Staff Accountant - Technical Accounting

Full Timestaff

Chicago || Woodridge, ILPosted 23 days ago

Job Description

<div class="content-intro">Who we are: Formic is on a mission to reshape American manufacturing by making automation accessible to every factory. As labor constraints rise, costs increase, and global competition intensifies, automation is no longer optional for manufacturers that want to stay competitive. We deliver automation through a Robotics-as-a-Service model that combines industrial robotics, proprietary software, and full-service support into a single, integrated solution. By removing the traditional barriers of cost, complexity, and risk, we enable manufacturers to deploy automation quickly and realize measurable gains in throughput, safety, and operational efficiency without large upfront capital investment. Backed by leading investors including Lux Capital, Initialized Capital, Blackhorn Ventures, and Mitsubishi HC Capital North America, Formic is scaling rapidly and building the foundation for a new era of high-performance, Made in America production.</div><h2>About the Team</h2> Formic’s Finance team underpins the infrastructure of our Robotics-as-a-Service model. It is responsible for financial operations, treasury, capital strategy, credit, compliance, accounting, and customer financial servicing. As Formic scales nationwide, Finance plays a central role in ensuring disciplined capital deployment, strong portfolio performance, and long-term financial durability. <h2>About the Role</h2> As Staff Accountant - Technical Accounting, you will play a key role in building and scaling Formic’s accounting function. This role combines hands-on execution and ownership of core accounting areas, while diving into complex, technical topics and helping shape how the function evolves.  This role is designed for someone coming out of public accounting who is ready to step into a more dynamic environment: one where you can apply your technical foundation, operate with autonomy, and make a tangible impact on systems, processes, and outcomes. You will work hands-on across audit, technical accounting, and complex transactions, while also helping modernize the finance function through automation and AI-enabled tools. This role offers strong potential to expand your scope and grow alongside the business as Formic scales. <h2>In this role you will: </h2> Audit & Controls: <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Prepare audit schedules and reconciliations, including gathering supporting documentation</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Partner directly with auditors to respond to requests and ensure efficient audit execution</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Strengthen internal controls and elevate documentation standards across the accounting function</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Identify and implement improvements to audit readiness, accuracy, and efficiency</li> </ul> Technical & Specialized Accounting: <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Research, document, and support the execution of technical accounting areas (e.g., revenue recognition, lease accounting, R&D tax credit)</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Contribute to accounting and reporting for complex transactions and new initiatives (e.g., securitization-related reporting)</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Maintenance expense tracking and review, including policy review and improvements</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Ensure accurate and consistent application of accounting policies across evolving business activities</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Partner cross-functionally to support accurate, timely financial reporting</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Support and improve monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes</li> </ul> Technology- and AI-driven Process Improvement: <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Identify and drive opportunities to automate reconciliations, reporting, and workflows</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Support implementation and adoption of AI-enabled accounting tools and financial systems</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Improve processes to reduce manual work, increase accuracy, and enhance scalability</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Bring forward AI-enabled and process efficiency ideas and actively contribute to building a more modern, tech-enabled finance function</li> </ul> <h2>What Makes You a Great Fit:</h2> <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">2–5+ years of accounting experience (public accounting preferred)</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Strong understanding of US GAAP</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Proven success supporting audits or financial reporting</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience with automation, systems, or AI applications within finance</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Proficiency in Excel and strong analytical skills</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle)</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Exposure to revenue recognition (ASC 606), lease accounting (ASC 842), credit losses (ASC 326)</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience in a high-growth or technology-driven environment is a plus</li> </ul> What This Role Offers <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Accelerated career growth in a rapidly scaling, high-impact environment</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Broad exposure across audit, technical accounting, and complex transactions</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">The opportunity to build and improve systems and processes, not just maintain them</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Hands-on involvement in AI and automation within finance</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt;">Opportunity to help shape the foundation of the finance function at a category-defining company</li> </ul><div class="content-pay-transparency"><div class="pay-input"><div class="description"><h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Our Total Rewards:</h3> At Formic, we believe people do their best work when they feel supported both professionally and personally. