Junior Staff Accountant

Hirewell; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A private school in Chicago is seeking a Junior Accountant. This on-site role requires attention to detail and collaboration in managing financial operations. The ideal candidate will assist with accounts payable, journal entries, and payroll. This position offers the potential to convert to full-time based on performance.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Working knowledge of accounts payable, journal entries, and payroll processes.
• Experience with accounting software preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile accounts payable transactions accurately.
• Prepare and post journal entries for month-end close.
• Support payroll processing and HR data coordination.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Proficiency with Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Paylocity

QuickBooks

Job description

This range is provided by Hirewell. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$29.00/hr - $34.00/hr

Junior Accountant

Location: Chicago, IL - the role will be onsite 5 days/week but will offer flexibility when needed after trained and acclimated

Compensation: $60,000–$80,000 annually if converted to full-time

About the Organization

Our client, a growing independent private school serving children from early childhood through middle grades, offering a creative, project-based learning environment.

We are a small, mission-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and community.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Junior Accountant to join our Finance & Administration team on a contract basis. There is potential for the position to convert to full time if it’s a strong mutual fit. This role will support daily financial operations—including accounts payable, journal entries, and light payroll or HR assistance—during an exciting period of growth and transition.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and comfortable operating in a small team where flexibility and initiative are key.

This role reports to the Director of Finance & Administration and partners closely with both the CEO and Head of School.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile accounts payable transactions accurately and efficiently.
• Prepare and post journal entries and assist with month-end close activities.
• Support payroll processing using Paylocity and assist with HR data coordination.
• Maintain organized and accurate accounting records and documentation.
• Assist with vendor management, expense tracking, and invoice coding.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure financial accuracy and process consistency.
• Contribute to special projects and process improvements as needed.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Working knowledge of accounts payable, journal entries, and payroll processes.
• Experience with Paylocity preferred.
• Proficiency with Excel and accounting software (QuickBooks, Bills.com, or similar).
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• A collaborative, proactive approach and willingness to support a small, dynamic team.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Accounting/Auditing, Human Resources, and Administrative
• Industries: Education and Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals

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