EXPERIENCED CANDIDATES

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd., one of Chicago’s top 25 largest public accounting firms (Crain’s), has a team-oriented, client-focused environment encouraging creativity, initiative and the free flow of ideas. Our diverse client base consists of highly successful, privately-held companies in a variety of industries, as well as not-for-profit organizations and high-net worth individuals and families. We have excellent opportunities for bright, ambitious, entrepreneurial individuals with good business sense and we thank you for your interest in ORBA.

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

For information on available opportunities, contact:

Andrew J. Butkus, Jr., PHR                                     Email: [email protected]
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd.
NBC Tower – Suite 1500
455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive
Chicago, IL 60611

Accounting Services Associate

Position Summary:

The Accounting Services Associate is responsible for processing assigned client engagements within the department in a cost-effective and professional manner.

Essential Duties:

• Prepare bank reconciliations monthly and month-end bookkeeping as needed
• Maintain daily record of time spent on engagements
• Assure timely turnaround of assigned and supervised engagements
• Knowledge of payroll and sales tax returns preparation and annual W-2’s and 1099’s preparation is a plus

Education or Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Accounting preferred
• 2+ years of bookkeeping and accounting experience, public accounting experience a plus

Skills:

• Knowledge of QuickBooks (Desktop/Online) software
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, in particular, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to function in both remote and in-person team environments
• Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines
• Knowledge of ClickUp, Tax1099, Xero, and/or Sage Intacct is a plus

Benefits:

• Dress for your day attire (jeans in the office)
• Tuition reimbursement on degrees of Masters in Accounting and Masters in Taxation
• Reimbursement for CPA Review course
• Payment of CPE and professional membership costs
• Mentoring and Leadership Development Programs
• Fun firm sponsored social events
• Generous paid time off and holiday time
• 15% referral fee for bringing in new clients
• Competitive compensation package and a broad range of insurance programs

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Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Audit and Assurance Trainer

Position Summary:

Every company has both tangible and intangible assets. While not appearing on a balance sheet, the biggest asset a professional services firm has is its people. ORBA seeks an individual with audit and assurance training experience or who is looking to transition to a non-client facing training role. This person will work with the Head of Audit to execute and create additional Audit & Assurance topic training for all levels of the Audit Department.

It is critical for engagement teams to not only know WHAT to do and HOW to do it in compliance with professional and regulatory standards…but also WHY they are doing it. It is only with the understanding of WHY that personnel can make sound qualitative judgments about improving efficiency.

Essential Duties:

This individual will be critical to the development of the role, content and delivery methods for the Firm. The role provides an opportunity to work closely with leadership, key staff and other outside sources to provide the learning that is essential to the Firm’s future success in this constantly changing environment. This role provides opportunities to:

• Work with Head of Audit to develop competencies for Audit & Assurance staff. Develop a learning program to support competencies needs.
• Contribute to the development of the Audit & Assurance staff.
• Validate training to make sure it is up to date and meets firm-specific on-demand needs and conduct a gap analysis of current training materials.
• Own the design and development of learning content within a curriculum, going deeper into the knowledge of the content area.
• Support curriculum maintenance by proactively determining needs, connecting external and internal changes to curriculum impact.
• Work with Subject Matter Experts on new course development, refreshes or transformations of existing curriculum to build technical knowledge.
• Contribute to and execute alternative approaches to development when needed.
• Develop points of view on opportunities, formal and informal, to further build capabilities.
• Work with firm and other alliance resources on strategic initiatives, including exploration of leading-edge development tools and techniques.
• Build professional network and relationships: Increase visibility and gain experience partnering with other alliance firms and sources to support the Audit & Assurance business strategy through learning.
• Help to enhance the existing learning culture within the firm and achieve shared goals of individuals and the firm.

Education or Experience:

• B.S. in Accounting or Finance and a CPA preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting & audit experience in public accounting with experience in a medium to large-sized public accounting firm. Knowledge of audit and assurance required.
• Ability to research A&A topics

Skills:

• Outstanding written, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Excellent analytical, technical and auditing skills
• Exceptional communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and results-based environment
• Strong leadership, business development, training, coaching and mentoring skills

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Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Audit Senior

Position Summary:

The Audit Senior is responsible for overseeing audit, review and compilation engagements and is responsible for resolving most accounting issues that arise during these engagements under the guidance of the Audit Manager and or the Audit Director. The individual will perform some engagements with minimal supervision and will direct staff and instruct them in the work to be performed, review the work completed by the staff and direct necessary revisions.

