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Associate In Accounting Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in accounting or related field preferred * Proven experience as an accounting clerk or in a similar role is a plus * Proficiency in MS Office ...

Accounting Clerk

Peru, IL · On-site

$18.50/hr

High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in accounting or related field preferred * Proven experience as an accounting clerk or in a similar role is a plus * Proficiency in MS Office ...

Experience performing balance sheet reconciliations within a publicly traded company environment or prior experience as an audit associate in a public accounting firm * Experience supporting SOX ...

Sr. Accountant

Lombard, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Experience performing balance sheet reconciliations within a publicly traded company environment or prior experience as an audit associate in a public accounting firm * Experience supporting SOX ...

Sr. Accountant

Lombard, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Experience performing balance sheet reconciliations within a publicly traded company environment or prior experience as an audit associate in a public accounting firm * Experience supporting SOX ...

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Associate In Accounting information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$24

$34

How much do associate in accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 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 does an accountant associate do?

An accountant associate supports accounting departments by preparing financial documents, reconciling accounts, and assisting with audits. They often use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel and need strong attention to detail. This role typically requires basic accounting knowledge and may involve routine data entry and report generation.

What is an associate in accounting?

An associate in accounting is an entry-level professional responsible for tasks such as recording financial transactions, maintaining ledgers, and assisting with financial reports. They typically work under the supervision of senior accountants and may use accounting software like QuickBooks or Excel. This role often requires a relevant degree or certification, such as an associate degree in accounting or bookkeeping skills.

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.

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.

Can you do anything with an associate's degree in accounting?

An associate's degree in accounting prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as accounting clerk, bookkeeper, or payroll assistant. It provides foundational skills in accounting principles, software like QuickBooks, and basic financial analysis, which can lead to further certifications or education for advanced positions.

What are Associate In Accounting jobs?

Associate In Accounting jobs typically refer to entry-level positions in the accounting field that require at least an associate degree in accounting or a related discipline. Individuals in these roles assist with basic accounting tasks such as bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, processing invoices, and reconciling accounts. These positions are a great starting point for those looking to build a career in accounting, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to learn about financial processes within a business. Most associate accountants work under the supervision of senior accountants or accounting managers and may advance with further education or experience.

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 help qualify for entry-level accounting positions such as bookkeeper or accounting clerk. However, for more advanced roles like accountant or auditor, a bachelor's degree is typically required, and additional certifications like CPA can enhance career prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate in Accounting, and why are they important?

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 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:
Infographic showing various Associate In Accounting job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 20% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,236 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Accounting & Finance Associate (Remote)

Accounting & Finance Associate (Remote)

Buckingham Search

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

We're working with a new tech company looking to hire an ambitious Accounting & Finance professional to their team!
Things you should know about them:
  1. They've created software that is changing the healthcare space for the better
  2. DEI is very important here and a huge focus area for the company
  3. Most go into the office 2 days a week, but you can work remotely as wel
  4. They offer benefits like stock options, flexible PTO, 14 paid company holiday, Quarterly Community Service Days (paid), and more

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's in Accounting, Finance, or related field
  • 2 - 3 years of experience in accounting related roles
  • Experienced with payables, invoicing, collections, cash management, etc.
  • Experienced with close procedures and financial reporting
  • Able to multi-task and wear several hats
  • Detail-oriented with superior analytical and evaluative skills and strong deductive reasoning ability
  • Demonstrate strong initiative and personal accountability
  • Results-focused with strong time management and prioritization abilities
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint

Buckingham Search logo

About Buckingham Search

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Buckingham Search is the active pipeline to connect Big Four-experienced audit, tax, and accounting people to the right career move–not just the next one. We specialize in Accounting, Audit, Tax, and Finance professionals with additional reach to Human Resources. And it might be the difference between finding a job and finding the right job. Or finding a candidate and finding your people. We care. We want to see our employers grow and the careers of our candidates soar because we know when you win, we win. And we want both groups to depend on us to dig deeper, solve problems and go further to ensure that your employment objectives are exceeded. No salesy-types. No corporate-speak. Just real people helping real people solve a unique problem of matching skilled talent to the right opportunity.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2015

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