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits and perks package for full-time, U.S.-based team members, including: <ul> <li style="font-size: 16px;">Equity in Formic: Participate in our stock option program and share in the success of a fast-growing start-up backed by leading global investors</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="275" data-end="394">Competitive & Uncapped Commission Structure: Designed to reward performance and impact in commission-eligible roles</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="275" data-end="394">Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield and Unum, with 99% of employee premiums covered and 75% coverage for dependents, with optional buy-up plans available</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="876" data-end="1028">Additional Insurance Benefits: FSA and DCFSA, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability through Unum, all 100% employer-paid</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="1031" data-end="1134">Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Fully funded by Formic, offering support when you need it most</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="1137" data-end="1201">Paid Parental Leave Program: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="1204" data-end="1310">Company-sponsored 401(k): Invest in your future with our company-facilitated retirement savings plan</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="1313" data-end="1446">Home Office Stipend: A one-time allowance for fully remote and hybrid employees to support an at-home or on-the-road work setup</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="1449" data-end="1548">Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement: Monthly stipend toward personal phone and internet expenses</li> <li style="font-size: 16px;" data-start="1551" data-end="1654">Flexible Time Off: Take the time you need, when you need it, supported by our flexible PTO policy</li> </ul> <h3>Compensation Philosophy</h3> Formic’s pay and equity packages are thoughtfully benchmarked against peer companies at a similar growth stage. Equity represents a meaningful part of our mutual investment: when Formic succeeds, so do you. Final offers are customized based on experience, geographic location, market considerations, and a candidate’s preferred balance of cash and equity. Our goal is to attract and reward top talent who will have significant impact, and we are open to thoughtful discussions to align on the right structure.</div><div class="title">Compensation Range:</div><div class="pay-range">$70,000—$95,000 USD</div></div></div><div class="content-conclusion">What we look for:  We’re building this company from the ground up, and every person we hire has an outsized impact on our culture, performance, and trajectory. While each team member brings unique strengths and perspectives, we look for people who align with our Operating Principles and embody them in action. If this sounds like you, Formic may be the right place for you! <ul> <li>Fearless Optimism: You make bold bets and default optimistic. You believe in the mission, aren’t paralyzed by risk, and fear inaction more than failure. You see ambiguity as opportunity and bring energy to building what doesn’t yet exist.</li> <li>Create the Magic: You absorb complexity so customers don’t have to. Whether your customer is external or internal, you focus on delivering experiences that are clear, fast, value-added, and outcome-driven. You don’t say “not my job.” You make things work. </li> <li>Today, Not Tomorrow: You have a bias to action. You close the loop. You take extreme ownership. You understand that speed compounds, and you don’t confuse activity with results.</li> <li>Seek Truth: You think from first principles. You value data over ego and strong opinions loosely held. You’re willing to challenge assumptions, including your own, in pursuit of the best answer.</li> <li>Made of Rubber: You are resolute and adaptable. When things break or priorities shift, you rebound stronger. You treat setbacks as learning moments and move forward with grit.</li> <li>One Formic: You operate without silos. You practice radical helpfulness, document clearly, and make clean handoffs. You assume positive intent and prioritize team success over individual credit.</li> </ul> Equal Opportunity Employment: Formic is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, family or parental status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. All employment decisions are based on a person’s merit, business needs, and role requirements. If you require further accommodations or have questions regarding accessibility of our roles, please reach out to <a href="mailto:careers@formic.co">careers@formic.co</a>. AI Use: At Formic, fairness and transparency are at the heart of our hiring process. We use AI-powered tools in some interviews to help our teams evaluate candidate responses, but all final hiring decisions are made by humans. You can learn more about how AI is used in our recruitment process by reviewing our AI Hiring Disclosure linked <a href="https://formic.co/formic-ai-hiring-disclosure" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>