Finance Associate

About Zuckerman Investment Group

Zuckerman Investment Group is a family owned and independent wealth management firm based in Chicago, IL. Established in 2005 by its founders Daniel Zuckerman and Sherwin Zuckerman, today the firm has grown to oversee $2.1 billion in AUM, spanning over 300 families and individuals across multiple generations. The firm best serves the unique needs of multi-generational families, business owners, business executives, and young professionals.

Zuckerman Investment Group offers a holistic spectrum of services, including comprehensive wealth management, proprietary asset management, and family legacy planning. The firm is fully engaged with clients in respect to their needs and desires around capital preservation, cash flow requirements, risk tolerance, efficient wealth transfer, philanthropy initiatives, and legacy.

We are a results-driven firm with high achieving, motivated employees who value opportunities to take on complex problems, interesting projects, and share innovative ideas. We believe in cultivating relationships both internally and externally, and we are looking for someone to join our team who is committed to developing strong connections in a truly collaborative environment.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated, exceptionally detail-oriented professional with 2-3 years of professional experience to join our team and help manage and enhance the firm's finance, accounting, reporting, and compliance functions. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain broad exposure to all aspects of a growing wealth management firm while partnering closely with senior leadership and working directly with the Senior Finance Associate. The ideal candidate is proactive, organized, and eager to contribute to a collaborative environment where continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation are valued.

Through this role, you will play a key part in maintaining the firm's financial integrity, supporting regulatory and operational requirements, and driving process enhancements across the finance function. You will also have the opportunity to participate in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives that support firm objectives, adapt to evolving business needs, and contribute your expertise to opportunities that extend beyond core finance responsibilities.

JOB FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the firm's books and records to produce and analyze monthly financial statements 

• Coordinate with third-party accounting firms to facilitate the preparation of our company tax returns and annual private fund audit 

• Update, gather and distribute data related to the firm’s private funds

• Support the firm's client billing process by calculating, processing, and reconciling quarterly fees and client statements

• Support the firm’s accounts payable and receivable functions

• Manage relationships with the firm's banks and vendors

• Assist with the preparation of annual business filings and insurance renewals

• Assist in annual and quarterly regulatory filings and compliance reviews

• Execute various projects within the finance function to enhance processes and reporting needs

• Participates in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives that support firm objectives, adapting to evolving business needs, and contributing expertise to opportunities that extend beyond core responsibilities.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrates the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.

• Strong interest in accounting and finance, with a passion for working with numbers and financial analysis.

• Strong work ethic with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, solve complex problems, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Familiarity with accounting, finance, and payroll systems such as QuickBooks Online or Rippling is preferred.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor's degree in accounting required.
• MBA candidates preferred.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation or a strong desire to pursue the CPA credential within two years of hire date.

• 2–3 years of professional experience in accounting, finance, or a related field.

• Strong academic record, including a minimum GPA of 3.5+ or equivalent preferred.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: 

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $65,000 – $90,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as education, experience, skills, job-related knowledge, geographic location, and other business considerations.

Base salary is only one component of our total rewards package. Eligible employees may participate in a competitive benefits program that includes health insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, a profit-sharing 401(k) retirement plan (when eligible), opportunities for professional growth, and, where applicable, discretionary bonus opportunities subject to company policy and individual and/or company performance.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.