Accounting Trainee

Mainfreight Americas; Illinois; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

401(k)

Parental leave program

Job summary

Mainfreight Americas in Carol Stream, IL is seeking an Accounting Trainee to start your accounting career by learning the business from the ground up. This full-time, on-site role offers hands-on experience in our core operations before moving into accounting.

During 6–12 months you’ll rotate through warehousing and transport, then contribute to treasury, cash flow, AR/AP, and month-end close while gaining insights to support branches with meaningful financial data.

Qualifications

• Entry-level role with on-the-job training.
• Accounting software experience not required.
• On-site availability at Franklin Park or Carol Stream.

Responsibilities

• Spend 6–12 months in core business units: Warehousing and Transport.
• Develop accounting skills in treasury, A/R, A/P and month-end close.
• Support branches with meaningful financial insights.
• Transition into accounting after hands-on operations exposure.
• Collaborate with operations teams to learn product flow.

Skills

Attention to detail

Numerical proficiency

Clear written and verbal communication

Initiative and urgency

Team player

Long-term career mindset

Education

Accounting degree helpful

Job description

Accounting Trainee – Mainfreight Americas

Carol Stream, IL | Full-Time, On-Site | Immediate Start

Begin your accounting career by learning the business from the ground up. That’s the Mainfreight Way.

At Mainfreight, we believe the best leaders—and the best accountants—are built through experience, high standards, and being part of a team that truly cares. We grow our people the long way. We roll up our sleeves. And we help each other win.

If you’re detail‑driven, hungry to learn, and ready to join a global team built on Values, Accountability, Teamwork, and Long-Term Thinking, this pathway is for you.

What Makes This Role Different

Rather than jumping straight into spreadsheets, you’ll start where our business actually happens.

Your first 6–12 months will be spent gaining hands‑on experience in our core business units:

• Warehousing
• Transport

You’ll work alongside our operations teams—loading freight, picking and packing, learning product flow, and understanding what makes Mainfreight exceptional. You may even earn your forklift certification.

No egos. No shortcuts. You learn by doing, not by observing.

During this time, you’ll also join our Mainfreight Development Program, a three‑year leadership journey focused on communication, leadership style, real teamwork, and navigating tough situations with confidence.

Then You Move Into Accounting

Once you understand the operation, you’ll be ready to contribute real value in our Accounting team. You’ll gain exposure to:

• Treasury & Cash Flow management
• Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable
• Month-end close
• Balance sheet reconciliations
• Financial reporting and variance analysis
• Supporting branches with accurate, meaningful insights

You won’t be buried in busywork—you’ll be trusted to own real results.

What We’re Looking For

This is an entry‑level role, so attitude matters more than experience.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong attention to detail
• Works well with numbers
• Communicates clearly, verbally and in writing
• Takes initiative and works with urgency
• Enjoys being part of a team and helping others succeed
• Wants a long‑term career, not just a job

Requirements:

• Work authorization in the U.S. (no sponsorship)
• Valid driver’s license
• On‑site availability at Franklin Park or Carol Stream
• Accounting degree helpful but NOT required

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive pay
• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Parental leave program
• A genuine long‑term career pathway

You’ll be building skills that prepare you for roles like Assistant Accountant, Analyst, and beyond.

Why Mainfreight?

Because we care.

Because we do things properly.

And because when you join Mainfreight, you join a global team that invests in your growth, challenges you to be better, and celebrates your success.

Ready to build something you can be proud of?

If you’re motivated, values‑led, and ready to learn the business from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.