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Associate Accountant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Heitman

Associate (Accountant)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Our Chicago office is seeking an Associate (Accountant) in Investor Accounting. The responsibilities of an Associate, Investor Accounting include, but are not limited to: * Learn on-the-job ...

Heitman

Associate (Accountant)

Chicago, IL

$48K - $66K/yr

Our Chicago office is seeking an Associate (Accountant) in Investor Accounting. The responsibilities of an Associate, Investor Accounting include, but are not limited to: * Learn on-the-job ...

Conexus Food Solutions

Associate Accountant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Apply accounting principles, regulations, and policies to all work duties. * Reconcile bank account * Perform Accounts Payable functions: Match vendor invoice, bill of lading and purchasing order ...

Conexus Food Solutions

Associate Accountant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Apply accounting principles, regulations, and policies to all work duties. * Reconcile bank account * Perform Accounts Payable functions: Match vendor invoice, bill of lading and purchasing order ...

JLL

Senior Accounting Associate II

Westmont, IL · Hybrid

Senior Associate Accountant II - JLL Location: Hybrid- Westmont, IL What this job involves: Join JLL's Client Accounting Services team as a Senior Associate Accountant II, where you'll serve as a ...

Topco

Associate Accounting Manager

Itasca, IL · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Overview Topco Associates is currently seeking an Associate Accounting Manager for the Accounting ... A eligibility, or active pursuit of CPA certification preferred. Technical Skills * Strong ...

JLL

Senior Associate I, REMS

Westmont, IL · On-site

JLL is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Associate Accountant I for our Client ... The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of accounting and analytical skills, and can work ...

William Blair

Tax Accountant

Chicago, IL · On-site

Provide mentoring and guidance to associate accounting staff. * Additional responsibilities as requested. Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field ...

William Blair

Tax Accountant

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Provide mentoring and guidance to associate accounting staff. * Additional responsibilities as requested. Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field ...

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All JobsAssociate Accountant JobsAssociate Accountant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Accountant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$58.5K

$83.5K

How much do associate accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate accountant in Chicago, IL is $58,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Associate Accountant, you need a strong grasp of accounting principles, attention to detail, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, is typically required, and some roles may prefer candidates with CPA certification or progress toward it. Strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication help you manage tasks efficiently and collaborate with colleagues. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the accounting team.

What is the difference between Associate Accountant vs Staff Accountant?

AspectAssociate AccountantStaff Accountant
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field; certifications like CPA are a plusSame as Associate Accountant, often with CPA or CPA candidate status
Work EnvironmentEntry-level accounting department, corporate or public accounting firmsSimilar environment, often with more responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for entry-level roles in accounting teamsCommonly used interchangeably with Associate Accountant in many firms

Associate Accountants and Staff Accountants often have overlapping roles, requiring similar education and certifications. The main difference is often in job titles used by employers, with both roles serving as entry points into accounting careers. Both positions involve supporting financial reporting, reconciliations, and audit preparations, making them comparable in responsibilities and work environment.

What is the lowest position in associate accountant?

The lowest position in the accounting field related to associate accountant roles is typically an entry-level position such as accounting clerk or junior accountant. These roles often require basic accounting knowledge, attention to detail, and sometimes an associate degree or relevant certification. Advancement usually involves gaining experience and additional certifications like CPA or CMA.

What is an associate accountant?

Associate Accountants are entry-level professionals who assist with the preparation, maintenance, and analysis of financial records in organizations. Their duties typically include bookkeeping, processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and supporting audits. They work under the supervision of senior accountants or accounting managers and play a key role in ensuring financial accuracy and compliance. This position is often a stepping stone to more advanced accounting roles as individuals gain experience and professional certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by associate accountants in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

In their first year, Associate Accountants often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex accounting software, managing tight deadlines during month-end close, and balancing multiple tasks. Building strong organizational skills and proactively seeking guidance from senior team members can help ease the transition. Regular communication with colleagues and participating in team meetings also support knowledge sharing and problem-solving, making it easier to adjust to the fast-paced environment.

What does an associate accountant do?

An associate accountant manages payments and accounts receivables at a company. In this career, your duties and responsibilities include reviewing invoices, audits, fund requests from various departments within the business, and financial records. You also perform data entry and file accounting data from the different departments and analyze the information. You may also be responsible for checking the work of other accountants to ensure it is mathematically and factually accurate. As an associate accountant, you are required to follow all state and federal compliance laws.

More about Associate Accountant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Associate Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Accountant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Accountant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Accountant job openings:
Associate Accountant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Accountant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, 18% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,541 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Associate (Accountant)

Heitman

Chicago, IL • On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Job description

Company Description
Company: Heitman
Founded in 1966, Heitman LLC is a global real estate investment management firm with over $36 billion in assets under management. Heitman's real estate investment strategies include direct investments in the equity or debt capitalization of a property or in the securities of listed and publicly traded real estate companies. Heitman serves a global client base with clients from North American, European, Middle Eastern and Asia-Pacific institutions, pension plans, foundations and corporations and individual investors. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Los Angeles, London, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Munich, Warsaw, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, and Melbourne, Heitman's over 300 employees offer specialized expertise - from a specific discipline to local insight.
Job Description
Our Chicago office is seeking an Associate (Accountant) in Investor Accounting.
The responsibilities of an Associate, Investor Accounting include, but are not limited to:
  • Learn on-the-job accounting and/or financial reporting principles and Investor Accounting processes
  • Demonstrate ability to prioritize tasks, work on multiple assignments, and complete work with little direction
  • Exhibit time management skills by developing and executing specific goals in an agreed upon timeframe
  • Successfully participate in three to four busy cycles (valuations, quarter-end, audit, business plans) of a fund/account
  • Assist in the preparation of financial statements, supporting schedules, and related footnotes
  • Help prepare schedules in compliance with IM agreement(s), JV agreement(s), and PM checklist(s)
  • Assist in the preparation of quarterly property and debt valuations
  • Administer and report using NCREIF and Yardi data
  • Review and understand Real Estate Information Standards (REIS) handbooks and manuals
  • Exhibit knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, and the analysis and reporting of financial data (including assets, liability, equity, balance sheets, expenses, cash flow, and credits, returns and IRRs)
  • Understand the governing agreements between Heitman and the client

Qualifications
We are seeking individuals who meet the following criteria:
  • High performing accounting graduate
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • CPA or intention to obtain CPA preferred
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, work on multiple assignments, and manage ambiguity
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with professionals at all levels
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Additional Information
Interested professionals should apply via our website at www.heitman.com. Please make sure to select "careers" under the About tab to submit your cover letter and resume. If you are a Heitman employee, please make sure to apply using your Heitman email address.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Equal Employment Opportunity: Heitman is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical, medical or mental disability or condition (including, without limitation, HIV and AIDS), developmental disability, handicap, denial of family and medical care leave, denial of pregnancy leave, domestic partner status, status as a victim of sexual or domestic violence (or familial relationship to such victim), veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, arrest records, citizenship status, criminal history that has been expunged, unfavorable discharge from the military, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

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