Staff Accountant

JSH Tax & Business Consulting; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

Jones, Savarese, Harrington & Company is seeking a Staff Accountant to maintain client financial records, manage general ledger activities, and support financial statements and tax filings. This client-facing position requires experience in public accounting and the ability to juggle multiple engagements and deadlines.

Responsibilities include ledger maintenance, payroll and tax returns, tax filings, and direct communication with clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in public accounting (CPA firm environment).
• Proficient in QuickBooks Online (QBO) daily working knowledge required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Proficient in QuickBooks Desktop.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles.
• Experience in preparing payroll tax returns and sales tax filings.
• Ability to manage multiple client engagements and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for direct client interaction.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all client’s financial information.

Responsibilities

• Maintain general ledger for multiple clients across industries.
• Manage accounts receivable/payable, check register, and payroll processing.
• Reconcile bank, credit card, and loan accounts monthly.
• Record reconciling journal entries and adjustments.
• Prepare payroll tax returns (941, 940, IL-941, UI-3/40).
• Prepare sales and use tax returns.
• Assist with individual and business income tax preparation as needed.
• Communicate with clients regarding account status and documents.
• Manage multiple client engagements and meet deadlines.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Multi-client management

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Tools

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Desktop

Microsoft Excel

Payroll tax filings

Sales tax filings

Tax software (UltraTax / Lacerte / Drake)

ADP / Gusto / Paychex

Job description

Jones, Savarese, Harrington & Company is a growing, medium-sized public accounting firm based in St. Charles, IL. We serve a diverse client base across multiple industries and pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service, technical excellence, and a collaborative team environment. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a driven and detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our team.

Position Overview

The Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for a portfolio of clients, managing general ledger activities, and supporting the preparation of financial statements and tax filings. This is a client-facing role within a public accounting environment — candidates must have direct public accounting experience and be comfortable managing multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain general ledger for multiple clients across various industries.
• Manage accounts receivable, accounts payable, check register, and payroll processing.
• Reconcile bank, credit card, and loan accounts monthly.
• Record reconciling journal entries and adjustments.
• Prepare quarterly and annual payroll tax returns (941, 940, IL-941, UI-3/40)
• Prepare sales and use tax returns.
• Assist with individual and business income tax preparation as needed.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding account status, documentation needs, and financial questions.
• Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously while meeting firm deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in public accounting (CPA firm environment)
• Proficient in QuickBooks Online (QBO) daily working knowledge required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• Proficient in QuickBooks Desktop
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles
• Experience in preparing payroll tax returns and sales tax filings.
• Ability to manage multiple client engagements and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for direct client interaction
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all client’s financial information.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA license or actively pursuing CPA designation
• Income tax preparation experience (individual and/or business returns)
• Experience with tax software such as UltraTax, Lacerte, or Drake
• Familiarity with payroll platforms such as ADP, Gusto, or Paychex

Why Join Our Team?

• Be part of a growing firm with a powerful reputation in the St. Charles community.
• Work with a diverse, multi-industry client base that keeps the work varied and engaging.
• Collaborative, supportive team culture with opportunities for advancement
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Benefits packages include health insurance and retirement plans.