Staff Accountant - Partner Accounting - Sidley Austin LLP

Summary

The staff accountant position reports to the Partner Accounting Operations (PAO) Manager and supports other department staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the Firm's Cash Management team to ensure the timely and accurate payout of authorized payments to global partners;
• Maintain bank account set-ups and ensure accurate and confidential posting of payments;
• Develop an understanding of international banking protocols and deadlines;
• Reconcile general ledger activity to ensure timely posting of payments;
• Prepare and respond to income verification requests for partners;
• Prepare ad hoc reports from the general ledger system;
• Track and monitor partner payments and missing time entries;
• Assist with review and monthly posting of partner statements;
• Prepare journal entries and review general ledger account activity;
• Assist in review of annual partner package reports;
• Perform PAO Staff Accountant duties as backup;
• Work on special projects as assigned;
• Provide general administrative assistance as needed such as maintaining data in proprietary partner accounting system (PRISM) and other systems;
• Work additional hours as required;
• Communicate effectively with other departments and outside parties;
• Provide high quality customer service to the Firm's partners; and
• Develop a strong understanding of Firm operations and the law firm industry

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below.  The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited and approved college or university (Accounting degree preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years accounting or relevant cash management experience
• Ability to use various software/mainframe applications.
• Strong Excel skills, including experience with Pivot tables.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated technical and analytical skills within their professional background

Other Skills and Abilities:

In addition to the above, the following are required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgement
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work well under pressure, and
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer