We're looking for a Senior Accountant who wants to do more than close the books. You'll own complex operational accounting processes end to end, become the go-to expert for the areas you run, and lead the push to automate the manual work that slows accounting down, bringing AI and emerging technology into reconciliations, exception review, and variance analysis with the controls and auditability to back it up. If you're the kind of accountant who spots the broken process before it becomes an audit finding and would rather rebuild it than work around it,
What you'll do at Avant:- Own complex operational accounting processes and month-end close activities, including preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, variance analysis, and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely execution
- Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned operational accounting areas, developing a strong understanding of end-to-end processes, systems, data flows, and upstream and downstream dependencies.
- Identify, investigate, and resolve accounting issues, unusual transactions, reconciliation differences, control exceptions, and process breakdowns, partnering with relevant stakeholders to drive timely and sustainable resolution.
- Support the continued development and execution of the company's SOX control environment, including process documentation, control execution, evidence retention, testing support, and remediation activities.
- Partner with Accounting, Finance, IT, and business stakeholders to strengthen internal controls over financial processes and embed effective, scalable controls into evolving workflows and systems.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration with business partners to improve data quality, clarify process ownership, resolve operational issues, and strengthen the accuracy and reliability of accounting processes.
- Drive continuous improvement across accounting workflows by identifying opportunities for automation, standardization, simplification and operational efficiency, with a focus on reducing manual effort and increasing scalability.
- Identify and implement appropriate uses of AI and emerging technologies within accounting workflows, including reconciliations, transaction review, exception identification, variance analysis, and other repetitive or data-intensive activities.
- Partner with Finance Systems, IT, and other stakeholders to ensure new systems, automation, and AI-enabled processes incorporate appropriate controls, governance, validation, and auditability by design.
- Develop and maintain accounting process documentation, standard operating procedures, desktop procedures, and control documentation to promote consistency, knowledge transfer, and operational resilience.
- Review and approve selected journal entries, reconciliations, controls and workpapers prepared by junior team members, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to established accounting and documentation standards.
- Mentor, coach, and develop staff accountants through knowledge sharing, feedback, and training, including strengthening capabilities in operational accounting, internal controls, systems, and process improvement.
- Lead or participate in strategic projects, system implementations, and process transformation initiatives impacting accounting operations, with an emphasis on scalability, control maturity, automation, and operational efficiency.
- Support internal and external audits through timely preparation of schedules, process documentation, control evidence and responses to auditor inquiries; proactively address findings and identified process improvements.
- Promote a culture of ownership, strong controls, continuous improvement, and thoughtful adoption of technology across accounting operations.
Why you're a fit for Avant:- Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA preferred.
- 4-7 years of progressive accounting experience, including experience owning complex accounting processes and month-end close responsibilities.
- Public accounting, FinTech, lending, financial services, or high-growth company experience are strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of the U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to independently analyze accounting issues, recommend solutions, and execute with limited supervision.
- Proven experience leading process improvement initiatives and leveraging technology to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP and close-management systems such as NetSuite, FloQast, or Workiva (Wdesk).
- Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments and levels of the organization.
- Experience reviewing work, mentoring team members, and serving as a resource for less experienced accountants.
- Strong analytical mindset, professional skepticism, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.
This role is based on our downtown Chicago Office, located in the Merchandise Mart. We highly value collaboration and our hybrid schedule (M, T, Th in-office) enables flexibility to balance work and individual priorities.
Compensation Range:The base salary range for this job is USD $75,000 - $ 110,000 / Year
Employees new to Avant typically come in below the midpoint of the pay range. The compensation range is based on the level outlined in the job posting, and compensation decisions are dependent on each applicant's experience, skills and abilities.
[If an outstanding applicant's experience and skill level is above or below the qualifications outlined in the job posting, we reserve the right to make an offer at a different level than the one listed in this job posting, which may have a different compensation range.]
This role is eligible for additional incentives, including an annual bonus. These rewards are allocated based on level, impact and performance in the role.
Our benefits include:- Choice of great Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plan options
- 401(k) match
- Flexible Time Off
- Flexible Work Environment - (i.e. Mon/Tues/Thurs in-person)
- Generous Paid Parental Leave, Adoption Assistance and Post-parental leave ramp-up program
- Lunch Allowance (Fooda) and In-office Snacks
- Summer Fridays
- Fun In-Office and Virtual Social Events
- And who doesn't love the swag
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