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

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

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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.

Chief Financial Officer

Position Summary:

ORBA is currently seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our growing team. The chosen candidate will be responsible for taking on a leadership role in financial decision-making that affects our company and will provide strategic financial input to senior management. While keenly overseeing the overall accounting process, the successful CFO will play a key role in developing and implementing financial procedures to improve and maintain the financial health of our firm.

Essential Job Functions:

Planning:
Assist in formulating the company’s future direction and supporting tactical initiatives
Develop financial and tax strategies
Manage the capital request and budgeting processes
Develop performance measures that support the company’s strategic direction

Operations:
Participate in key decisions as a member of the executive management team
Maintain in-depth relations with all members of the executive board
Manage the accounting department
Implement operational best practices
Supervise acquisition due diligence and negotiate acquisitions

Financial Information:
Oversee the issuance of financial information
Report financial results to the executive board
Oversee key performance indicators

Other Responsibilities:
Manage all banking relationships and needs
Manage the firm’s licensing and registration requirements
Construct and monitor reliable control systems
Review, recommend and maintain appropriate insurance coverage
Ensure that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
Report risk issues to the executive board

Funding:
Monitor cash balances and cash forecasts
Manage all treasury functions

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience for a major company or division of a large corporation, preferably in the professional services industry
• Should have experience in partnering with an executive team and have a high level of written and oral communication skills
• Preference will be given to candidates with an MBA in Finance and the Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant designations
• Above-average excel, data organization and modeling skills, proficiency with PowerPoint, graphing and presentation 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.

Employee Benefits Consultant

Position Summary:

The Employee Benefits Consultant is responsible for helping clients with the oversight, management, planning and compliance of employee benefit plans and activities. Advanced technical skills with employee benefit programs and compensation-related areas, along with superior qualified retirement plan skills. This role will have the individual spend most of their time with retirement plans and the rest with various other employee benefit programs, such as health & welfare plans. Being pro-active and having a passion for the role with a desire to make a meaningful contribution to growing the employee benefits practice is preferred.

Essential Duties:

• Review Form 5500 and 8955-SSA returns timely in a deadline-oriented environment.
• Bring significant retirement plan questions and suggested planning opportunities to the attention of the client.
• Research and propose resolutions to technical plan compliance matters.
• Complete and assess employer contribution allocations, plan valuations, participant statements and IRS plan compliance testing.
• Prepare client retirement plan illustrations, provide advisory plan design guidance, and prepare plan documents, as well as provide ongoing plan document support.
• Advise the client or client director as the liaison between the actuary and client on defined benefit plan contribution matters.
• Provide mentoring and on-the-job training to Form 5500 preparers.
• Assist directors and staff with plan document and operation interpretations, and advisement on plan compliance matters.
• Provide advisory service for and preparation of governmental employee benefit plan compliance corrections (VCP, SCP, DFVC, LFPRP, etc.) and filings.
• Participate in governmental employee benefit plan examinations and represent the client before the appropriate labor and taxing authorities.
• Assist clients with various qualified retirement plan and IRA rollovers, RMD calculations and trust interpretations for the account owners and beneficiaries.
• Develop the ability to recognize contribution opportunities, compliance issues, and expanded service opportunities with existing clients.
• 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 8+ years of employee benefits experience with the majority of it working with qualified retirement plans, such as Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit plans.
• Strong technical knowledge of ERISA and IRS regulations pertaining to retirement plans.
• Prior experience in a consulting or professional services firm.
• Experience with FT Williams (Form 5500 and Form 8955-SSA) and Go File Room (or other file management software) is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferably in a business discipline, such as accounting or finance).
• ASPPA or CPA credentials strongly preferred.

Preferred Experience:

• Strong attention to detail and deadlines, and ability to prioritize.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office in particular Excel and Word software.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and analyze problems logically and comprehensively.
• Capable to perform work independently or as a member of a team.
• 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.

Head of Tax Department

Position Summary:

The Head of the Tax Department is responsible for leadership, direction, guidance and control of the firm’s tax department activities to assure the short and long-term profitability and growth of the firm. Strong organizational and inter-personal skills are a must. Advanced technical skills in a variety of tax areas, along with well-developed and applied management and supervisory skills are required. This role will have the individual spend approximately 80% of their time managing and supervising the department and the other 20% performing tax review. Pro-active and passion for the role and desire to make a meaningful contribution to a growing tax department is preferred.

