Internship Entry Level Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Us:

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary:

The Staff Accountant will support day-to-day accounting activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, daily batch posting, accounts payable support, reporting support, and month-end close tasks. This entry-level role is ideal for an accounting professional with a couple years of experience who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and able to work collaboratively with accounting, finance, operations, and other cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and timely financial information.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and post routine journal entries, accruals, reclasses, freight adjustments, and other accounting adjustments in accordance with company policies and GAAP.
• Perform monthly balance sheet account reconciliations, investigate variances, and help resolve reconciling items in a timely manner.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes by completing assigned tasks accurately and on schedule.
• Post daily batches in D365, including sales, cash, and accounts receivable activity.
• Review and validate daily batches using system queries to confirm completeness, accuracy, and proper posting.
• Support accounts payable activities by uploading and posting weekly AP journal entries, including promotional activity, when prepared and ready for posting.
• Support the preparation of financial reports, management reporting schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Review account activity to identify unusual items, support variance explanations, and escalate issues as needed.
• Maintain accounting records, process documentation, and support internal controls to promote accuracy and consistency.
• Partner with cross functional teams to obtain information and resolve routine accounting questions.
• Support audit requests, finance projects, reporting improvements, and process automation initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other administrative and logging duties as assigned.
• Assist with Paycom-related accounting or payroll support activities as responsibilities expand over time.
   

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA eligibility or interest in pursuing CPA preferred.
• Entry-level accounting experience preferred, including internships, entry-level accounting roles, or approximately 1–2 years of related accounting experience; industry-specific experience is not required.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and month-end close processes.
• Experience preparing or supporting journal entries, reconciliations, schedules, and analysis of account activity preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ask questions to ensure work is completed accurately.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across accounting, finance, operations, and other business functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required; experience with Microsoft D365, Power BI, or other ERP/reporting tools preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and supporting a positive team culture.

Pay Range for this position is $55,000 to $75,000, depending on experience.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, Vacation & PTO, and Tuition Reimbursement.  There is also a potential for a discretionary bonus this bonus is based on personal & company performance and is not a guaranteed bonus plan.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement 

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.