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Senior Accountant - Hybrid Chicago, IL

CDW · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found an error in a reconciliation. How did you track down the cause?

What they are checking: Whether they dig into root causes rather than plugging differences to make an account tie out.

Describe how you've handled a tight month-end close with many moving parts.

What they are checking: Whether they plan and prioritize well enough to close accurately and on time.

What would you do

Product and Partner Management signs a new incentive program without telling accounting. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they build relationships that bring accounting in early and catch issues before close.

How would you explain rebate accounting to an FP&A partner who wants to forecast margin?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate accounting rules into plain business terms for decision makers.

An accrued rebate looks unlikely to be collected because a vendor disputes the volume. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they will adjust accruals promptly and document their judgment instead of hoping it resolves.

About the work

Walk me through how ASC 705-20 applies to a volume incentive rebate from a vendor.

What they are checking: Whether they know vendor consideration usually reduces cost of sales, which is the heart of this role.

When would a vendor payment for cooperative advertising not be recorded as a reduction of cost?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the distinct-service and fair-value test that changes the accounting treatment.

You get a vendor agreement with tiered rebates based on annual volume. How do you decide what to accrue each month?

What they are checking: Whether they can estimate rebates reasonably during the year and adjust as volume becomes clearer.

How do you account for marketing development funds when the money arrives before the related activity happens?

What they are checking: Whether they know to defer funds until earned rather than booking them on receipt.

What analytics would you build to help the business understand vendor funding trends?

What they are checking: Whether they can go beyond journal entries to give insight that supports business decisions.

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The full job description

As published by CDW.

Job Summary: The Senior Accountant, Sales and Margin Accounting, is responsible for applying accounting principles and practices to account, analyze, and report on vendor-funded incentive programs (e.g., volume incentive rebates, front-end/back-end rebates, marketing development funds) and advertising-related activities, including cooperative advertising. This role ensures accurate accounting and financial reporting in accordance with US GAAP, including ASC 705-20, and supports critical cross-functional business decisions. What you’ll do: • Apply accounting principles and procedures to analyze, record, and review financial information related to vendor funding and advertising programs. • Interpret complex vendor agreements and incentive contracts to determine appropriate accounting treatment under ASC 705-20 and related GAAP. • Partner with Product and Partner Management, Procurement, Marketing, FP&A, and Revenue Accounting, and other stakeholders to understand program structures and accounting implications. • Compile and analyze financial information to prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and analytics on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. • Ensure financial records are maintained in compliance with accepted policies and procedures. • Prepare financial management reports. • Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end closes and reporting deadlines. • Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures. • Independently resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities. • Ensure accurate and appropriate recording and analysis of various vendor funding sources and balance sheet accounts. • Guide non-financial functional areas through accounting rationale and impact on reporting and control. • Analyze actual results and provide explanations for variances to plan and prior year. • Prepare for financial audits and cooperate with the audit process. • Analyze financial information to recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures. • Collaborate cross-functionally on improving business results and processes. • Complete ad-hoc projects as assigned. • Act as the primary subject matter expert for vendor funding and advertising accounting, overseeing activities performed by the offshore managed service team to ensure high-quality execution. What we expect of you: • Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting or related financial field of study and 3+ years of accounting or financial audit experience • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders. • Demonstrated strong knowledge of accounting and finance principles and practices. • Solid technical accounting skills. • Demonstrated organizational skills with critical attention to detail. • Track record of balancing multiple priorities simultaneously with the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the business, while meeting deadlines. • Proficient in Microsoft office applications with strong experience in Excel. • Proven track record in problem analysis with the ability to creatively and proactively problem solve. • Track record of identifying process improvements and making appropriate recommendations. • Strong negotiation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders. • CPA and Big 4 audit experience are a plus. Pay range: $ 74 ,000 - $ 100 ,0 00 depending on experience and skill set A Benefits overview: https://cdw.benefit-info.com/ Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials  a n nual bonus target of 5 % subject to terms and conditions of plan CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work. Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice. About Us CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities. As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next. Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen. CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.

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