About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Accounting & Finance.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

---

What You’ll Do

This entry-level Associate Audit role in Chicago, IL is an opportunity to develop core public‑accounting audit skills while working toward CPA eligibility.

• Complete audit testing of financial statement accounts (cash, accounts payable, fixed assets, etc.)
• Reconcile account differences and analyze financial data with client personnel
• Assist in drafting management letter comments and portions of the audit report
• Participate in client meetings with engagement managers and partners
• Support preparation of workpapers and documentation in accordance with firm methodology
• Contribute to timely delivery of audit deliverables and meet engagement deadlines

---

Who You Are

You are beginning your professional accounting career, eager to learn, and committed to quality client service.

• CPA‑track candidate pursuing the education/credit requirements to sit for the CPA exam
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines
• Detail‑oriented with a problem‑solving attitude
• Able to work independently and collaboratively on teams
• Comfortable working on multiple engagements and adapting to changing priorities
• Reliable transportation to the assigned Chicago office and availability for in‑person client meetings

---

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting (Associate-level positions)
• Completion of required academic credits (150 credit hours) must be met prior to the role start date
• Eligible to sit for the CPA exam in the state where the office is located (Illinois for this posting)
• Solid technical accounting knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Legal authorization to work in the United States (visa sponsorship not available for this opening)

---

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior internship experience in public accounting (audit experience preferred)
• Familiarity with audit software or accounting systems (helpful but not required)

---

Compensation & Benefits

• Illinois salary range: $75,000 per year (this is the posted Illinois market range). Final salary will depend on experience, education, and skill set.
• Non‑exempt/hourly rules apply where relevant; overtime paid for hours worked over 40 in a workweek when applicable.
• Benefits may include group health plans, 401(k), bonuses, profit‑sharing contributions, flexible time off, and parental leave (eligibility rules apply).
• Our client reserves the right to modify the salary range based on business needs.

---

About the Confidential Client

Our client is a leading Accounting & Finance firm with a national presence. They deliver assurance, tax, and consulting services across diverse industries and emphasize learning, mentorship, and career progression. This role offers structured coaching by experienced staff and managers, exposure to a broad client base, and a clear path to increased responsibility as technical skills grow.

---

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.