Entry-Level Accounting Assistant

Applied-Research-Associates,-Inc; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Applied-Research-Associates, Inc is seeking an entry-level Accounting Assistant for on-site work in Champaign, IL. The role focuses on reimbursing employee expenses, posting to the GL, and handling accounts payable with attention to accuracy and policy compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, strong computer skills, and a detail-oriented, customer-service mindset. This full-time position offers benefits and growth in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to enter data accurately.

Responsibilities

• Review and verify employee travel and expense reimbursements for accuracy and compliance with policies.
• Process employee reimbursements for payment in a timely manner.
• Enter GL codes and descriptions to company credit card expenses.
• Enter vouchers and journal entries into the Costpoint accounting system.
• Manage electronic accounts payable and report archives.
• Participate in team meetings about deadlines and project goals.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Time management

Customer service

Data entry

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Costpoint

Job description

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following our Accessibility Accomodation for Applicants page.

Entry-Level Accounting Assistant

• Posted on September 11, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Champaign, IL 61820, USA

• On-site
• Finance & Accounting
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: ENTRY010077

Description

The ARA Transportation Division is seeking a passionate and career-minded entry-level accounting assistant who is committed to customer service, organization, and a strong attention to detail. This is a full-time position, on-site in our office in Champaign, IL.

What you will do as an entry-level accounting assistant:

• Review and verify employee travel and expense reimbursements for accuracy and compliance with ARA policies
• Process employee reimbursements for payment in a timely manner
• Enter general ledger (GL) codes and descriptions to company credit card expenses
• Enter vouchers and journal entries into the Costpoint accounting system
• Manage electronic accounts payable and report archives
• Engage in team meetings surrounding deadlines, goals, and projects the team supports

Entry-level accounting assistant requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Highly efficient computer skills with the ability and willingness to learn new programs/skills
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and organized with a strong work ethic
• Customer service focused with excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage independent tasks and/or projects
• Requires ability to:
• Communicate effectively (both verbal and written)
• Enter data accurately into computer systems
• Think critically and pay acute attention to details
• Build relationships and work collaboratively with team members
• Work independently and take ownership of individual tasks
• Familiarity with accounting procedures preferred

The anticipated wage range for this position is $20-26/hr, depending on experience.ARA also offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/ .

About ARA:

ARA is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs more than 2,200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in civil technologies, computer software and simulation, defense technologies, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for pavement analysis, environmental site characterization, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, "Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit" sums up the ARA experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.