skills

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, complex formulas, data analysis)
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting
  • 3-5 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in financial services or a regulated environment
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)

    Preferred:

    • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or active pursuit of certification
    • Experience with Oracle or other enterprise-level ERP accounting systems
    • Prior SEC reporting or regulatory work environment experience
    • Experience with tax compliance, documentation preparation, and coordination with external tax advisors
    • Knowledge of SOC 1/SOC 2 control frameworks and audit processes
    • Experience supporting retirement plan administration and Form 5500 preparation
    • Familiarity with derivatives clearing or financial markets infrastructure

    About Us

    The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) is the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization. Founded in 1973, OCC is dedicated to promoting stability and market integrity by delivering clearing and settlement services for options, futures and securities lending transactions. As a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility (SIFMU), OCC operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. OCC has more than 100 clearing members and provides central counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement services to 19 exchanges and trading platforms. More information about OCC is available at www.theocc.com.

    Benefits

    A highly collaborative and supportive environment developed to encourage work-life balance and employee wellness. Some of these components include:

    • A hybrid work environment, up to 2 days per week of remote work
    • Tuition Reimbursement to support your continued education
    • Student Loan Repayment Assistance
    • Technology Stipend allowing you to use the device of your choice to connect to our network while working remotely
    • Generous PTO and Parental leave
    • 401k Employer Match
    • Competitive health benefits including medical, dental and vision

    Visit https://www.theocc.com/careers/thriving-together for more information.

    Compensation

    • The salary range listed for any given position is exclusive of fringe benefits and potential bonuses. If hired at OCC, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, experience and/or education.
    • In addition, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
    • We typically do not hire at the maximum of the range in order to allow for future and continued salary growth. We also offer a substantial benefits package as noted on www.theocc.com/careers
    • All employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus. Discretionary bonuses are based on various factors, including, but not limited to, company and individual performance and are not guaranteed.

    Salary Range

    $90,900.00 - $119,700.00

    Incentive Range

    8% to 15%

    This position is eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award, for which the target range is listed above (see Incentive Range). The amount of such award, if any, will be based on various factors, including without limitation, both individual and company performance.

    Step 1
    When you find a position you're interested in, click the 'Apply' button. Please complete the application and attach your resume.  

    Step 2
    You will receive an email notification to confirm that we've received your application.

    Step 3
    If you are called in for an interview, a representative from OCC will contact you to set up a date, time, and location. 

    For more information about OCC, please click here.

    OCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer

    Top Skills

    Excel
    Microsoft Office Suite
    Oracle Or Other Enterprise-Level Erp Accounting Systems

    What the Team is Saying

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    The Company
    HQ: Chicago, IL
    1,200 Employees
    Year Founded: 1973

    What We Do

    As the foundation for secure markets, OCC is a customer-driven organization that delivers world-class Risk Management, Clearing, and Settlement Services for a sophisticated mix of financial products that includes standard options, stock loans, and futures contracts.

    Why Work With Us

    We're bound together by values and behaviors that shape the way we work and live, from team projects to after-hours events and to making a difference in our communities. OCC colleagues thrive in an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, creative problem-solving and effective interaction.

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    OCC Offices

    Hybrid Workspace

    Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.

    A hybrid work environment, up to 2 days per week of remote work

    Typical time on-site: 3 days a week
    Company Office Image
    HQChicago, IL
    Company Office Image
    Dallas, TX
    Company Office Image
    Washington, DC
    Learn more

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