Accounting & Finance Specialist

Accounting & Finance Specialist Evaluation Zone Inc Chicago, IL Job Details Full-time $70,000 - $85,000 a year 10 hours ago Benefits 401(k) 3% Match Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off 401(k) matching Qualifications Business financial process improvement Accounting systems Financial close processing Financial data reconciliation Automation Process improvement Mid-level Client invoicing QuickBooks Online OCR QuickBooks ACH CRM system proficiency AI Month-end close Leadership Communication skills Payroll processing ChatGPT Full Job Description Accounting & Finance Specialist Please note: This is not a fully remote role. The position begins onsite for training and integration, with transition to a hybrid schedule (3 onsite days per week) after ramp-up and successful role ownership. High-Ownership Role | Growth + Systems Focus We are hiring an Accounting & Finance Specialist to join a fast-growing Appraisal Management Company (AMC) based in Chicago. This is a hands-on, high-accountability role for someone who thrives in daily accounting operations, stays ahead of tasks without being reminded, and is excited about improving how things work — not just maintaining them. If you like structure, ownership, problem-solving, and making systems better than you found them, this role will feel like home. Who You Are You're someone who thrives in a structured environment, enjoys improving systems, and takes pride in accuracy. You like being trusted with meaningful responsibilities and want to work in a place where your ideas matter. You're proactive, organized, and motivated by doing things the right way — not the fastest way. What Makes This Role Different This is not a passive bookkeeping job. You will own core financial operations end-to-end, including: Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable Payroll processing Vendor & appraiser payments Client invoicing and collections Bank & credit card reconciliations Monthly close support State licensing and compliance tracking Vendor onboarding follow-ups (W-9s, ACH, profiles) You will also play a key role in: Identifying gaps in workflows Improving accounting processes Supporting automation initiatives Exploring AI-driven efficiencies in finance and accounting We value people who naturally ask: "How can this be faster, cleaner, or more automated?" The Impact You'll Have Your work directly affects: Cash flow Vendor and appraiser satisfaction Client billing accuracy Compliance readiness Operational efficiency Leadership decision-making This is a role where your accuracy and follow-through keep the business running smoothly every single day. ️ Tools & Software You'll Use Experience with these tools is helpful, but we're open to training the right candidate: QuickBooks (Online) Excel (intermediate to advanced) CRM or workflow tools Banking portals & reconciliation tools AI-enabled tools (Chat

GPT, OCR

tools, automation scripts) How You'll Work This role works closely with the President of the company on financial priorities and operational follow-ups. This is a high-trust, high-visibility role — not an assistant position. You are expected to own your responsibilities fully, follow through consistently, and help keep financial operations running smoothly and proactively. What You'll Bring Strong accounting fundamentals (AP, AR, payroll, reconciliations, invoicing) High attention to detail and accuracy Ability to manage multiple priorities independently Natural proactivity and follow-through Curiosity about improving workflows and systems Comfort learning new tools and automation Pride in producing clean, complete, reliable work Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Success in this role will be measured by: AP processing accuracy and timeliness AR aging and collection effectiveness On-time payroll with zero errors Bank and credit card reconciliations completed by set deadlines Accuracy and completeness of monthly close support Reduction in manual steps through automation Timely completion of licensing and compliance renewals Responsiveness and follow-through on internal requests ️ What Success Looks Like in the First 90 Days You fully own AP, AR, and payroll cycles Reconciliations are completed accurately and on time You've identified at least 2-3 process improvements Vendor and client billing workflows are running smoothly You've built strong communication rhythms with leadership You've demonstrated reliability, accuracy, and proactive follow-through Culture Snapshot We're a family-run business, and that shows in how we treat our team. We believe people do their best work when they feel respected, supported, and valued — not just as employees, but as people. Family matters to us, and we try to create that same sense of trust, loyalty, and care within our workplace. Many of our employees have been with us for years, and we're proud of that. We work hard to create a stable environment where people enjoy coming to work, feel appreciated for what they do, and know they can rely on the people around them. We're a close-knit team that works together, helps each other out, and is always open to learning and improving. New ideas are welcome, and we're always looking for better ways to do things. If you're looking for a workplace where people genuinely care about one another, where your work matters, and where you can build a long-term future, you'll feel right at home here. Why People Love Working Here You're treated like a person, not a number Leadership is accessible, supportive, and invested in your success The environment is stable, loyal, and team-oriented Your work has a direct impact on the business You're encouraged to learn, grow, and bring new ideas Our Future-Ready Work Philosophy We believe in leveraging technology, automation, and continuous learning to build smarter, more efficient workflows. We're always looking for better ways to operate — and we welcome people who think the same way. Work Environment Snapshot Small, collaborative team Direct access to leadership Clear processes with room for improvement Supportive, family-business atmosphere Work Structure Full-time, Monday-Friday (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Onsite role to start for training and integration Transition to hybrid (3 days onsite per week) after ramp-up and full role ownership Compensation & Benefits We offer a competitive package including: Base salary: $70,000 - $85,000 (based on experience) Health & dental insurance (employer-paid for employee coverage) 401(k) with 3% employer match Paid time off Sick leave Hybrid work structure after onboarding Our Hiring Process Initial conversation Skills/experience interview Final interview with leadership Offer We respect your time and aim to make the process clear and efficient. Inclusivity Statement We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you meet most of the requirements and believe you'd thrive here, we encourage you to apply. Interested? If you're someone who enjoys ownership, structure, accuracy, and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you. Apply directly or reach out to