Bookkeeper Jobs in Illinois

Bookkeeper jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand running from entry-level accounts payable clerks through senior full-charge bookkeepers, concentrated in professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Chicago drives the largest share of openings, with Naperville and Rockford also generating steady demand from regional employers and mid-sized firms. Companies with deep Illinois roots like Walgreens, Advocate Health Care, and Caterpillar regularly hire bookkeeping talent across their corporate and regional offices. Payroll reconciliation, accounts receivable management, and QuickBooks proficiency are among the most sought-after specialties in current listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles164+
Top employerSikich
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring67
Work type58% Hybrid
Top industryAccounting

Showing 4 of 164+ Bookkeeper jobs

MAT Holdings, Inc.
Staff Accountant
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MAT Holdings, Inc.
New 10h ago
Staff Accountant
MAT Holdings, Inc.
Long Grove, Illinois
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
$55k - $65k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Cowbell
Senior Accountant
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Cowbell
New 12h ago
Senior Accountant
Cowbell
Chicago, Illinois
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
$85k - $135k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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City of Chicago, IL
Accountant
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City of Chicago, IL
New 20h ago
Accountant
City of Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois
Accounting
Bookkeeping & AP/AR
Project Management
$69k/yr
Bachelor's degree

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Gardant
Financial Accounting Manager
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Gardant
Added 1d ago
Financial Accounting Manager
Gardant
Kankakee, Illinois
Business Operations
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Project Management
$50k - $60k/yr
Bachelor's degree in finance

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Bookkeeper Jobs by City in Illinois

Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Rosemont
5 jobs
Oak Brook
5 jobs
Downers Grove
4 jobs
Hoffman Estates
4 jobs
Long Grove
3 jobs
Springfield
3 jobs
Oakbrook Terrace
3 jobs
Niles
2 jobs

Bookkeeper Job Market in Illinois

A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Sikich
Sikich4 open roles
CDW
CDW3 open roles
CliftonLarsonAllen
CliftonLarsonAllen3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Accounting & Auditing
  • Automotive
  • Technology & Software
  • Government & Public Sector
  • Retail

What Illinois Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in bookkeeper jobs across Illinois.

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field
  • Proficiency in QuickBooks, Sage, or comparable accounting software used by Illinois employers
  • Minimum two years of bookkeeping or full-charge accounting experience in a professional setting
  • Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliation processes
  • Familiarity with Illinois payroll tax requirements and general ledger maintenance
  • Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to meet month-end close deadlines

Bookkeeper Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a bookkeeper in Illinois?

Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a bookkeeper, so entry is driven by education and credentials rather than a state exam. Most employers expect at least an associate degree in accounting or a related field. Earning a Certified Bookkeeper designation through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, or an Intuit QuickBooks certification, strengthens applications considerably. Many Illinois community colleges, including those in the City Colleges of Chicago system, offer accounting certificate programs that lead directly to entry-level roles.

Which companies hire bookkeepers in Illinois?

Employers hiring bookkeepers in Illinois right now include Sikich, CDW, and CliftonLarsonAllen, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense mix of corporate headquarters, regional manufacturers, and large nonprofit hospital systems creates consistent year-round demand for bookkeeping talent across the state.

Which Illinois cities have the most bookkeeper jobs?

Chicago, Rosemont, and Oak Brook are the Illinois cities with the most bookkeeper openings. Chicago accounts for the largest concentration by a wide margin, anchored by its headquarters-heavy corporate base in finance, healthcare, and professional services, while Naperville and Rockford generate steady demand from regional manufacturers and growing suburban business corridors.

Are there remote bookkeeper jobs in Illinois?

Yes, and more than most fields. Bookkeeping is largely desk-based and software-driven, which makes it well suited to remote arrangements. About 66% of bookkeeper openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting broad employer comfort with off-site work. Roles focused on accounts payable processing, payroll, and monthly reconciliation tend to be the most consistently offered on a fully remote basis.

How can I get hired as a bookkeeper in Illinois with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is an accounting clerk or accounts payable specialist role, which large Illinois employers treat as junior bookkeeping positions. Advocate Health Care, the City of Chicago, and regional manufacturing firms regularly post these roles and do not require prior bookkeeping titles. Completing a City Colleges of Chicago accounting certificate and earning a QuickBooks certification before applying signals readiness and often substitutes for years of experience in smaller firm hiring decisions.

Where can I find and apply to bookkeeper jobs in Illinois?

You can find and apply to bookkeeper jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Illinois employers. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 164+ Bookkeeper Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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