Accountant

Who we are

FHLBank Chicago partners with our members in Illinois and Wisconsin to provide them competitively priced funding, a reasonable return on their investment in the Bank, and support for their community investment activities. We are one of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks created by Congress in 1932 as a government sponsored enterprise to support mortgage lending and community investment. We are member owned and member focused. Our members include banks, credit unions, insurance companies and CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institution).

What it's like to work here

At FHLBank Chicago, we bring people together. Our regular All-Staff meetings keep employees informed and our values drive the work that we do. Our Buddy Program pairs new hires with tenured employees to guide their onboarding. Our Employee Value Proposition is honed by listening and identifying the needs and priorities of our valued employees. Through CommuniTeam, we volunteer and identify ways to strengthen our communities. Our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) hosts signature and employee-led events for continued learning; and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and culture clubs create connections around shared interests and experiences. We offer live and on-demand professional development opportunities to grow your skillset and your career.

What You'll do

As an Accountant, you'll play an important role in supporting the accuracy and integrity of FHLBank Chicago's financial information. You'll apply accounting principles to prepare reconciliations, journal entries, financial analyses, supporting schedules, and reports while contributing to monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.

This role is a great opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys digging into the details, solving discrepancies, working across teams, and building a strong foundation within a financial services environment.

How you'll make an impact:

• Help ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records through account reconciliations, journal entries, financial analysis, and supporting documentation.
• Contribute to timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.

• Analyze account activity, revenues, expenses, and variances to identify issues and communicate relevant findings.

• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities, escalating unusual matters when appropriate.

• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate financial data, schedules, and documentation.

• Help strengthen accounting processes by identifying practical opportunities to improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

What you can expect:

• Compile and analyze financial information supporting monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, supporting schedules, and financial analyses for assigned accounting areas.

• Support accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities.

• Maintain financial records in accordance with established accounting policies, procedures, and control requirements.

• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies within your assigned scope.

• Prepare financial statements, reports, data, and supporting documentation requested by senior accounting staff and management.

• Provide financial data and schedules in support of internal and external audits.

• Analyze assigned account activity, revenues, expenses, and variances and communicate relevant findings.

• Participate in defined projects, process changes, and continuous improvement efforts.

• Partner with accounting, business, and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Prepare ad hoc reporting and analysis as needed.

What you'll bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• 2+ years of relevant accounting experience.

• Intermediate knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting concepts.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve routine accounting issues.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong attention to accuracy, completeness, and detail.

• Ability to organize priorities, meet deadlines, and independently manage routine assignments.

• Initiative and follow-through, including the ability to identify issues and support practical process improvements.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across the organization.

• A dependable, team-oriented approach and willingness to learn and share process knowledge.

• Ability to learn and work within financial systems, reconciliation tools, and reporting applications.

• CPA or progress toward a CPA designation is a plus.

• Experience with BlackLine, Tableau Prep, and Workday is a plus

The Perks

At FHLBank Chicago, employees come first. We offer a highly competitive compensation and bonus package, and access to a comprehensive benefits program designed to meet the needs of our employees. Our retirement program includes a 401K and Pension. Our generous PTO plan provides five weeks of vacation for new employees and 11 paid holidays per year. We offer work from home options and a casual dress code at our beautiful new space in the Old Post Office. Step into your future with us.

Salary Range:

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors. In addition to the base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package which can be found here: https://hrportal.ehr.com/fhlbc