Essential Duties:

• Resource for tax specialists and A&A staff on specific tax issues and/or questions.
• Expert knowledge and experience with flow-through entity return review and technical issues.
• Delegates governmental tax examinations. Supervises tax staff and provides on-the-job training.
• Possesses a complete knowledge of the firm’s philosophy and its opinions on tax matters.
• Participates in firm’s practice development efforts through involvement with referral sources, community and industry activities.
• Utilization of skills developed over time to continue being an authoritative resource in the community, locally and nationally.
• Delegation and management of tax research projects to achieve an accurate and efficient product.
• Involved with hiring experienced staff members as they are needed.
• Meet with the Managing Director and Tax Directors on a regular basis with status and updates within the department.
• Oversight, understanding and evaluation of technology needs of the tax department.
• Maintenance of the firm’s tax library, including all research tools and software.
• Overview of research and technical information developed within the department.
• Must communicate with firm directors and staff in a timely manner, via e-mail or in-person
• Communication of tax information among our clients and professionals within the firm.
• Oversight of all administrative individuals and process involved with the tax department.
• Oversee the training and advancement of all individuals within the department consistent with the firm’s growth plans along with appropriate training for non-tax department professional staff that prepare tax returns.
• Lead and organize regular tax department meetings.
• Evaluate overall quality assurance within the department of all tax returns generated by the firm, including processes to assure the quality of our product.
• Assess staffing and skill levels needed to match the firm’s current and future client needs.
• Manage the department’s timely completion of tax work.
• Tax department organization for utilization and assignment of work to the appropriate staff.
• Strong organizational skills.

Education or Experience:

• At least 12 years experience in public accounting and /or family business practice, demonstrating a proven progression in tax return complexity, scope and research.
• Minimum of 5 years experience supervising, directing, and managing work of tax professionals, multiple tax department functions or as a department leader.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required and Master’s degree in Taxation required or similar advanced degree.
• Current and valid CPA required.

Skills:

• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proactive instead of reactive.
• Passionate about taxes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office–in particular Excel and Word, GoSystem, planning software and online research software.
• Strong team building experience and success (lead by example).
• 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.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion 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.

Paraprofessional/Administrative Assistant

Position Summary:

Performs administrative and paraprofessional work for several Directors; general office functions; performs related work as required.

Essential Duties:

• Meets internal deadlines to match the client’s expectations for timely delivery of service.
• Handles regular correspondence with clients as delegated by Directors.
• Interaction and communication with Directors’ clients.
• Schedules appointments and keeps appointment calendars for multiple Directors using Microsoft Outlook.
• Prepares responses to client notices received from the IRS and other government body agencies.
• Arranges for meetings and conferences.
• Transcribes handwritten notes into documents.
• Receives, reads and routes incoming mail to Director.
• Composes routine correspondence.
• Edits and completes agreements according to Director’s notes and preferences.
• Maintains files of correspondence and other records.
• Maintains control files of matters in progress.
• Enters Director’s time and expenses into the appropriate system.
• Prepares monthly billing invoices and account statements for each assigned Director.
• Answers telephone and answers routine questions or routes calls to appropriate staff members.
• Serves as backup to the receptionist at regularly scheduled intervals.
• Performs simple bookkeeping and journal entries using QuickBooks.
• Ensures client data is collected in a timely manner to comply with filing requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an administrative assistant/office manager.
• CPA or law firm experience is strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently with ease and professionalism.
• Proficiency with Windows OS and Microsoft Office applications. (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Google Docs.
• Ability to perform clerical duties with speed and accuracy without immediate and constant supervision.
• Good personal and people skills.
• Desire to learn new skills
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and analyze problems logically and comprehensively. Distinguishes 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.

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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 manage the entire transaction process. You will join ORBA’s team of highly talented professionals at every stage from structuring businesses for possible eventual sale, 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 company executives and ORBA’s leadership team to help analyze tax and legal structure, letters of intent, purchase agreements and related documents along with financial statements to provide our clients the information and advice they need to make critical decisions. You will be responsible for research and due diligence activities related to transactions.

Essential Duties:

• Review and communicate tax consequences of transactions for both the business entity and its individual owners and provide commentary and suggestions based on client’s needs.
• Structure transactions in a tax-efficient manner and assist in negotiations as needed.
• Recognize and communicate the impact to value of deal terms within acquisition documents (i.e. LOI, purchase agreements, etc.).
• Re-compute, interpret and review net working capital adjustments, earn-out calculations and related items throughout the payout term.
• Lead financial and tax due diligence engagements on both the buy and sell-side of transactions.
• Respond timely to due diligence requests, analyze requests and create due diligence needs lists and follow-up requests.
• Review and interpret operating agreements to assist tax preparers with tax, income and distribution allocations.
• Perform and review detailed tax research for sophisticated transactions as needed.

Education and Experience:

• JD with a CPA is preferred.
• 5+ 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.