Senior Accountant

Working at PPM America, Inc.

PPM is a US-based institutional asset manager. Established in Chicago in 1990, PPM exists to consistently support institutional clients in achieving their long-term value goals. We offer our Midwestern mentality of hard work, straight talk, full transparency and humility. Our success is supported by a team-based culture that encourages debate, collaboration and consistency. At the center of our belief is the fact that our best ideas to date have and can come from any team member anywhere in our firm. We believe the success of our investment culture is best demonstrated by the strong retention of our clients and investment professionals. PPM was again named one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management by Pensions & Investments in 2024. We attract professionals who exhibit humbleness, directness, and dedication. PPM’s values guide our internal conduct and help define the type of relationships we share with our investors, affiliates, and other valued partners. Above all, PPM is passionate about giving back to our clients, to each other, and to our community. We understand that community and purpose are just as important as the job description when finding your next career.

 

Values
At PPM, our values are reinforced in our culture every day.  We act like owners.  Integrity guides all that we do, and we are committed to exercising sound judgment in every decision that impacts the company and serves our clients.  We are passionate about investment performance and driving results.  We are relentless in our efforts to provide best in class service.  We strive to build strong and lasting relationships with our clients, seeking to gain trust in everything we do.  We work collaboratively with transparency and accountability.  We operate as a team.  We rely on each other, are accountable to each other, and respect each other.  We value differences and unique perspectives and embrace the principle that great ideas can come from anyone.  We embrace change.  We are not afraid to challenge the status quo in search of a better, smarter or faster solution.  We value learning, challenge ourselves and motivate others.  We are also committed to positively impacting our community.  As a firm, we invest time, experience and fundraising efforts with our non-profit partners.

 

Finance and Accounting Department Description 

PPM’s Finance & Accounting department consists of two teams—Corporate Finance and Private Equity Administration. The Corporate Finance Team covers the core aspects of finance, such as accounting, reporting, budgeting, and other operational financial matters. The Private Equity Administration Team works closely with PPM’s private equity investment group and is responsible for all things operational, analytical, and accounting based.

 

Corporate Finance Team Description  

The appeal of the Corporate Finance Team is its broad range of duties, which is ideal for candidates looking to experience the full finance cycle, free of silos.  From operational processes such as accounts payable, billing and expense claims, through to preparation of PPM audited financials, financial planning, to forecasting treasury needs, successful applicants are able to gain a wide range of experiences within this team.

 

Summary of Role 

The Sr. Accountant reports directly to the VP, Controller of Finance and Accounting. This role is a senior-level position responsible for leading complex accounting projects, overseeing financial reporting, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This role serves as a key advisor to management and supports strategic financial planning.

 

Role Responsibilities

• Lead complex accounting projects.
• Lead financial statement preparation and detailed financial analysis.
• Manage and oversee month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax laws, and internal policies.
• Provide strategic recommendations based on financial insights.
• Collaborate with other departments on financial planning and forecasting.
• Lead audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Develop and enforce internal controls and accounting best practices.
• Train and mentor junior and mid-level accountants.
• Review and approve financial statements prepared by junior staff.

 

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and financial modeling
• Advanced knowledge of GAAP, tax regulations, and financial compliance
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including advanced Excel skills
• Strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Ability to use strong judgement and handle sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to apply excellent business acumen and collaborative skills when resolving problems
• Advanced technical knowledge of budgeting, cash management and financial analysis processes, including forecasting and financial modeling
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with a sense of urgency
• Ability to follow internal controls and corporate guidelines
• Willingness to adapt in a constantly changing environment
• Must possess fantastic organizational skills and excellent attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to deal with employee/client professionally and collaborate with senior management
• Must be a highly functioning, strong team player and a self-starter in a fast-paced work environment

 

Desired Skills & Experience

•  CPA or CMA

 

Benefits 

At PPM, we offer volunteer opportunities to get involved with a diverse network of peers and support the causes that are important to you. Your passion and talents can make a lasting impact on our organization and our community. Additionally, our employees go the extra mile every day and the benefits of working at PPM reflect our commitment to supporting and enhancing their personal and professional lives. The plans and programs listed below are offered in collaboration with our parent company.

• Competitive salary and bonus
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401k retirement plan with dollar-for-dollar matching contributions (up to 6% of salary)
• Tuition and professional certification reimbursement
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption assistance
• Holidays and paid time off
• Paid time off to volunteer

 

Equal Employment Opportunity PPM America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and we base our employment decisions without unlawful regard or consideration of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, non-job related disability, pregnancy or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

 

Base Pay:

$95,000.00 – $115,000.00. The base salary for this position may vary depending on experience, job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition to the base salary, this role will be eligible to participate in our annual bonus program. This role will also be eligible for compensated personal time off and holidays, health benefits, 401(k) plan with generous matching and profit sharing contributions, and other benefit programs according to the Company’s employment policies and subject to the formal terms of such plans and programs.