Financial Analyst/Accountant Opportunity in Chicago, IL - Join Robert Half

Are you a detail-oriented financial professional with a passion for retail analytics? Robert Half is excited to present this exceptional Financial Analyst/Accountant role in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. This hybrid position offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 - $105,000, comprehensive benefits, and unmatched work-life balance. If you're seeking a high-paying job that values your time off and provides rapid career growth through internal promotions, this is your chance to thrive in a dynamic retail environment.

About the Role

As a Financial Analyst/Accountant, you'll be the backbone of financial operations for a retail-focused organization. Leveraging your expertise in accounting principles and retail knowledge, you'll deliver actionable insights, manage critical reporting, and support strategic decision-making. This role combines hands-on accounting with advanced analytics, focusing on sales performance, inventory optimization, and profitability drivers. Working in a hybrid setup in Chicago, IL, you'll enjoy flexibility while contributing to a team that prioritizes employee success and promotes from within. Ideal for professionals who excel in fast-paced retail settings, this position demands strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve a blend of core accounting duties and specialized retail analysis:

• Prepare detailed accounting reports, itemizing transactions into advanced spreadsheets for accuracy and efficiency.
• Perform in-depth variance analysis on retail performance metrics, spotting trends, risks, and opportunities to boost profitability.
• Analyze key data points like sales, gross margins, inventory levels, turnover rates, foot traffic, and basket size to inform business strategies.
• Collaborate on annual budgeting and financial forecasting, ensuring alignment with retail objectives and market demands.
• Monitor departmental budgets, flagging variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Generate timely financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
• Oversee general ledger activities, maintaining GAAP compliance and audit readiness.
• Handle reconciliations for retail-specific accounts, such as inventory, accounts payable, and receivable.
• Extract and interpret data from retail POS systems to support operational insights.
• Drive process streamlining in accounting and reporting, enhancing system visibility for stakeholders.

Accounts Receivable Expertise: Process invoices and payments, resolve disputes, maintain records, prepare aging reports, and aid collections.

Accounts Payable Management: Reconcile vendor invoices, update records, analyze reports, resolve discrepancies, and foster vendor relationships.

Sales Tax Compliance: File accurate returns, reconcile records, stay abreast of regulations, and support audits.

Required Qualifications

To succeed, you'll need:

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• At least 3-5 years of progressive experience in retail accounting, financial analysis, or a similar role.
• Proven retail industry knowledge, including POS systems, inventory metrics, and sales dynamics.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for spreadsheet development, data modeling, and visualization.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, financial planning, and compliance standards.
• Experience in AR/AP processes, sales tax filings, and variance analysis.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable retail insights.
• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder reporting and cross-functional collaboration.

Candidates with CPA certification, retail-specific software experience, or process automation skills will stand out.

Why Join Us?

This isn't just a job—it's a career accelerator. Enjoy a $100,000-$105,000 salary with full benefits: medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Revel in generous PTO that truly respects your work-life balance, setting us apart from competitors. Our hybrid model in vibrant Chicago, IL, offers the best of both worlds. With a promote-from-within philosophy, you'll have clear paths to advancement. Robert Half partners with top employers to deliver roles like this Financial Analyst/Accountant position, where your skills in retail financial analysis can make a real impact. Ready to elevate your career? Send your resume to john.sadofsky@roberthalf.c0m today and step into a role packed with perks, growth, and professional fulfillment. Keywords: Chicago financial analyst jobs, retail accountant, GAAP compliance roles, hybrid finance positions Illinois.