Staff Accountant

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment that values exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, we invite you to consider joining our Accounting and Analysis department in our Chicago office as a Staff Accountant.

The Staff Accountant plays a key role in supporting the Firm’s accounting and financial reporting functions by ensuring the accurate and timely recording, reconciliation, and analysis of financial transactions. Working collaboratively with team members across Accounting, FP&A, and business operations, the Staff Accountant helps maintain the integrity of financial data, supports month-end and year-end close processes, and contributes to process improvement initiatives. The role requires strong attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and a proactive approach to problem-solving while supporting the Firm’s operational and financial objectives.

Essential Functions: 

Accounting & Analysis

• Support the Firm-wide monthly financial close process, ensuring timely execution, consistency with accounting policies and procedures, and a high standard of accuracy and transparency
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules while maintaining strong balance sheet governance and timely resolution of reconciling items
• Support internal controls and compliance efforts by helping ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial data and processes
• Contribute to process improvement, automation, and systems enhancement initiatives that increase efficiency, strengthen controls, and improve reporting capabilities
• Support internal and external audits, special projects, ad hoc analyses, and other initiatives while continuously developing accounting, analytical, and business acumen
• Forge a strong relationship with other members of the Accounting team as well as other groups across the Firm (FP&A & other financial services, Commercial, HR, IT, etc)

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
• Advanced Degree in Business/Finance/Accounting and/or CPA is a plus

Professional Experience: 

• 0-1 years of experience in Accounting or related finance discipline

Technical Skills:

• Strong Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills required
• Aderant or equivalent general ledger system a plus

Performance Traits:

• Team player looking to grow and develop
• Ability to learn new concepts and skills quickly
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and quantitative skills, with exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to “think outside the box” and embrace continuous change
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on effectively articulating ideas, results of financial analysis and actionable recommendations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to effectively cultivate relationships with cross-functional colleagues and business leaders
• Ability to handle confidential information and exercise sound judgement

Physical Requirements:

• May require travel to other offices as needed

This description is not exhaustive, and the Firm may modify it at any time at its sole discretion; nothing herein creates an employment contract or alters the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email [email protected]. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-PT1