1

Freelance Accountant Jobs in Chicago Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Staff Accountant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Overview The Staff Accountant provides financial support within a multi-location agency in order to ... Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan ...

Staff Accountant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49K - $65K/yr

Overview The Staff Accountant provides financial support within a multi-location agency in order to ... Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan ...

Freelance Accountant information

See Chicago Ridge, IL salary details

$14

$26

$43

How much do freelance accountant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance accountant in Chicago Ridge, IL is $26.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $30.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance accountant?

Freelance accountants are independent professionals who provide accounting services to individuals, small businesses, or organizations on a contract or project basis. Unlike in-house accountants, they are not full-time employees but work for multiple clients, offering services such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial reporting, and consulting. Freelance accountants typically set their own rates and schedules, allowing for flexible work arrangements. They often work remotely or on-site, depending on client needs, and may specialize in certain industries or accounting software.

What does a freelance accountant do?

The job duties of a freelance accountant involve working to assist clients with accounting tasks. Your responsibilities may vary based on the needs of each client and the area of your expertise. Some accountants specialize in preparing taxes and financial documents for businesses, or while others manage financial data, track variables, such as expenses, profits, and cash flow, for a company, and audit records for accuracy and compliance with reporting regulations. As an independent freelancer, you work on a contract basis, and you may work with more than one client at a time.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Accountant, you need a strong grasp of accounting principles, financial reporting, and tax regulations, typically backed by a degree in accounting or finance and relevant certifications such as CPA or ACCA. Proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage, and familiarity with cloud-based financial tools, is crucial. Excellent communication, time management, and self-motivation are vital soft skills for building client relationships and handling multiple projects independently. These skills ensure accurate financial management, client trust, and sustainable business growth in a competitive freelance environment.

How do freelance accountants typically manage multiple client projects and deadlines simultaneously?

Freelance accountants often juggle several clients at once, each with their own reporting requirements and deadlines. Successful freelancers use project management tools, strict scheduling, and clear communication to stay organized and ensure timely delivery of financial statements, tax filings, and advisory work. Establishing transparent processes for document collection and client communication is also key to minimizing errors and meeting expectations. Building strong client relationships and setting clear boundaries helps prevent scope creep and ensures a manageable workload.

What is the difference between Freelance Accountant vs Bookkeeper?

AspectFreelance AccountantBookkeeper
CredentialsCPA or accounting degree often preferredBasic bookkeeping certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote or client-siteOften in-office or remote, handling daily transactions
Employer/Industry UsageServes multiple clients, freelance basisEmployed by a business or small company
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Freelance Accountants typically have advanced credentials like CPA and handle complex financial tasks for multiple clients, working independently. Bookkeepers focus on daily transaction recording, often with basic certifications, and may work directly for a single business. While both roles involve financial data, Freelance Accountants provide higher-level services and strategic advice, whereas Bookkeepers manage routine record-keeping.

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

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

What cities near Chicago Ridge, IL are hiring for Freelance Accountant jobs?

Cities near Chicago Ridge, IL with the most Freelance Accountant job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Accountant job openings in Chicago Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,846 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

$49K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Description

With a history that dates back over 80 years, Starcom is a global communications planning and media leader. We are an agency still grounded in our founding principle that people are at center of all we do. Each day, we apply this belief to harness the transformative power of data and technology to inspire and move people and business forward. With more than 7,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world, Starcom partners with the world's leading marketers and brands, including Bank of America, Best Buy, Kellogg Company, McDonald's, Novartis, Samsung, Visa and more.

Overview

The Staff Accountant provides financial support within a multi-location agency in order to carry out day-to-day accounting activities. This role works collaboratively with finance, internal and external stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure timely and successful delivery of solutions.

Responsibilities
  • Assist with monthly/annual financial forecasting process
  • Create and maintain client profiles within media and SAP systems
  • Coordinate Accounts Receivable collections and associated reporting/forecasting
  • Generate monthly fee invoicing
  • Create client compensation estimates
  • Prepare monthly journal entries and assist with month end close process
  • Assist with internal and external audit documentation and compliance
  • Coordinate various monthly reporting requirements (WIP, Unbilled commentary, etc)
  • Assist with ad hoc management reporting / special projects
Qualifications
  • Six (6) months or more of accounting experience including relevant internship(s) preferred
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, advanced formulas, VLookups, etc.
Additional Information

Starcom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources. Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include:

Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or moreMonetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and FertilityMonetary assistance and support for pet adoptionEmployee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balanceTuition AssistancePaid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and moreMatching Gifts programsFlexible working arrangements'Work Your World' Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

The benefits offerings listed are available to U.S. based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.

Compensation Range: $49,305 - $65,415 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 10/25/2025

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com.  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

#LI-EK1 

 Compensation Range: USD $0.00 - USD $0.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/2/2025.Employment Type: OTHER