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Financial Assistant Jobs in Northbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

NEX/11 Job Summary The Financial Assistant provides financial and accounting support to the NUCATS Institute's Center for Clinical Research (CCR). As a member of the CCR Finance Unit, this position ...

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Our new, modern facility has been built for success and is looking for a Finance Assistant. Job Responsibilities Include: * Audit deal paperwork for accuracy and ensure all parts have been completed ...

Our new, modern facility has been built for success and is looking for a Finance Assistant. Job Responsibilities Include: * Audit deal paperwork for accuracy and ensure all parts have been completed ...

Our new, modern facility has been built for success and is looking for a Finance Assistant. Job Responsibilities Include: * Audit deal paperwork for accuracy and ensure all parts have been completed ...

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Financial Administrative Assistant - Algonquin, IL Salary: $48,000-$53,000 annually plus benefits Looking to put your degree to work and gain real world experience? Join a growing company where you ...

CNA is seeking an Accounting Consultant to join the Financial Control team. The Financial Control team within the Corporate Finance Department is comprised of risk management experts who collaborate ...

Lead Financial Planner

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

A passion for financial planning and helping others is at the heart of everything we do ... Utilizing our exclusive and proprietary planning software, you will assist with data input and ...

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Financial Assistant information

See Northbrook, IL salary details

$10

$23

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How much do financial assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for financial assistant in Northbrook, IL is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a financial assistant?

A financial assistant is an entry-level employee on a finance team that takes on administrative duties, allowing the more advanced financial professionals to concentrate on their work. As a financial assistant, your primary responsibilities are to maintain records, perform calculations, and prepare financial reports, but you likely have additional duties like recording data in financial software programs, attending meetings with your team, and recommending improvements based on current information. The qualifications to become a financial assistant are strong mathematical skills, a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting, and some experience in the finance industry. As you gain experience, you can move up in your career to positions like financial manager.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a financial assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Financial Assistant, you need strong numerical aptitude, attention to detail, and a background in finance or accounting, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with accounting software (such as QuickBooks or SAP), spreadsheets, and financial reporting systems is typically required. Effective communication, organizational skills, and discretion are standout soft skills in this position. These qualities are essential for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting business decisions, and ensuring the integrity of financial processes.

How does a financial assistant typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Financial Assistants often work closely with various departments such as accounting, human resources, and operations to ensure accurate budgeting, timely expense reporting, and compliance with company policies. They may be responsible for gathering financial data from different teams, processing invoices, and assisting in preparing financial statements. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as these collaborations help maintain smooth financial operations and support organizational decision-making.

What is the difference between Financial Assistant vs Bookkeeper?

AspectFinancial AssistantBookkeeper
CredentialsMay require basic finance or accounting certificationsOften requires basic bookkeeping certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentSupports finance teams, works in offices or remotelyHandles daily transaction recording, often in small business settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries, supporting finance departmentsCommon in small to medium businesses, accounting firms
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssists with financial reports, data entry, and administrative tasksMaintains financial records, processes invoices, reconciles accounts

While both roles support financial operations, a Financial Assistant typically provides broader support within finance teams, whereas a Bookkeeper focuses on recording and maintaining financial transactions. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What do you do as a financial assistant?

A financial assistant supports financial operations by preparing reports, managing records, and assisting with budgeting and accounting tasks. They often use software like Excel or accounting programs and may handle tasks such as invoicing, data entry, and financial documentation to ensure accuracy and efficiency in financial processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Financial jobs in Northbrook, IL?

The most popular types of Financial jobs in Northbrook, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Financial Assistant jobs in Northbrook, IL?

For Financial Assistant jobs in Northbrook, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Financial Assistant jobs in Northbrook, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Financial Assistant jobs in Northbrook, IL are:

What cities near Northbrook, IL are hiring for Financial Assistant jobs?

