Job Title: Senior Staff Accountant Department: Finance 

FLSA: Exempt  Status:  Full Time

Reports to: Controller

Customary Days:  Monday - Friday

Customary Hours:  This role may require occasional work on evenings, holidays, and weekends, depending on business needs.

ABOUT BLUE PLATE CATERING: 

For 40 years, we have been Chicago’s most trusted partner for catered events, daily food service, and delivery. We’re a preferred partner to the city’s best special event venues from great halls and historic landmarks to downtown galleries. We partner with organizations to bring businesses and leisure travelers to the city as well as custom, daily dining solutions for Chicago’s top businesses.

Our headquarters, Larkin Hall, is a state-of-the-art facility located in Chicago’s West Loop. From our Fulton Market home, we’re mere minutes from downtown. The company is a fun, exciting place to work with a dynamic atmosphere centered on providing specialized food services daily. The Senior Staff Accountant position is a critical part of our finance team. In this role you will have the opportunity to learn about food service and the catering business. This role offers opportunities for advancement within the department, along with the ability to build strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external finance partners. The finance group strives to keep a friendly, open environment while taking pride in what we do. We are seeking a new team member to help us achieve our vision of timely, accurate reporting that makes a difference in how Blue Plate Catering operates.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Senior Staff Accountant plays a key role in supporting daily accounting operations and financial reporting functions of the organization. Working within a collaborative accounting team, this position supports core accounting activities including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close processes.

This role partners closely with the Controller and department leaders to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards, and continuous improvement of accounting processes and internal controls. The Senior Staff Accountant also contributes financial analysis, and operational support to help drive the achievement of departmental and company financial goals.

Essential Functions:

Collaboration & Subject Matter Expertise:

• Collaborate and provide support to accounting team members involved in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger processes.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new accounting team members as needed.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource to the accounting team by promoting accuracy, consistency, and best practices.
• Partner cross-functionally with operational departments to support accurate financial reporting and workflow efficiency.

Core Accounting Responsibilities:

• Execute and maintain internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial reporting guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and post journal entries including payroll, accruals, depreciation, prepaid expenses, and other month-end adjustments.
• Reconcile and analyze balance sheet accounts to ensure accuracy and compliance with accrual-based accounting principles.
• Support the preparation of periodic financial reports and ensure compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Prepare and file monthly sales tax returns accurately and timely.
• Analyze financial results, revenue trends, labor costs, and operating expenses compared to budget and prior periods.
• Assist with audit preparation and provide supporting documentation as requested.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and increased efficiencies within accounting workflows and reporting practices.
• Partner with Sales, Culinary, Warehouse, and Operations teams to support accurate billing, cost tracking and accounts receivable collection efforts.
• Work closely with the Controller to support departmental initiatives, financial goals, and ongoing accounting projects.
• Attend and support Blue Plate functions and events as needed.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university.

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive accounting experience required.
• Hospitality, catering, food & beverage, or multi-department operational accounting experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and accrual-based accounting principles.
• Experience with month-end close, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting.
• Experience with NetSuite or accounting/ERP systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis).
• Experience in financial analysis, including variance analysis and identification of key trends and drivers.

Essential Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Ability to demonstrate strong affinity for Blue Plate’s mission: Our mission is to  “Care More” for others through food and service experiences that turn our partner’s vision into reality.
• Must be dependable and responsible.
• Demonstrates initiative and results-orientated.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, with advanced proficiency in Excel. 
• Interested in learning and embracing new technology.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• While performing the basic functions on this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• Possess the ability to fulfill any and all office activities normally expected in an office setting, to include, but not limited to; remaining seated for periods of time to perform computer entry, participating in filing activity, lifting and carrying office supplies (paper ream, mail, etc.)
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-25 pounds.
• Occasional additional hours may be required based on business needs and deadlines
• The employee frequently is required to stand, sit; use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Specific visions requirements include ability to see at close range.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Blue Plate is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• Onsite position based at our Chicago headquarters.
• Internal office space.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits Overview

At Blue Plate Catering, we live our core value: We Care More by offering a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to supporting our team’s well-being and growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and paid time off (PTO) with sick leave. Additional perks such as commuter benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), free meals, and pet insurance options ensure our team feels valued. We also offer wellness rewards, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and resources to help you thrive in work and life.

Blue Plate Catering complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment, including protections related to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.