Essential Duties:

• Supervising the work of audit staff including reviewing their work and provide on the job training.
• Conduct basic, specialized and complex financial, operational and compliance audits under the direction of the audit director.
• Perform risk assessment prior to the beginning of an audit engagement.
• Prepare the most complex work papers, to adequately document accounting & audit work performed and to support the conclusions reached.
• Prepare draft of financial statements and management letters. Will be expected to wrap up the engagement in a timely manner.
• Perform reviews and compilations.
• Report progress of the audit, compilation or review engagement to both Audit Manager and Audit Director regularly.
• Perform audit or review procedures as assigned by the Audit Managers or Audit Director.
• Conduct research, prepare memorandums and summarize findings.
• Demonstrate the ability to assume responsibility for supervision of the daily fieldwork of engagements and client contact
• Prepare very complex individual, trust and business tax returns.
• Prepare an evaluation of the staff on the engagement at the end of the engagement but give guidance to the staff when necessary during the engagement.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties and special projects as assigned.

Education or Experience:

• B.S. in Accounting or Finance
• CPA preferred
• 3-5 years of progressive accounting & audit experience in public accounting
• Minimum of 1 year leading audits
• Experience preparing tax returns is a huge plus
• Experience with for-profit and not-for-profit clients
• Ability to work collegially with client service teams
• Creative and thoughtful problem-solving skills
• Researching complex accounting and auditing issues in Checkpoint

Skills:

• Outstanding written, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Excellent analytical, technical, and auditing skills
• Exceptional client service and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships
• Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced and results based environment
• Strong leadership, business development, training, coaching and mentoring skills

APPLY NOW

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Chief Operating Officer

Position Summary:

The COO, under the direction of the Managing Director and Executive Board, is responsible for the development and performance of the firm including future growth and expansion. The COO will apply his/her experience and knowledge to form new ideas, concepts and methods, and provide leadership and coordinate activities for the Firm.

The COO is also responsible for the firm’s Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources, Marketing, IT and other Administrative departments and participating in the development and implementation of the Firm’s strategies and initiatives.

The COO is responsible for the centralized coordination of operations management and all aspects of operational performance. The COO is also expected to require and enforce high standards on those who function under his/her leadership.

Essential Duties:

• Ensures proper leadership and management of the Firm’s office operations, HR, Marketing and IT. Exudes a philosophy of unity among the Firm’s professional services by modeling collaborative behavior and coordinating efforts with all department leaders.
• Communicates and coordinates with the Managing Director and department leaders any new operational policy development that will require implementation at the business segment level.
• Coordinates with the Managing Director and prepares agenda and information for monthly meetings with the Executive Board.
• Initiates development of and approves annual Firm goals and budgets prepared by the CFO and other departments.
• Monitors Firm performance to: 
  • Achieve budgeted profitability.
  • Ensure procedures have been adopted to ensure timely billings and collections.
  • Drive strategic initiatives and practice operations while identifying and implementing operational best practices.
  • Ensure all performance in areas of oversight is in conformance with the Firm’s standards, policies and procedures.
  • Ensure all performance in areas of oversight is in conformance with the Firm’s strategies, objectives, goals and have adequate plans to achieve goals.
  • Bring matters of concern to the attention of the Managing Director and others as appropriate.
  • Coordinates activities related to recruiting, retention and development with the department leaders and HR.
  • Approve or reject hiring of professional and administrative personnel as needed.

Practice Operations:

• Provides direction and guidance to coordinate tactical action plans of the infrastructure/operation functions based on changing business needs, objectives and strategies.
• Reviews the annual operating and capital budgets and makes recommendations to the Executive Board.
• Monitors monthly operating results to ensure conformance to the approved budget and assists in correcting deficiencies noted.
• Leads monthly meetings with the Department leaders to discuss issues related to business development, human resources, and other Firm matters, and to facilitate the sharing of problems and solutions.
• Analyzes relevant business practice metrics and status reports to ensure business objectives are met.

Education or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business administration or accounting.
• 10+ years of experience working in a Professional Services firm with responsibility for developing and managing their business model, cash flow, operations and human capital needs.
• 5+ experience using time and billing software.
• 5+ years of Management experience overseeing the work of others and developing professional and administrative staff.

Skills:

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills.
• Fully developed technical skills and knowledge with industry experience.
• Enthusiasm and support for the Firm and the profession.
• Ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead and manage change.

Software:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel. PowerPoint and Access).
• Advance Flow, Sage Intacct, a plus.
• Time & Billing Software, Electronic Document software-Adobe Acrobat a plus.

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Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Head of Small Client Tax Group

Position Summary:

The Head of ORBA’s Small Client Tax Group is responsible for providing guidance to reviewers and preparers in the group working on mostly individual and trust tax returns with some exposure to partnership and corporate tax returns.  This role is responsible for the profitability, efficiency, training and development of this group to meet the Firm’s future needs.  The Head will also have significant client exposure and be part of the team reviewing tax returns.  This role will report to the Head of the Tax Department and the Management group of the Firm.  Ideal for a Sole Practitioner or a Tax Partner/Manager looking to join a growing dynamic firm and still have the opportunity to lead a group, develop its path into the future and work closely with clients and staff.

