ASSOCIATE ACCOUNTANT (COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE)

Cook County Government; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Pension Plan

Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Cook County Government is seeking an Associate Accountant in the Comptroller's Office. The role provides support for accounting functions across multiple bureaus, preparing financial reports and projections, and assisting with accounting system maintenance.

The position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum qualifications include a four-year accounting/finance background, strong knowledge of GAAP, and capability to assist staff on fiscal

Qualifications

• Knowledge of GAAP and accounting procedures.
• Ability to prepare financial and accounting records.
• Experience with financial reporting and budget analyses.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic accounting functions for the department/bureau.
• Prepare routine financial reports, spreadsheets, revenue/cost projections, budget analyses, proposals, and projections.
• Assist with maintenance of accounting systems and ledgers.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Accounting accuracy

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

High School Diploma / GED

Job description

Job Description - ASSOCIATE ACCOUNTANT (COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE) (00139467)

Job Description

Requisition ID

00139467

Job Posting

Sep 28, 2026, 5:57:38 PM

Closing Date

Oct 13, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Full-time Shift Start Time : 8:30 A.M. Shift End Time : 4:30 P.M.

Organization

Offices Under the President

Work Locations

Cook County Administration 161 N. Clark St.

Cook County Offices

Under The President

Administrative Hearings

Auditor

Bureau of Administration

Bureau of Economic Development

Bureau of Finance

Bureau of Human Resources

Bureau of Technology

Facilities

Office of the President

Job Summary

Perform a variety of basic accounting functions of variable scope for the Department/Bureau. Provide assistance to staff on fiscal matters impacting the Department. Assist with maintenance of accounting systems, books, records, and ledgers, including the use and application of
software-based systems. Prepare routine financial reports, spreadsheets, revenue/cost projections, budget analyses, proposals, and projections. Work under direct supervision to support accounting functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or
• Possession of a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) Certificate and
• Four (4) years of experience in accounting or finance or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree or higher in finance, accounting or business administration is preferred.
• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree or higherand one (1) year of experience in accounting or finance is preferred.

Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents.

*Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to prepare financial and accounting records.
• Ability to communicate in both verbal and written formats.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, County and other legal regulations, laws, limitations, policies, and processes as they affect various aspects of auditing, accounting and reporting.
• Skill in identifying possible errors or inconsistencies in the accounting record.
• Ability to communicate information critical to the sound financial management of the department.

Physical Requirements:

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE

When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION "Are you a military veteran?"

ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).

The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact [e-mail]

VETERAN MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Group and Voluntary Benefits Offered

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Voluntary Benefits
• You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
• For eligible employees the County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.

Salary Range

$61,730 - $68,193

*This position requiressuccessful completion of post-offer tests, which may include a background check, drug screen and medical examination.

Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty , 44-56 Political Discrimination ; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification ; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List ; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)

NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.

*Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.

Social Media Disclaimer

The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.