Tax Accountant Jobs in Illinois
Tax Accountant jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, with the market concentrated in corporate finance, public accounting, and financial services industries and openings at every level from entry-level staff accountant through senior tax manager. Chicago drives the majority of hiring, followed by Naperville and Schaumburg, where companies like Deloitte, Grant Thornton, and Hyatt Hotels maintain significant Illinois operations and regularly staff tax accounting teams. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois are corporate income tax compliance, state and local tax, and international tax for multinationals headquartered in the greater Chicago area. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 27+ Tax Accountant jobs
Locations:
At Wipfli, people count.
At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do—the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.
We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.
People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.
This role requires a hybrid work arrangement. At Wipfli, hybrid is defined as associates regularly work in a Wipfli office, from home and at client sites. The client sites can vary locally, regionally, or nationally depending on the industry alignment. Note that scheduled meetings at the client and in the office will require in-person attendance.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for managing and coordinating tax compliance and advisory work for clients
- Review Individual, Trust, Gift and Estate tax returns
- Lead client relationships on day to day tax matters supporting partners with service execution and development of extended services
- Research and consult on technical matters and special projects
- Proactively build relationships and communicate effectively with the client and their advisors to provide superior client service
- Actively participate in business development efforts to include working collaboratively with partners and marketing professionals to target and build relationships with client prospects
- Assist, train and develop staff. Participate in the performance review process
- Attain a thorough technical competency and industry specific expertise through CPE, firm/industry group events, webinars, etc.
- Review tax-related information to include tax provisions, depreciation schedules, property tax returns, etc.
- Lead multi-disciplined client service teams for account planning
- Prepare and review client correspondence
- Actively participate in firm sponsored events for industry-specific and/or regional clients and prospects
Qualifications:
- Requires a Bachelors Degree in Accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- CPA certification preferred. Candidates actively pursuing CPA certification will be considered
- Requires at 3+ years of job related experience
- Experience working with fiduciary, trust returns a plus
- Requires prior tax experience
- Management and/or mentoring experience with other staff members
- Experience making recommendations to management
- Prior public accounting experience desired
Bridgette Kahny, from our recruiting team, will be guiding you through this process.
#LI-BK1 #LI-hybrid
Additional Details:
Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or participate in our recruiting process, please send us an email at hr@wipfli.com
Wipfli values fair, transparent, and competitive compensation, considering each candidate's unique skills and experiences. The estimated base pay range for this role is $85,000 to $115,000, with offers typically not made at the maximum, allowing for future salary increases. The actual salary at the time of offer depends on business related factors like location, skills, experience, training/education, licensure, certifications, business needs, current associate pay, and relevant employment laws.
Individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, subject to participation rules and based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual and Firm performance.
Wipfli cares about our associates and offers a variety of benefits to support their well-being. Highlights include 8 health plan options (both HMO & PPO plans), dental and vision coverage, opportunity to enroll in HSA with potential Firm contribution and an Employee Assistance Program. Other benefits include firm-sponsored basic life and short and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) savings plan & profit share as well as Firm matching contribution, well-being incentive, education & certification assistance, flexible time off, family care leave, parental leave, family formation benefits, cell phone reimbursement, and travel rewards. Voluntary benefit offerings include critical illness & accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, legal, long-term care, pet insurance, ID theft protection, and supplemental life/AD&D. Eligibility for all benefits programs is dependent on annual hours expectation, position status/level and location.
"Wipfli" is the brand name under which Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC and its respective subsidiary entities provide professional services. Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC (and its respective subsidiary entities) practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Wipfli LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Wipfli Advisory LLC provides tax and business consulting services to its clients. Wipfli Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.
Our commitment:
We invest in the growth of all our associates through ongoing education and career development. To learn more about how we invest in you, see our learning and development page.
We also invest in a strong work-life balance by providing benefits, such as flexible time off and wellness programs. We provide health, vision and dental insurance, generous family leave, flexible work options, 401(k) contributions and paid time off and holidays.
What you can expect:
If your resume is a fit for the position, a recruiter will reach out to you for an initial conversation so we can tell you more about Wipfli and the benefits of working here. We don’t just expect you to just answer our questions. We encourage you to ask us about Wipfli to see if we’re a good fit for you.
Employee Benefits
We also back up our mission to provide a strong work-life balance with great benefits, FTO, wellness benefits and programs to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Medical travel benefits
Travel benefits to give associates across the country equitable access to quality care across a broad spectrum of needs - Family formation benefits
Maternity and paternity leave, surrogacy and adoption benefits, and fertility services benefits - Gender-affirming care benefits
Resources and benefits to help associates receive gender identity affirming interventions and therapies - Flexible work schedule
- Flexible time off
Locations:
At Wipfli, people count.
At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do—the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.
We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.
People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.
This role requires a hybrid work arrangement. At Wipfli, hybrid is defined as associates regularly work in a Wipfli office, from home and at client sites. The client sites can vary locally, regionally, or nationally depending on the industry alignment. Note that scheduled meetings at the client and in the office will require in-person attendance.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for managing and coordinating tax compliance and advisory work for clients
- Review Individual, Trust, Gift and Estate tax returns
- Lead client relationships on day to day tax matters supporting partners with service execution and development of extended services
- Research and consult on technical matters and special projects
- Proactively build relationships and communicate effectively with the client and their advisors to provide superior client service
- Actively participate in business development efforts to include working collaboratively with partners and marketing professionals to target and build relationships with client prospects
- Assist, train and develop staff. Participate in the performance review process
- Attain a thorough technical competency and industry specific expertise through CPE, firm/industry group events, webinars, etc.
