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Financial Accounting Jobs in Chicago, IL

Accounting Manager

Alera Group

Chicago, Illinois

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Accounting, Accounting Close, Accounting Policies, Ad Hoc Financial Modeling, Administrative Skills, Automation, Balance Sheet, Benchmarking, Brokerage, Budgeting, Business Support, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Commission Calculation, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corporate Policies, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Decision Support, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Employee Benefits, External Audit, Finance, Financial Analysis, Financial Reporting, Financial Services, Financial Strategy, Forecasting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Insurance, Internal Audit, Journal Entries, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, NetSuite, Operations, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Improvement, Project/Program Management, Property and Casualty Insurance, Public Accounting, Reconciliation, Regulations, Risk Analysis, Sales Commission, Tax Returns, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Time Management, Trend Analysis, Variance Analysis, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Chicago, Illinois
POSTED
10 days ago
OVERVIEW

Accounting Manager
Location: Hybrid - Grand Rapids, MI

About Alera Group

Founded in 2017, Alera Group has grown to become the 14th largest broker of U.S. business. We serve clients across Employee Benefits, Property & Casualty Insurance, and Financial Services. With offices nationwide, we combine national strength with local service through a deeply collaborative approach.



The Accounting Manager is responsible for the accurate and timely execution of accounting and financial reporting activities for various offices within the Midwest Region. This is a tactical, hand-on role overseeing daily accounting operations with focus on month-end close execution, balance sheet integrity, producer-related reporting, and commission calculations.



Why Alera Group
  • Make an Impact: Your work supports businesses and individuals in protecting what matters most.
  • Grow With Us: We invest in development, mentorship, and long-term career growth.
  • The Collaborative Way: We believe in accountability, teamwork, and shared success across all offices and lines of business.
  • National Strength. Local Heart: Scale, resources, and expertise - with relationships that feel personal.

RESPONSIBILITIES

What You'll Do
Responsibilities for this role include:
  • Supporting strategic finance initiatives that drive operational excellence, scalability, and organizational growth
  • Partnering with cross-functional teams, including regional and local leadership and operations, to interpret financial results and support decision-making
  • Managing month-end close activities, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and financial statement analysis
  • Supporting office-level reporting of new business, lost business, variance analysis, and related financial inputs
  • Preparing and calculating commission payables and producer book reporting
  • Leading budgeting, forecasting, benchmarking, and ad hoc financial analysis
  • Analyzing financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement
  • Ensuring compliance with company policies, U.S. GAAP, and applicable regulatory and audit requirements
  • Supporting audit and tax processes through preparation of schedules, documentation, and coordination with external auditors
  • Assisting with financial integration of newly acquired firms
  • Driving process improvements, close efficiencies, and automation initiatives
  • Providing oversight and development support for accounting team members as needed
  • Contributing to a collaborative culture that supports colleagues across Alera Group's national network

QUALIFICATIONS

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
  • 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
  • Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements
  • Experience in a corporate accounting, public accounting, or multi-entity environment
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
What Sets You Up for Success
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
  • Strong sense of accountability and ownership for accuracy, deadlines, and outcomes
  • Curiosity and willingness to continuously improve accounting processes and controls
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to balance detailed execution and broader business impact
  • Commitment to supporting a performance-based and client-focused culture
  • Comfort leading and developing team members while driving consistent execution
Preferred Qualifications
  • Supervisory or people-management experience
  • Experience in the insurance industry
  • Experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite or Workday
  • Understanding of internal controls and audit support
  • CPA or progress toward CPA certification

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Compensation:
Salary range: $85,000 - $115,000 per year

Benefits:
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About the Company

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Alera Group

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