Accounting Associate – Real Estate Industry

CLA; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) is seeking an Accounting Associate for CAAS – Real Estate in Chicago or Central Illinois offices. This early‑career, in‑person role owns daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting transactions and financial statement preparation for multiple real estate clients, under supervision.

You’ll handle AP/AR, payroll, reconciliations, and tax-related tasks (1099s, sales tax), contribute to month‑end close, and support client service across multiple engagements with diligence and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; combination with experience may be accepted.
• No specific years of experience required for this early career role; accounting background preferred.
• Ability to process day-to-day transactions (AP, AR, payroll) and prepare financial statements.
• Experience with account reconciliations (bank, credit cards, prepaid, AR, fixed assets, AP, accruals), and sales tax returns/1099s.

Responsibilities

• Client service across multiple clients, software applications, and various charts of accounts on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Coordinate and process accounts payable, cash disbursements, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and payroll activities.
• Complete financial statements and coordinate and finalize account reconciliations (banks, credit cards, prepaids, AR, fixed assets, AP, accruals).
• Complete complex reconciliations established by senior staff (Senior Associate/Assistant Controller/Controller/CFO).
• Complete sales tax returns, Form 1099s, and other client-specific items.

Skills

Accounts payable

Accounts receivable

Payroll processing

Financial statement prep

Account reconciliations

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Job description

Accounting Associate (CAAS – Real Estate) | CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

The Tone:

This is an in‑person role at CLA, located in Chicago or other Central Illinois offices. CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm with more than 9,000 people and 130 U.S. locations, dedicated to creating opportunities for clients, people, and communities. This Accounting Associate role is crucial for supporting CLA’s Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) for the Real Estate Industry, providing essential accounting functions that enable clients to thrive through expert financial management. The firm fosters a culture that values diverse beliefs and perspectives to better serve its clients and communities.

The TL;DR

• Role: Early Career
• Location: In‑person Chicago, IL or Central Illinois offices
• Pay: $53700–$97000 yearly
• Team: Client Accounting & Advisory Services (CAAS) supporting the Real Estate Industry team
• Mission: This person owns the daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting transactions and financial statement preparation for multiple real estate clients.

What You’ll Actually Do

• Client Service: Handle multiple clients, software applications, and various charts of accounts on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Day to Day Transactions: Coordinate and process accounts payable, cash disbursements, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and payroll activities.
• Month End Processing: Complete financial statements and coordinate and finalize account reconciliations for items such as bank accounts, credit cards, prepaids, accounts receivable, fixed assets, accounts payable, and accruals.
• Complex Reconciliations: Complete complex account reconciliations that have been previously established and supported by a Senior Associate, Assistant Controller, Controller, or CFO.
• Quarterly/Annual Processing: Complete sales tax returns, Form 1099s, and any other specific forms or items as requested by clients.

The Must-Haves

• Background: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required; a combination of related experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of a degree, demonstrating foundational knowledge in accounting and finance.
• Experience: No specific years of experience are required for this early career role, though prior accounting and financial experience is preferred.
• Skills:
  • Proficiency in processing day‑to‑day transactions including accounts payable, cash disbursements, accounts receivable, cash receipts, and payroll.
  • Ability to complete financial statements effectively.
  • Competence in performing various account reconciliations such as bank, credit card, prepaids, accounts receivable, fixed assets, accounts payable, and accruals.
  • Capability to prepare and complete sales tax returns and Form 1099s.
• Bonus: Prior accounting and financial experience.