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Associate Founder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Founder's CPA

Senior Associate - Accounting Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting, tax, and CFO services for venture-backed ...

Founder's CPA

Senior Associate - Accounting Services

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting, tax, and CFO services for venture-backed ...

Founder's CPA

Senior Associate - Tax Services

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting, tax, and CFO services for venture-backed ...

Founder's CPA

Senior Associate - Accounting Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting, tax, and CFO services for venture-backed ...

Founder's CPA

Senior Associate - Tax Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting, tax, and CFO services for venture-backed ...

Founder's CPA

Senior Associate - Tax Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting, tax, and CFO services for venture-backed ...

Founder's CPA

Manager - Tax Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting ... and associate level tax team members. Duties will include, but are not limited to: * The ...

Founder's CPA

Manager - Tax Services

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$125K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting ... and associate level tax team members. Duties will include, but are not limited to: * The ...

Founder's CPA

Manager - Tax Services

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

About Founder's CPA Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting ... and associate level tax team members. Duties will include, but are not limited to: * The ...

KnitWell Group

Lane Bryant - Sales Associate

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

About us Our founder, Lena Bryant didn't set out to change fashion forever, but that's exactly what ... Our inclusive community of customers and associates champions the acceptance of all sizes, shapes ...

tarte cosmetics

Retail Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200/hr

S. Founder & CEO Maureen Kelly created the brand with a mission to develop cruelty-free, easy-to ... If so, we'd love to hear from you! tarte cosmetics is seeking experienced retail sales associates ...

tarte cosmetics

Retail Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200/hr

S. Founder & CEO Maureen Kelly created the brand with a mission to develop cruelty-free, easy-to ... If so, we'd love to hear from you! tarte cosmetics is seeking experienced retail sales associates ...

tarte cosmetics

Retail Sales Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200/hr

S. Founder & CEO Maureen Kelly created the brand with a mission to develop cruelty-free, easy-to ... If so, we'd love to hear from you! tarte cosmetics is seeking experienced retail sales associates ...

KnitWell Group

Associate, Hoffman Estates

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$15 - $15.25/hr

  • Retirement

About us Our founder, Lena Bryant didn't set out to change fashion forever, but that's exactly what ... Overview : The Lane Bryant Associate is responsible for creating a hospitable store environment ...

Knitwellgroup

Associate, Valparaiso Walk

Valparaiso, IN

$13.50 - $18/hr

  • Retirement

About us Our founder, Lena Bryant didn't set out to change fashion forever, but that's exactly what ... Overview : The Lane Bryant Associate is responsible for creating a hospitable store environment ...

Kith

Operations Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

The Kith Operations Associate is responsible for the flow of merchandise from the central point of ... Led by Founder, CEO and Creative Director Ronnie Fieg, the brand is known globally for evoking ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Founder JobsAssociate Founder Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Founder information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do associate founder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate founder in Chicago, IL is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an associate founder typically collaborate with other founding team members and early employees?

As an Associate Founder, you will work closely with the core founding team, often sharing responsibilities in strategy, product development, and business operations. Collaboration is highly cross-functional and fast-paced, with frequent brainstorming sessions, joint decision-making, and direct communication with early employees to align on goals and adapt to rapid changes. You'll likely be involved in both high-level planning and hands-on execution, making flexibility and strong interpersonal skills crucial for success in this role.

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

To thrive as an Associate Founder, you need strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and a background in entrepreneurship or business management. Familiarity with project management tools, financial modeling software, and startup frameworks is highly valuable. Exceptional leadership, adaptability, and communication skills help drive vision and foster effective team collaboration. These competencies are vital for navigating the dynamic demands of building a successful business from the ground up.

What is the difference between Associate Founder vs Co-Founder?

AspectAssociate FounderCo-Founder
RoleEarly team member involved in founding activities, often with less decision-making authorityPrimary individual responsible for establishing the company, with full founding rights
CredentialsTypically has entrepreneurial experience, industry knowledge, and possibly startup fundingSimilar credentials, often with leadership experience and a strong entrepreneurial background
Work EnvironmentStartups or early-stage companies, collaborative and dynamicSame environment, often with more influence on company direction
Usage in IndustryLess common, used for early team members with founding aspirationsCommonly used to denote a primary founding member

In summary, an Associate Founder is usually an early team member involved in founding activities with less authority, while a Co-Founder is a primary individual who has established the company and holds significant founding rights. Both roles require entrepreneurial credentials and are integral to startup environments, but the Co-Founder typically has a more prominent leadership position.