Essential Duties:

• Review returns prepared by tax preparers
• Bring significant tax questions and suggested planning opportunities to the attention of the Tax Director or Client
• Research and propose resolution to technical tax matters
• Complete tax returns timely in a deadline-oriented environment
• Complete income tax projections and quarterly estimates
• Demonstrate effective project management skills, inspire teamwork and responsibility with engagement team members, and use current technology and tools to enhance the effectiveness of deliverables and service
• Maintain involvement in all aspects of client relationships
• Provide supervision and on-the-job training to tax preparers
• Participate in staff performance evaluations and provide verbal and written feedback
• Mentor and develop the technical and professional skills of tax staff
• Develop the ability to recognize tax issues, business problems and expanded service opportunities with existing clients
• Participate in governmental tax examinations; represent the client before the appropriate taxing authorities.
• Develop an area of tax expertise
• Participate in the firm’s practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities
• Perform timely billing and collection of receivables
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education or Experience:

• At least 10+ years of experience preparing and reviewing individual, trust,  partnership and S-corp tax returns
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Current CPA license required

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and analyzing problems logically and comprehensively, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters in a tactful and discreet manner
• Ability to interface with a variety of management levels
• Ability to think creatively in seeking optimal solutions for clients
• Ability to bring practice is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office in particular Excel and Word, tax-prep and tax-planning software and cloud-based tax research software

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package and broad range of insurance programs
• 15% referral fee for bringing in new clients
• Generous paid time off and holiday time
• Payment of CPE and professional membership costs
• Tuition reimbursement for ongoing Masters in Taxation  or LLM courses
• Opportunity to partner daily with Directors and work closely with other staff and clients
• Mentoring and Leadership Development Programs
• Firm sponsored social events

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Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Quality Control Manager

Position Summary:

The Candidate’s primary scope of responsibility includes the review of financial statements and inspection of audit workpapers to ensure compliance with all relevant professional and regulatory standards and Firm policies, procedures and practices. The Candidate will need to interact with others across all levels of the Firm and on occasion with clients and must have the ability to manage multiple projects. The Candidate will report to the Director of Quality Control. This individual will be involved in the following responsibilities/functions and should possess the following qualifications:

Essential Duties:

• Assist in development and maintenance of the Firm’s Accounting and Auditing professional practice policies and standards
• Perform pre-issuance technical review of financial statements
• Perform post-issuance review of attest work papers and communicate results to Quality Control department management and engagement personnel
• Apply GAAP, GAAS, and GAGAS procedures consistently within complex situations and write technical consultation memoranda on GAAP, GAAS, and GAGAS issues
• Develop firm templates to assist engagement teams in implementing new GAAP, GAAS, and GAGAS standards
• Assist in monitoring compliance with the Firm’s quality control system
• Assist with the implementation of new accounting and audit standards
• Serve as a technical resource to partners, managers and staff
• Proactively participate in engagement team planning and team discussion meetings when deemed appropriate by Quality Assurance department leadership
• Identify areas that need or could benefit from improvement and develop practice aids, tools and methodology to affect change
• Maintain technical skills by studying trends and developments in quality management, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations
• Assist in developing firm continuing professional education program materials and lead training sessions.
• Mentor staff in areas requiring quality-related improvement and otherwise contribute to their professional development.
• Present internally and/or externally at continuing professional development seminars (live and/or webcast)
• Participate in firm triennial peer and other regulatory inspections that may arise

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Accounting
• Active CPA
• 10+ years of Public Accounting experience, 1-2 years in the Quality Control function strongly preferred
• Extensive knowledge/experience of the following: U.S. GAAP, GAAS, GAGAS, and Single Audit and Uniform Guidance and not-for-profit industry
• Employee benefit plan industry experience (ERISA)
• Ability to work in a paperless environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong work ethic
• Proficiency in presenting to large groups
• Excellent communication and computer skills, including strong knowledge of MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint
• Knowledge of Prosystems fx Engagement and/or Advanceflow
• Ability to work collegially with client service teams
• Creative and thoughtful problem-solving skills
• Researching complex accounting and auditing issues in Checkpoint

Preferred Experience:

• Yellow Book, Single Audit, Not-for-Profit, and employee benefit plans
• Working with CCH Engagement and/or Advanceflow and PPC
• Database management and workflow software tools
• Working in a paperless environment

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Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Senior Tax Manager

Position Summary:

The Senior Tax Manager is responsible for providing guidance to junior level tax staff on the completion of individual, corporate, partnership, and trust tax returns. They will also review the work of the tax preparer and correspond directly with the Director or Client.

