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Accounting Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

RWE AG

Sr Revenue Accounting Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95 - $125/hr

The Senior Revenue Accountant collaborates with internal teams, interprets complex contracts, and drives process improvements, supporting the company's commitment to transparency and regulatory ...

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DHJJ

Accounting Senior Associate

Naperville, IL · On-site

Applies accounting knowledge to record and analyze client data with neat and accurate work as part ... Coach and support Associates as they learn technical skills, systems, and processes and provide ...

DHJJ

Accounting Senior Associate

Naperville, IL · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Applies accounting knowledge to record and analyze client data with neat and accurate work as part ... Coach and support Associates as they learn technical skills, systems, and processes and provide ...

Harris Associates

Senior Portfolio Accountant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$76K - $95K/yr

The Portfolio Accounting Associate plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of portfolio accounting data, overseeing critical operational controls, and supporting the firm's investment products ...

Mecalux

Accounts Payable Associate

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$48 - $72/hr

The Accounting Associate (AP) is responsible for receiving, processing, and verifying invoices, tracking, and recording purchase orders, maintaining accounts payable records, and processing payments.

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All JobsAccounting Associate JobsAccounting Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Accounting Associate information

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How much do accounting associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 is an accounting associate?

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 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.

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.

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

An accounting associate's degree can qualify you for entry-level accounting positions such as bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or payroll assistant. Gaining skills in accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel and obtaining certifications like the CPA can improve job prospects and advancement opportunities.

Is 30 too late to get into accounting?

Accounting associates can enter the field at any age, as the profession values skills and certifications such as an associate degree or CPA. Many professionals start later in life and succeed by gaining relevant experience and developing proficiency with accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel.
More about Accounting Associate jobs

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Accounting Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Accounting Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Senior Portfolio Accountant

Harris Associates

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Summary: 

The Portfolio Accounting team is responsible for investment accounting, cash flow management, and reconciliation activities across all Harris | Oakmark accounts, including mutual funds, ETFs, CITs, limited partnerships, separately managed institutional accounts, and private wealth accounts.

The Portfolio Accounting Associate plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of portfolio accounting data, overseeing critical operational controls, and supporting the firm's investment products and client accounts. Core responsibilities include cash flow processing and forecasting, processing of in-kind transactions and other account activity, and oversight of portfolio accounting functions outsourced to a third-party administrator. Oversight activities include reviewing custodian cash and position reconciliations for material breaks and assisting the vendor with resolution, ensuring all cash flows are accurately reflected across accounting and trading platforms, and coordinating the month-end ABOR books close.

The Portfolio Accounting Associate will interact daily with a broad range of internal teams including Portfolio Implementation, Performance Analytics, Account Services, Client Services, and other Operations groups. External communications will include custodians, fund administrators, vendors, consultants, and clients.

The ideal candidate will bring a control-oriented mindset, strong attention to detail, and a high degree of integrity. They must be able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while thinking critically and escalating issues appropriately.

Responsibilities:

  • Process client-directed cash flows and account activity across trading and accounting systems accurately and in accordance with established controls and deadlines
  • Review daily cash flow control reports to identify outstanding items and ensure appropriate action is taken
  • Oversee the daily custodian cash, position, and lot-level cost basis reconciliations performed by the outsourced provider; identify material discrepancies and drive timely resolution
  • Perform periodic reviews across trading and accounting systems to confirm data integrity for key events including cash flows, corporate actions, in-kind activity, and account fundings and terminations
  • Lead the month-end ABOR books close process, coordinating across all Operations teams to ensure timely and accurate completion
  • Perform daily controls related to ETF basket positions
  • Assist in monitoring and reporting on outsourced provider performance against established KPIs
  • Support ad-hoc project work and process improvement initiatives as needed

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in investment management, preferably in an operations or portfolio accounting, or related role
  • Strong working knowledge of investment management operations, including familiarity with mutual fund structures and processes
  • Familiarity with mutual funds, ETF, or separate account structures
  • Experience reconciling cash, positions, and/or security-level data within an investment management environment
  • Working knowledge of investment accounting systems and order management systems
  • Exposure to overseeing outsourced service providers or third-party administrators
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment, think critically, and resolve complex problems in a timely manner
  • High degree of integrity, accountability, and reliability
  • Strong attention to detail with a control-oriented mindset
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with internal teams, vendors, and external counterparties
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining adaptable to shifting priorities
  • Intellectual curiosity and a proactive approach to learning and process improvement
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field

Special requirements:

May be required to occasionally work early morning hours and/or evening hours, and possibly on holidays due to market conditions, trade volumes, special projects, or client and regulatory deadlines.

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