Junior Accountant
Job Description
The Junior Accountant role offers a strong opportunity for an early-career accounting professional who wants to build a long-term career in the field. You will work closely with the Financial Controller and gain hands-on experience across general accounting, month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, reconciliations, ERP systems, and process improvement initiatives. This position provides broader responsibilities than a typical accounts payable/accounts receivable role, with the long-term goal of progressing into a Staff Accountant position and taking on greater accounting responsibilities within the organization.
Responsibilities
Prepare and post accurate and timely journal entries.
Perform monthly balance sheet account reconciliations to ensure completeness and accuracy.
Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including supporting schedules and entries.
Support general ledger accounting activities and help maintain the integrity of financial records.
Assist with bank reconciliations and resolve any reconciling items.
Support accounts payable and accounts receivable activities as needed.
Prepare schedules for prepaid expenses, accruals, and fixed assets.
Assist with sales tax filings and other compliance-related reporting.
Maintain organized accounting records and supporting documentation.
Assist with external audits and internal financial reporting by preparing requested information.
Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and strengthen internal controls.
Collaborate with the Financial Controller to gain exposure to multiple entities and manufacturing accounting.
Contribute to process improvement efforts involving ERP systems and other accounting tools.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
1-3 years of accounting experience.
Foundational understanding of general ledger accounting.
Experience preparing and posting journal entries.
Experience performing account reconciliations.
Exposure to month-end close processes.
Basic understanding of financial statements.
Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUP functions and Pivot Tables.
Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently after receiving training.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.
Manufacturing accounting experience.
Experience working in a small or mid-sized company environment.
Experience supporting audits.
Experience with SAP Concur is a plus.
Background in distribution or manufacturing-adjacent environments can be relevant.
Interest in process improvement and internal control enhancements.
Motivation to grow into a Staff Accountant role and pursue long-term career development.
Work Environment
This position is fully onsite, working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You will join a small, collaborative accounting team that is growing from two to three members, providing direct exposure to the Financial Controller and multiple business entities. The environment offers broader responsibilities than a typical AP/AR role, including involvement in month-end close, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, ERP systems, process improvements, and manufacturing accounting. The company supports long-term career development and offers benefits such as paid time off, paid holidays, a retirement plan with employer match, and fully reimbursed health insurance.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove Village, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.05 - $43.26/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove Village,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