What is an associate founder?

An Associate Founder is a key early team member who plays a significant role in starting and building a company, but is not necessarily the original creator or primary founder. They often join at the inception or shortly after and contribute essential skills, resources, or expertise to help launch and grow the business. Associate Founders may receive equity in the company and are typically recognized for their foundational impact, though they may not hold the same title or responsibilities as a primary founder.

What are the most commonly searched types of Founder jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Founder jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Associate Founder jobs near you

Senior Associate - Accounting Services

Founder's CPA

Chicago, IL • On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About Founder's CPA
Founder's CPA was founded in 2017 and is now an industry-leading accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting, tax, and CFO services for venture-backed startups. We refuse to accept the inefficient and burdensome "old school" approach to accounting and offer a modern approach that improves the client experience. This approach enables us to provide deeper and more meaningful value in our role as a trusted advisor.
We're looking for curious and reliable team members who share our values (see below) to join the team!
What We Value
We value diversity and the unique perspectives and strengths each team member brings to our firm. Together, we work in alignment with our 5 core values:
  • #FIOTA (Figure it out then ask) - By embracing an entrepreneurial mindset, you can exhibit a natural curiosity to develop answers to questions and understand why one way could be better than another.
  • Authentic Relationships - Care deeply for others, but be willing to challenge them directly to be the best version of themselves, while also embracing constructive feedback as an opportunity to grow.
  • Accountability - Produce a product that you're proud of, but know your own limitations. Trust in your coworkers' abilities and the reliability of others.
  • Teach Others to Fish - Share knowledge while being a thoughtful communicator. Be patient, understanding, and aware that everyone may not be as capable as you are.
  • Thoughtful Communication - Communication should strive to be appropriately delivered, timely, thorough, and solutions-focused.

What You'll Do
As a valued member of our team, you will be tasked with providing accounting services to our client base. Duties will include, but are not limited to:
  • Managing and executing the month-end close process for our clients to produce complete, accurate, and timely financial statements
  • Collaborating with staff resources to ensure continuity of the day to day accounting tasks for clients
  • Provide commentary on the monthly financial performance of clients and prepare reporting packages for management review
  • Analyze budget to actuals performance and identify key drivers of account variances
  • Assist in the development and maintenance of basic cash flow models and other financial forecasts
  • Assisting in the onboarding of new clients and developing core accounting processes to satisfy their accounting needs at their current and future business lifecycle

Learn more about what our team members and clients have to say about us here.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate exhibits the following skills and/or characteristics:
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or similar field
  • 2+ years in accounting services, FP&A, or similar role
  • Keen attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Strong communication skills
  • Natural curiosity and a strong desire to learn new skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently
  • Gathers and analyzes information skillfully
  • Professionalism and commitment to exceptional communication and client service
  • Experience with Quickbooks Online is strongly preferred
  • Experience with Sage Intacct, Xero, Bill.com, Expensify, Gusto, HubDoc, and other accounting applications strongly preferred
  • CPA or on track for your CPA is preferred but not required

Perks
A perk we like to highlight is work life balance. We recognize this is an industry with a reputation for spending long hours at the office, and we try to do things a little differently. Firstly, we encourage our team to work from where they work best, whether that be at home or in our Chicago office. While we may request in office meetings from time to time, we encourage our team to control where and how they work. Additionally, we strive to provide each team member with a reasonable workload. Based on internal surveys, during the off-season, employees typically work an average 40 hours per week. We recognize that balance shifts during busy seasons, and while dedication is crucial, we strive to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Even during peak periods, employees typically average 50-55 hours per week. We believe that a harmonious work-life balance not only enhances individual satisfaction but also contributes to a thriving and motivated workforce.
Other perks include:
  • Casual dress
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package, including profit sharing bonuses
  • Autonomy of work and ability to grow quickly within the company
  • A company culture that places emphasis on individual career goals
  • Opportunity to work on a variety of innovative clients in emerging industries

Compensation
This position is for immediate hire, paid commensurate with the candidate's experience. The salary range for this position is $75-110k. The position also includes benefit offerings such as medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and commuter benefits.
Other
Founder's CPA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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