Accounting Associate (Sports)

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

Our client is a growing, private equity-backed sports and entertainment company headquartered in Chicago, looking for an Accounting Associate to join the team. This is a newly created role and an amazing opportunity for an early-career, tech-savvy accountant to break into the sports world and grow with a high-profile organization.

MUST HAVE 1+ years of accounting experience

Offices in Chicago - near the Bean | 5 days onsite

Key Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable, including invoice entry, coding, vendor payments, and vendor relationships
• Manage accounts receivable, including invoicing, collections follow-up, and cash application
• Process recurring payroll through ADP and support related reconciliations and HRIS tasks
• Handle day-to-day 401(k) administration, including contributions, employee support, and record keeping
• Support the accrual-based month-end close, including journal entries, accruals, prepaids, and bank and balance sheet reconciliations
• Maintain accurate, well-organized financial records and documentation in Microsoft Dynamics
• Assist with annual audit requests, schedules, and documentation
• Leverage AI tools to streamline routine reconciliation and reporting tasks
• Partner with the Accounting Manager and cross-functional teams to resolve vendor, billing, and payment issues
• Take on special projects and grow responsibilities as the finance team builds out

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• MUST HAVE 1+ years of accounting experience
• Hands-on Microsoft Dynamics or NetSuite experience strongly preferred
• Tech-savvy with strong Excel skills and comfort learning new tools, including AI
• Solid understanding of GAAP, accrual accounting, and month-end close fundamentals
• Background in sports, media, or agency settings a plus, but not required
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and eager to take ownership