Essential Duties:

• Review returns prepared by tax preparers.
• Bring significant tax questions and suggested planning opportunities to the attention of the Tax Director or Client.
• Research and propose resolution to technical tax matters.
• Complete tax returns timely in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Complete income tax projections and quarterly estimates.
• Demonstrate effective project management skills, inspire teamwork and responsibility with engagement team members, and use current technology and tools to enhance the effectiveness of deliverables and service.
• Maintain involvement in all aspects of client relationships.
• Provide supervision and on-the-job training to tax preparers.
• Participate in staff performance evaluations and provide verbal and written feedback.
• Mentor and develop the technical and professional skills of tax staff.
• Develop the ability to recognize tax issues, business problems and expanded service opportunities with existing clients.
• Participate in governmental tax examinations; represent the client before the appropriate taxing authorities.
• Develop an area of tax expertise.
• Participate in the firm’s practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• At least 10+ years of experience preparing and reviewing complex individual, corporate, partnership and S-corp tax returns
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required
• Hold current CPA license
• Hold or working towards an advanced degree (MST or JD with Tax Emphasis)

Preferred Experience:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office in particular Excel and Word, CCH Axcess, tax-planning software and cloud-based tax research software.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and analyzing problems logically and comprehensively, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently.
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters in a tactful and discreet manner.
• Ability to interface with a variety of management levels.
• Ability to think creatively in seeking optimal solutions for clients.

APPLY NOW

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Tax Senior

Position Summary:

Responsible for preparing, organizing and coordinating clients’ tax data for the accurate, timely completion of individual tax returns and all levels of corporate, partnership, S-corp and trust tax returns.

Essential Duties:

• Review tax information submitted by the client for completeness; meet/call clients with questions
• Possess knowledge of tax regulations in order to answer clients’ questions
• Prepare individual, corporate, partnership, trust and S-corp tax returns of various complexities
• Prepare amended returns of any variety and complexity
• Prepare personal tax projections
• Respond to tax notices of any sort
• Perform tax research projects
• Prepare employee benefit plan tax returns, carryback returns for NOL’s and payroll tax returns
• Make adjusting entries and complete trial balances in order to prepare a tax return.
• Maintain a good understanding of depreciation and depreciation computer software package in order to set up clients and read and understand depreciation reports
• Prepare tax accruals as may be required in preparing corporate tax returns
• Work with confidential client matters
• Begin to participate in the firm’s practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities
• Perform other duties as may be assigned

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required
• Minimum of 2 years of tax experience
• Hold current CPA license or has passed parts of the CPA exam
• Experience preparing individual, corporate and partnership tax returns are required
• Experience preparing trusts, 990s and 5500s are a plus
• Multi-state tax experience is a plus

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office in particular Excel and Word
• Proficiency with GoSystem or ProSystem required
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and analyzing problems logically and comprehensively, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters in a tactful and discreet manner
• Ability to interface with a variety of management levels

APPLY NOW

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Transaction Advisory Services Analyst

Position Summary:

ORBA’s growing practice has an opening for a Transaction Advisory Analyst to help clients analyze, structure and guide them through the entire transaction process.  You will join ORBA’s team of highly talented professionals at every stage from preliminary analysis of existing companies for future transactions to post-transaction review and financial reporting.  As part of our team, you will work closely with ORBA’s leadership and company executives to help analyze company fundamentals, existing tax structure and financial statements to provide our clients the information and advice they need to make critical decisions.  

You will develop your skills as you work closely with ORBA’s leadership and client executives.  You will be responsible for research and due diligence activities related to transactions. 

Essential Duties:

• Review tax consequences of transactions for both the business entity and its individual owners and provide commentary and suggestions based on the client’s needs.
• Recognize and communicate the impact to value of deal terms within acquisition documents (i.e. LOI, purchase agreements, etc.).
• Use strong analytical skills to verify the transaction funds flow models accurately reflect the deal described in negotiations.
• Use transaction models to help clients better understand the effect on their business of the transaction.
• Learn to re-compute, interpret and review net working capital adjustments and calculations.
• Learn to understand and analyze the rules and calculations with respect to parachute payments and earn out computations.
• Respond timely to due diligence requests, analyze requests and create due diligence needs lists and follow up requests.

Education and Experience:

• JD with a CPA is preferred
• 3+ years in a law firm with experience working with transactions and corporate law.
• Strong command of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
•  Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks while working on multiple assignments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and analyze problems logically and comprehensively, distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters in a tactful and discreet manner
• Ability to interface with a variety of management levels

APPLY NOW

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.