ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate In Accounting Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Managed Care Staffers

Be Seen First

Bilingual Accounting Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23 - $24/hr

High school diploma or equivalent required; Assoc in accounting or finance preferred. * Prior experience in accounting or finance roles is preferred. * Strong accuracy in financial reporting and ...

Topco

Associate Accounting Manager

Itasca, IL · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Overview Topco Associates is currently seeking an Associate Accounting Manager for the Accounting ... Involved in accounting activities supporting the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.

Jobtailor

Senior Tax Associate

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$82K - $102K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field * Active CPA license or EA for Tax ... At least 2 years' experience as an associate in public accounting * Ability to prepare, supervise ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate In Accounting JobsAssociate In Accounting Jobs in Illinois

Associate In Accounting information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do associate in accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate in accounting in Illinois is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate in accounting?

To thrive as an Associate in Accounting, you need a solid 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, Microsoft Excel, and ERP systems is typically required, and certifications like CPA or ACCA can be advantageous. Strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate financial records, supporting audits, and contributing to the overall financial health of an organization.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate in accounting during month-end close?

As an Associate in Accounting, one of the main challenges during month-end close is managing tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy in financial records. You'll often need to reconcile multiple accounts, resolve discrepancies, and gather information from various departments, all within a limited timeframe. Effective communication, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are essential to handle these pressures and maintain the integrity of the financial statements. Collaborating closely with senior accountants and other team members is also key to a smooth and timely close.

What is the difference between Associate In Accounting vs Bookkeeper?

AspectAssociate In AccountingBookkeeper
Required CredentialsAssociate degree in accounting or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may have certifications
Work EnvironmentAccounting firms, corporate finance departmentsSmall businesses, accounting offices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with financial reports, data entry, basic accounting tasksRecording financial transactions, maintaining ledgers

While both roles involve handling financial data, an Associate In Accounting typically has a formal education and performs broader accounting functions, whereas a Bookkeeper mainly focuses on recording transactions and maintaining financial records. The Associate In Accounting role often involves more analytical tasks and may serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced accounting positions.

Is an associate's degree in accounting good?

An associate's degree in accounting provides foundational knowledge of accounting principles, bookkeeping, and financial analysis, which can qualify individuals for entry-level accounting roles such as bookkeeper or accounting clerk. It can also serve as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree for career advancement and higher-level positions in accounting or finance. Employers often value relevant skills, certifications, and experience alongside educational credentials.

What does an associate in accounting do?

An associate in accounting performs tasks such as recording financial transactions, preparing financial statements, reconciling accounts, and assisting with audits. They often use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel and support senior accountants in maintaining accurate financial records.

What is the lowest position in accounting?

The lowest position in accounting is typically an accounting clerk or bookkeeper, responsible for basic financial record-keeping and data entry. These roles often require minimal formal education and serve as entry points for advancing to higher accounting positions such as staff accountant or senior accountant.

What are the most commonly searched types of In Accounting jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of In Accounting jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate In Accounting jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Associate In Accounting job openings:

Associate In Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate In Accounting job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,236 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Investment Accounting Associate

Chicago, IL • On-site

Guggenheim Investments
1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Guggenheim Investmentsexternal

$100K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
Guggenheim Investments is seeking an exceptional candidate to join its Investment Accounting team as Associate in the Investment Operations department. This person will participate in analyzing security-level accounting information for client portfolio; maintaining GAAP and Statutory balance sheet values used in internal portfolio management decision-making process; ensuring accuracy of assets under management and performance values for internal reporting; and resolving cash and position reconciliation exceptions.
The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, innovative, and enthusiastic to learn; have ability to take ownership of processes and manage time efficiently; possess analytical and problem-solving skills.
This role is located in our Chicago office.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Monitor accounting system production jobs; timely execute checks and controls to ensure accurate data in accounting system.
  • On daily basis ensure transactions and income are properly recorded in the accounting system; be able to trouble shoot, correct and identify root causes of the issues.
  • Work with Client Service Support team to ensure new portfolio and security-level accounting records are correct at the point of initial account set-up.
  • Verify accuracy of asset transfers and corporate actions recorded in the accounting system.
  • Periodically review earned interest for more complex investments.
  • Analyze fixed income securities book yields in accounting book of records ("ABOR"); process book value adjustments, load and validate expected cash flow assumptions to support accurate accounting book values and yields.
  • Reconcile periodically ABOR asset market values, accrued interest and cash balances to investment book of records ("IBOR"); identify, research and clearly summarize variances.
  • For certain portfolios, ensure holdings are reconciled to positions and values reported by Custodians. Communicate and resolve exceptions with Custodians.
  • Reconcile available cash to settled cash (including reconciliation of open receivable/payable for securities and interest due).
  • Prepare monthly reports for internal clients based on accounting datasets.
  • Participate and contribute to initiatives that generate greater accuracy in accounting information and process efficiencies; assist with special projects and ad hoc requests as assigned.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting.
  • 2+ years' accounting experience in financial services, specifically back-office investment operations and/or fund accounting.
  • Proficiency in MS Excel (familiar with complex formulas for large datasets), Access, Word, and SQL
  • Team-oriented individual with ability to collaborate with a diverse group.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining accuracy and quality of work.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Currently holding or pursuing CPA (preferrable) or CFA.
  • Comprehensive knowledge about fixed income, loans, limited partnerships, and equity securities.
  • Experience with Aladdin by BlackRock solutions and/or Wall Street Office or a similar investment system.
  • GAAP and/or Statutory accounting for insurance company investments.

We are not seeking agency assistance with this role.
Salary Range
Annual base salary between
$100,000.00-$105,000.00
The base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. Actual base salaries may vary depending on factors such as location and experience. The range listed reflects base salary only, and the total compensation package may include other components such as incentive compensation.

Apply