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Associate Accountant Jobs in Park Ridge, 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 · 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 ...

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 ...

Robert Half

Senior Associate, Accounting

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Role Overview Reporting to the Team Manager, the Senior Associate will act as the Functional ... A or tracking toward eligibility preferred. • 3-5 years of progressive accounting experience.

CBIZ, Inc.

Audit Senior Associate

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$82K - $101K/yr

Review associates' accounting, tax or auditing work: provide constructive review points * May supervise associates on engagements * Train and mentor associate staff * May be involved in the client ...

Myers and Stauffer

Audit Senior Associate

Deerfield, IL · Hybrid

$82K - $101K/yr

With industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and ... Review associates' accounting, tax or auditing work: provide constructive review points * May ...

CBIZ

Audit Senior Associate

Deerfield, IL · Hybrid

$82K - $101K/yr

With industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and ... Review associates' accounting, tax or auditing work: provide constructive review points * May ...

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All JobsAssociate Accountant JobsAssociate Accountant Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Associate Accountant information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$32K

$55.9K

$79.7K

How much do associate accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate accountant in Park Ridge, IL is $55,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,700.00 and $63,500.00 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.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Associate accountants typically earn salaries well below $500,000 annually, with most earning between $50,000 and $80,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires advanced roles such as senior accountants, financial managers, or CFOs, often combined with bonuses, profit sharing, or ownership stakes. High earnings in accounting are generally associated with senior positions, specialized skills, or working in large corporations or financial hubs.

What can I do with an associate in accounting?

An associate in accounting qualifies for entry-level roles such as accounting clerk, bookkeeper, or junior accountant. These positions involve tasks like data entry, financial record keeping, and assisting with audits, often requiring proficiency in accounting software and basic understanding of accounting principles.

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.

Can you make $100,000 as an accountant?

Associate accountants typically earn less than $100,000 annually, with salaries increasing with experience, certifications like CPA, and specialization in areas such as audit or tax. Senior or specialized accountants in larger firms or industries may reach or exceed this salary level, but it is not common for entry-level roles.

What is an accountant associate?

An accountant associate is an entry-level accounting professional responsible for supporting financial record-keeping, data entry, and basic analysis. They often work under the supervision of senior accountants and may use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel. This role typically requires a relevant degree or certification such as a CPA or accounting diploma.

What are Associate Accountants?

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 Park Ridge, IL? The most popular types of Accountant jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Accountant jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Accountant jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Associate Accountant jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Associate Accountant job openings:
Associate Accountant jobs near you

Associate Accountant

Swedish Trade Development Inc

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 hours ago

Job description

Are you interested in working with clients across diverse industries and supporting their financial and accounting needs? We are now looking for an Associate Accountant to join our collaborative team in Chicago!

Why We Need You?

To Grow With Us – This role provides hands-on exposure to multiple industries, accounting processes, and client environments. With ongoing guidance and feedback, you will have opportunities to expand your responsibilities as your technical skills and confidence grow.

To Complement Our Dynamic team – You will play a key role in supporting day-to-day financial operations, ensuring data integrity, and contributing to timely and accurate financial reporting. Working closely with internal team members, you will help maintain high standards of quality and reliability across client engagements.

To Support Our Clients – You will interact regularly with clients to gather information, clarify transactions, and support deliverables under the guidance of senior team members, helping ensure accurate and responsive service.

The role focuses on delivering operational support services, fostering close collaboration with clients, and contributing to the success of long-term strategic initiatives including:
  • Support month end and year end close activities to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
  • Prepare and maintain general ledger accounts in accordance with GAAP
  • Assist in the preparation of external financial statements and supporting schedules
  • Execute payroll, sales tax, and other statutory registrations and filings under supervision
  • Process accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions, including invoicing, accruals, and reconciliations
  • Perform cash and bank reconciliations and investigate variances
  • Assist with management reporting, basic financial analysis, and limited forecasting
  • Respond to client accounting questions by researching issues and escalating as needed
  • Maintain organized documentation to support audits, reviews, and internal controls
  • Contribute to process improvements and efficiency initiatives within the accounting function
The role is based in Chicago, with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and clients internationally.

Core Competencies & Collaborative Skills
  • Accurate and timely completion of assigned accounting tasks
  • Well organized and reliable financial records
  • Proactive communication with team members regarding deadlines and issues
  • Steady improvement in technical accounting knowledge and efficiency
  • Positive and professional interactions with clients
Formal Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field
  • 0–3 years of relevant experience
  • Knowledge of GAAP
  • Proficiency with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
A Plus
  • Experience working with small businesses (manufacturing, retail, online, etc.)
  • Knowledge of sales tax and payroll processing
  • Familiarity with Business Central software
Application
Please submit your resume as soon as possible, as we review applications on a rolling basis. All applications will be handled confidentially.

The compensation range for this position is $60,000-$70,000 per year based on experience, relevant education &/or certifications, location, and skillset.