Staff Accountant

The Company:

Czarnowski is one of the four studios of the Czarnowski Collective. It combines operations, strategy, design, and fabrication to create exhibits and events that engage communities, generate brand enthusiasm, and educate consumers. It’s been over 75 years since we opened our doors, but we’re still not resting on our reputation or accolades. We’re wondering “what if...” anticipating what’s next and embracing our role within the Czarnowski Collective as forward-thinkers for forward-thinking brands.

Joining the Czarnowski Collective means the opportunity to be more than a number, more than a job title, more than a spectator. We are a collective of dreamers and thinkers, doers, and makers…and we’re searching for more of the same to join the ranks.

The Purpose:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Staff Accountant to join our corporate finance team in Chicago. This role reports directly to the Assistant Controller and works closely with Accounts Payable, Billing, Payroll, and other internal teams, as well as external tax authorities and auditors.

The Staff Accountant will be responsible for cash applications, tax compliance, and general ledger accounting while gaining progressive exposure to corporate and international subsidiary accounting. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is eager to grow their career in accounting.

The Job:

• Prepare and file sales & use tax, Canadian VAT, real estate, and personal property tax returns, including maintaining exemption and resale certificates and responding to notices.
• Support annual tax and financial audits by preparing schedules (PBCs) and responding to auditor requests.
• Process and apply customer payments, research and resolve discrepancies, and ensure accuracy of cash applications.
• Perform monthly general ledger account reconciliations.
• Post journal entries and assist with month-end close.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments (Accounts Payable, Billing, Payroll, Purchasing, ERP) to support financial operations.
• Participate in ad-hoc projects, analysis, and process improvements.

The Person:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• 3–5 years of general ledger accounting experience, including reconciliations.
• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills; experience with various ERP systems.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently and suggest process improvements.
• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Tax compliance experience (sales & use, VAT, real estate, personal property) strongly preferred.
• Background in project-based accounting is a plus.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 experience preferred.

Illinois Salary and Benefit Statement:

The salary range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work or reside in the state of Illinois if selected for the role. Any salary offered is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data/ranges, applicant's skills and prior relevant experience.

Illinois Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

This position is eligible for health care benefits, life insurance, time off benefits and participation in the Company's 401(k) plan.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits effective within 30 days (or less) of your start date
• 401K matching with no vesting period (you are fully vested as of day 1)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Collaborative Work Environment

Collective Culture Core Values:

We recognize that the success of our business rests with the skills and efforts of our people, and in return for their contributions, our employees can expect a flexible work environment that delivers on the 10 principles that define our company culture:

• We celebrate creativity, curiosity, innovation and imagination.
• We are humble and respectful.
• We act with honesty and integrity.
• We empower and trust one another.
• We embrace individuality and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• We champion initiatives that bolster diversity, equity and inclusion.
• We prioritize safe, ethical and sustainable business practices.
• We foster a culture of meritocracy - rewarding skills and abilities, instead of influence.
• We always deliver.
• We don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Through several existing and future initiatives, Czarnowski Collective is exploring thoughtful and creative ways to embrace individuality, and more effectively champion diversity, equity and inclusion across our network.

EEO Statement

Czarnowski Collective is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We don't just accept difference – we honor, nurture, and celebrate it! All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We don’t discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.