Junior Staff Accountant

About the role

VSA is a strategy and design agency blending consumer insights and data with human-centered design. With offices in Chicago, New York and San Francisco, VSA offers branding, advertising, data science and technology—all under one roof. VSA is a member of Meet The People, an international family of unified and independent agencies. For more than 40 years, VSA has delivered solutions for clients including Google, Nike and IBM. This role is based in the VSA Chicago Office with a hybrid work schedule. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position; applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.

Role Overview

The Junior Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the Accounting Department's execution and processes of multiple entities. This individual works within a team to deliver accurate and timely information to team members, managers, and vendors. This role requires an individual who can work independently, apply policies and procedures to changing circumstances, and identify, evaluate and implement changes.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates vendor invoices and employee expense reports for appropriate documentation and approval prior to processing; processes related documents
• Evaluates and processes contractor timesheets and invoices
• Evaluates and processes credit card charges
• Coordinates the Accounts Payable payment process
• Analyzes vendor activity, accounts payable activities and financial accounts
• Maintains accounts payable documentation supporting client invoicing requirements
• Proposes changes to accounts payable processes supporting changing needs of the company
• Processes and analyzes payroll general ledger transactions
• Analyzes various general ledger accounts and maintains supporting schedules
• Supports the cash management processes
• Supports the month end close process
• Completes project work for development and improvement
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in a similar role required
• Experience with Microsoft 365 Business Central is a plus
• Residency within the Chicago Metro area required
• Proficient with email, spreadsheets and more (e.g., MS Office, Google docs)
• Ability to communicate effectively via multiple channels (verbal, written, etc.)
• Ability to be versatile and handle multiple projects and re-prioritizations
• Ability to organize information, requires attention to detail and accurately apply policies and procedures
• Understand and apply GAAP and accounting fundamentals
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, monitor own work to ensure quality
• Independent thinking, proactively propose change, and solicit feedback to improve performance
• Ability to work with outside vendors and internal team members in a professional manner

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required

Benefits

• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve–New Year's Day
• Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Pay

Chicago Estimated Salary Range: $65,000 USD - $70,000 USD