Cities near Northbrook, IL with the most Financial Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Financial Assistant job openings in Northbrook, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,304 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Financial Assistant

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$11/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Northwestern University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: MED-NU-CATS Institute
Salary/Grade: NEX/11
Job Summary
The Financial Assistant provides financial and accounting support to the NUCATS Institute's Center for Clinical Research (CCR). As a member of the CCR Finance Unit, this position contributes to the financial oversight of clinical research studies, contracts, and recharge activities while ensuring compliance with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements. Working collaboratively with CCR leadership and institutional partners, the Financial Assistant supports efficient, compliant, and sustainable financial practices across the clinical research enterprise. The position provides financial analysis, transaction processing, and general accounting services for departmental, clinical research, recharge, and sponsored project accounts administered by CCR.
Responsibilities include preparing, analyzing, and reconciling financial reports and account statements; processing financial transactions such as invoices, journal entries, and expense reimbursements; maintaining clinical trial databases, financial tracking systems, and study records; supporting invoicing, collections, and study closeout reconciliation activities; and ensuring compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, industry standards, and applicable federal and state regulations. The Financial Assistant also assists in identifying and resolving routine financial discrepancies, collaborates with CCR leadership and institutional partners to promote effective financial stewardship and operational efficiency, and provides administrative, clerical, and other financial support as needed to advance the Center's mission.
This is a hybrid position with an expectation of working both remotely and on-site at Northwestern University's Chicago campus.
The NUCATS Institute is committed to maintaining a culture that values and prioritizes professional growth and work-life balance and to sustaining a welcoming environment for all team members
Specific Responsibilities:
Budget:
  • Maintains & tracks individual budget accounts.
  • Coordinates annual budget process including tasks associated with the open/close processes.
  • Updates calendar, spreadsheets, templates & forms; monitors submissions.
  • Completes reconciliation procedures.
  • 5. Creates summary reports.
Analysis, Statements & Reporting:
  • Prepares account, budget, cost, expenditure &/or funds analysis.
  • Provides reports to managers/PIs in tracking payment status & notification when balances & activities do not comply with policy, procedures or are inadequately prepared.
  • Creates reports & queries; reviews for incomplete records, data entry errors, &/or accounting mistakes.
  • May analyze open encumbrances that are no longer valid & recommend appropriate modifications to ensure smooth processing of financial transactions.
Transactions:
  • Completes & maintains transactions in enterprise systems.
  • Provides review and oversight of all types of financial transactions, some of which may be complex in regard to size or duration of account.
  • Reviews; ensures approval based on alternatives regarding practice & policy.
  • Troubleshoots problems.
  • Performs vendor/account research as needed.
  • Obtains additional information from or provides instruction & guidance for customers/vendors; corrects or escalates.
  • Accesses multiple banking systems to process transactions, retrieve information, &/or initiate wire transfers.
  • Provides financial policy interpretation to determine the validity of customer requests & ensure compliance.
  • Contacts outside agencies, banks &/or banking systems to obtain clarification of rules &/or regulations.
  • Enters information into database.
Grants &/or Awards:
  • Provides assistance regarding grant financial administration such as preparing financial information for grant submission.
  • Completes post award accounting.
  • Sets-up sub-contracts &/or start-up research accounts.
  • Modifies grant budgets.
  • Closes grants.
  • Processes subcontract payments according to rules & regulations of granting agencies.
  • Reconciles subcontract payments.
  • Verifies payroll funding entries.
  • Corrects charges to various accounts.
Administration:
  • Provides excellent customer service, over the phone and in person, answering standard questions regarding status of requests, policies and procedures for processing transactions, &/or instructions for completing paperwork.
  • Instructs & advises regarding options and appropriate courses of action & follows up on inquiries to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Completes other administrative &/or clerical activities such as organizing meetings; reserving AV equipment.
Training:
  • Assists with training of new staff members
  • Creates & provides financial training on practice, procedure, policy &/or laws & regulations to customers.
Miscellaneous:
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 2 years accounting &/or bookkeeping or other relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience managing financial records, processing transactions, and reconciling accounts.
Minimum Competencies:
  • Excellent computer skills including proficiency in the use of spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
  • Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting practices.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate financial records.
  • Ability to analyze financial information and identify discrepancies.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related financial field.
  • Experience supporting clinical research finance, clinical trial budgeting, invoicing, and study reconciliation.
  • Experience working in an academic medical center, research institution, contract research organization (CRO), pharmaceutical company, or healthcare environment.
  • Experience managing sponsored research, recharge/service center activities, or contract-related financial processes.
  • Experience with Northwestern University financial systems and business processes or similar enterprise financial systems.
Preferred Competencies:
  • Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial management practices.
  • Knowledge of clinical trial financial management, including invoicing, payment tracking, budgeting, and study closeout activities.
  • Familiarity with sponsored research administration and regulatory requirements associated with clinical research.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve financial issues independently.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with investigators, study teams, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative in managing responsibilities.
  • Adaptability and ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and customer
Target hiring range for this position will be between $21 - $ 24 per hour. The offered rate will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

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