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Accounting Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do As an Accounting Associate, you will play a key role in supporting daily financial and administrative operations, including: * Performing weekly and monthly bank reconciliations

Accounting Associate

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$19 - $21/hr

Accounting Associate Cedarstone began in 1993 as one friend helping another establish a nonprofit. We discovered that when Cedarstone provides accounting and donation services to nonprofits, it ...

Judgment Entry Associate Job Summary: Performs various legal and clerical duties in support of the Accounting, Attorney, and Legal Department functions. The person hired for this position will ...

Impact of the role The Accounting Associate is responsible for day-to-day general accounting and payables functions, supporting and coordinating the work of the finance department, including AP ...

Impact of the role The Accounting Associate is responsible for day-to-day general accounting and payables functions, supporting and coordinating the work of the finance department, including AP ...

Accounting Associate

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Impact of the role The Accounting Associate is responsible for day-to-day general accounting and payables functions, supporting and coordinating the work of the finance department, including AP ...

Impact of the role The Accounting Associate is responsible for day-to-day general accounting and payables functions, supporting and coordinating the work of the finance department, including AP ...

You are an accountant who enjoys helping clients and collaborating with your co-workers when you encounter a unique situation that requires you to research and solve a client's problem. You are ...

Accounting Associate

Naperville, IL · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

You are an accountant who enjoys helping clients and collaborating with your co-workers when you encounter a unique situation that requires you to research and solve a client's problem. You are ...

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Accounting Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$37

How much do accounting associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for accounting associate in Chicago, IL is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges Accounting Associates face when managing multiple deadlines?

Accounting Associates often juggle various tasks such as processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial reports, all of which may have overlapping deadlines. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and effective time management. It's common to use accounting software and spreadsheets to prioritize work, but unexpected requests or discrepancies can arise, requiring quick problem-solving. Staying proactive in communication with team members and supervisors helps ensure that critical deadlines are met without compromising accuracy.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Accounting associates typically earn less than $100,000 annually, especially at entry and mid-level positions. Higher salaries are often achieved with advanced certifications like CPA, more experience, or in senior roles such as senior accountant or accounting manager. Salary varies based on industry, location, and company size.

What are Accounting Associates?

Accounting Associates are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist with the daily financial operations of a business or organization. Their main responsibilities often include processing invoices, managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and preparing basic financial reports. They work closely with accountants and other finance team members to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with relevant regulations. This role often serves as a stepping stone for those looking to advance in the accounting or finance field.

What Is an Accounting Associate?

An accounting associate provides basic bookkeeping assistance to auditors or accountants at a company. As an accounting associate, your primary duties include writing reports, providing data analysis and entry, and maintaining good relationships with company clients. You may also provide clerical assistance to the accounting or auditing department. Qualifications for the job include an associate degree or higher in accounting, statistics, or economics, and experience working in the insurance or financial fields. To succeed in this career, you need excellent math, communication, and organizational skills. An accounting associate is an entry-level role perfect for aspiring accountants.

What is an accounting associate?

An accounting associate is a professional responsible for supporting accounting functions such as data entry, bookkeeping, preparing financial reports, and assisting with audits. They typically use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel and may require a basic understanding of accounting principles and certifications like an associate degree in accounting or finance.

Can I get a good job with an associate's in accounting?

An associate's degree in accounting can qualify you for entry-level positions such as accounting clerk or bookkeeper, which often involve tasks like data entry, invoicing, and basic financial record keeping. Advancing in the field typically requires gaining experience, developing skills in accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel, and pursuing certifications such as the Certified Bookkeeper or CPA for higher-level roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Accounting Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Accounting Associate, you need a solid understanding of basic accounting principles, attention to detail, and a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and ERP systems, as well as relevant certifications like a CPA or Bookkeeping certification, is often required. Strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate financial records, compliance with regulations, and efficient support for business operations.

What is the difference between Accounting Associate vs Bookkeeper?

AspectAccounting AssociateBookkeeper
CredentialsTypically an associate degree in accounting or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may have certifications
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, accounting firms, finance departmentsSmall businesses, freelance, or in-house for various companies
Job ResponsibilitiesData entry, assisting with financial reports, supporting accountantsRecording financial transactions, maintaining ledgers, reconciling accounts

While both roles handle financial data, an Accounting Associate often works alongside accountants in more analytical tasks, whereas a Bookkeeper focuses on recording and maintaining financial records. The roles are complementary but differ in scope and complexity.

What does an accountant associate do?

An accounting associate supports financial operations by preparing and maintaining financial records, reconciling accounts, and assisting with audits. They often use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel and may perform tasks such as data entry, invoice processing, and basic financial analysis under supervision.
What are the most commonly searched types of Accounting jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Accounting jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Accounting Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Accounting Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Accounting Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Accounting Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Accounting Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Accounting Associate

RF RENOVO MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position:

Accounting Associate

Who We Are:

Renovo Financial is a rapidly growing Chicago-based private lender serving real estate investors who acquire and renovate single and multi-family residential properties. We pride ourselves on supporting clients by providing unparalleled service, from the loan application through the payoff. Renovo’s reliability and “win-win” solutions-oriented approach is just one reason why our repeat and referral rates far exceed the industry average. Renovo was honored to be named one of Crain’s 50 fastest-growing Chicago companies and a 2023 Top Workplace winner, as recognized by The Chicago Tribune.

Position Summary:

The Accounting Associate is a critical role within the Renovo organization, meaningfully contributing to both the financial and operational aspects of the business. The Accounting Associate supports the financial team through bookkeeping, reconciling, and month-end closing responsibilities. This includes recording cash activity daily into the general ledger software (Sage Intacct), which can require transaction research and collaboration with other departments. The Accounting Associate supports the operational team through preparing daily banking activity transmissions for approval, including for loan closings, construction draws, and accounts payable. The Accounting Associate will work closely with our team of accounting professionals, and will have opportunities to expand their responsibilities as the organization grows. This position will function in a hybrid working environment, with regularly scheduled in-office attendance.

Responsibilities:

  • Recording bank activity in general ledger
  • Inputting banking templates and payments for approval
  • Processing weekly accounts payable run
  • Contributing to month-end closing processes
  • Updating deferred revenue recognition based on borrower activity
  • Verifying accounting balances for interdepartmental communication
  • Contract, vendor, and expense monitoring
  • Ad hoc activities within the accounting or finance department

Position Requirements:

  • Degree in Accounting/Finance or 1-2 years of bookkeeping experience
  • Moderate to advanced skills with Microsoft EXCEL
  • High attention to detail
  • Organized and able to consistently meet deadlines
  • Effective communication skills, both written and spoken
  • Willingness to adapt and change with a fast-growing company
  • Experience with Sage Intacct or similar is a bonus

Renovo Financial is an equal opportunity employer. Renovo Financial does not discriminate in any employment actions (including hiring decisions) with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service or any other characteristic protected by law.

Renovo offers a 401k plan with employer matching, paid time off, observance of company paid holidays, medical, dental, vision benefits for employees and their dependents, maternity benefits and more.