Accounting Operations Specialist

Accounting Operations Specialist (Hybrid – Chicago, IL)

We are hiring an Accounting Operations Specialist to join a fast-growing Appraisal Management Company (AMC) based in Chicago. This hands‑on, high‑accountability role is for someone who thrives in daily accounting operations, takes ownership without needing reminders, and is excited about improving how things work — not just maintaining them. If you like structure, accuracy, problem‑solving, and making processes better, this role will feel like home.

You’re someone who enjoys daily accounting work and takes pride in doing things the right way. You understand compliance, deadlines, and documentation — and you stay ahead of tasks without being asked. You’re curious, eager to learn, and naturally look for ways to improve workflows. You’re comfortable learning new tools, exploring automation, and finding cleaner, faster ways to run accounting processes.

Most importantly, you want to be someone leadership can fully trust. You’ll work directly with the President of the company — not as an assistant, but as a trusted operational partner who owns your responsibilities and brings forward ideas to improve the business.

This is not a passive bookkeeping job. You will own core financial operations end‑to‑end, including:

• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Client invoicing & billing accuracy
• Collections & AR follow‑up
• Vendor & appraiser payments
• Bank & credit card reconciliations
• Payroll processing
• Financial documentation & audit readiness
• Vendor onboarding follow‑ups (W‑9s, ACH, profiles)

You will also play a key role in:

• Identifying workflow gaps
• Improving accounting processes
• Reducing manual steps
• Exploring automation and AI tools
• Strengthening documentation and financial controls

We value people who naturally ask what can be faster, cleaner, or more automated.

This role includes maintaining and tracking all compliance requirements related to financial operations, including:

• State licensing and renewal tracking for the company and appraisers
• Ensuring all required documentation (W‑9s, ACH forms, contracts, insurance, credentials) is collected and stored properly
• Monitoring expiration dates and submitting renewals on time
• Maintaining audit‑ready financial files and documentation trails
• Ensuring billing, invoicing, and payment processes follow internal controls
• Supporting 1099 preparation and vendor tax documentation
• Ensuring reconciliations, approvals, and financial records meet regulatory and audit standards

• Cash flow
• Vendor and appraiser satisfaction
• Client billing accuracy
• Compliance readiness
• Operational efficiency
• Leadership decision‑making

Your work directly affects these areas.

Experience with these tools is helpful, but we’re open to training the right candidate.

• Quick Books Online
• Excel (intermediate to advanced)
• CRM or workflow tools
• Banking portals & reconciliation tools
• AI‑enabled tools (ChatGPT, OCR tools, automation scripts)

• Hands‑on accounting experience (AP, AR, invoicing, reconciliations)
• Understanding of financial compliance, documentation, and deadlines
• 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
• A desire to be a trusted partner to leadership
• Payroll experience is a plus — but we will train the right candidate

• 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

• Fully own AP, AR, and payroll cycles
• Reconciliations are completed accurately and on time
• Identified at least 2–3 process improvements
• Vendor and client…