- Review tax-related information to include tax provisions, depreciation schedules, property tax returns, etc.
- Lead multi-disciplined client service teams for account planning
- Prepare and review client correspondence
- Actively participate in firm sponsored events for industry-specific and/or regional clients and prospects
Qualifications:
- Requires a Bachelors Degree in Accounting or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- CPA certification preferred. Candidates actively pursuing CPA certification will be considered
- Requires at 3+ years of job related experience
- Experience working with fiduciary, trust returns a plus
- Requires prior tax experience
- Management and/or mentoring experience with other staff members
- Experience making recommendations to management
- Prior public accounting experience desired
Bridgette Kahny, from our recruiting team, will be guiding you through this process.
#LI-BK1 #LI-hybrid
Additional Details:
Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or participate in our recruiting process, please send us an email at hr@wipfli.com
Wipfli values fair, transparent, and competitive compensation, considering each candidate's unique skills and experiences. The estimated base pay range for this role is $85,000 to $115,000, with offers typically not made at the maximum, allowing for future salary increases. The actual salary at the time of offer depends on business related factors like location, skills, experience, training/education, licensure, certifications, business needs, current associate pay, and relevant employment laws.
Individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, subject to participation rules and based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual and Firm performance.
Wipfli cares about our associates and offers a variety of benefits to support their well-being. Highlights include 8 health plan options (both HMO & PPO plans), dental and vision coverage, opportunity to enroll in HSA with potential Firm contribution and an Employee Assistance Program. Other benefits include firm-sponsored basic life and short and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) savings plan & profit share as well as Firm matching contribution, well-being incentive, education & certification assistance, flexible time off, family care leave, parental leave, family formation benefits, cell phone reimbursement, and travel rewards. Voluntary benefit offerings include critical illness & accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, legal, long-term care, pet insurance, ID theft protection, and supplemental life/AD&D. Eligibility for all benefits programs is dependent on annual hours expectation, position status/level and location.
"Wipfli" is the brand name under which Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC and its respective subsidiary entities provide professional services. Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC (and its respective subsidiary entities) practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Wipfli LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Wipfli Advisory LLC provides tax and business consulting services to its clients. Wipfli Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.
Our commitment:
We invest in the growth of all our associates through ongoing education and career development. To learn more about how we invest in you, see our learning and development page.
We also invest in a strong work-life balance by providing benefits, such as flexible time off and wellness programs. We provide health, vision and dental insurance, generous family leave, flexible work options, 401(k) contributions and paid time off and holidays.
What you can expect:
If your resume is a fit for the position, a recruiter will reach out to you for an initial conversation so we can tell you more about Wipfli and the benefits of working here. We don’t just expect you to just answer our questions. We encourage you to ask us about Wipfli to see if we’re a good fit for you.
Employee Benefits
We also back up our mission to provide a strong work-life balance with great benefits, FTO, wellness benefits and programs to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
- Medical travel benefits
Travel benefits to give associates across the country equitable access to quality care across a broad spectrum of needs - Family formation benefits
Maternity and paternity leave, surrogacy and adoption benefits, and fertility services benefits - Gender-affirming care benefits
Resources and benefits to help associates receive gender identity affirming interventions and therapies - Flexible work schedule
- Flexible time off
See All 27 Tax Accountant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Tax Accountant JobsTax Accountant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Tax Accountant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Law & Legal Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in tax accountant jobs across Illinois.
- Active CPA license or CPA license recognized by the Illinois Board of Examiners
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in federal and Illinois state corporate and individual income tax compliance
- Experience with tax preparation software such as UltraTax, GoSystem, or CCH Axcess
- Familiarity with Illinois Department of Revenue regulations and multi-state tax filings
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial statements
Tax Accountant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a tax accountant in Illinois?
To practice as a licensed tax accountant in Illinois, most employers require a Certified Public Accountant license issued through the Illinois Board of Examiners, which requires completing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting Illinois education and experience requirements. A bachelor's degree in accounting with at least the minimum credit hours in accounting and business courses is the standard starting point, and most Illinois firms also expect one to two years of supervised experience before licensure.
How much do tax accountants make in Illinois?
Tax accountants in Illinois earn a median of about $54,480 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $33,030 for the lowest 10% to over $76,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire tax accountants in Illinois?
Employers hiring tax accountants in Illinois right now include EY, Intuit, and Wipfli, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters and large professional services firms in the Chicago metro creates steady, year-round demand across both public accounting and corporate in-house tax teams.
Which Illinois cities have the most tax accountant jobs?
Chicago, Naperville, and Northbrook lead Illinois for tax accountant openings. Chicago accounts for the bulk of positions given its density of corporate headquarters, Big Four and regional accounting firms, and financial institutions, while suburban hubs like Naperville and Schaumburg attract openings from large employers and multinationals that maintain significant Midwest operations outside the city center.
Are there remote tax accountant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 79% of tax accountant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well-suited the role is for desk-based, analytical work. Tax compliance, return preparation, and research functions are the most commonly offered remote, while roles requiring direct client meetings or access to on-site financial systems are more likely to require at least a hybrid schedule.
How can I get hired as a tax accountant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a staff accountant or tax associate role at a regional or local Illinois accounting firm, where entry-level candidates are hired directly out of university programs and trained on compliance work under a licensed CPA. Large Chicago firms and national practices with Illinois offices regularly recruit through campus pipelines at the University of Illinois and DePaul University. Candidates who have passed one or more CPA exam sections stand out significantly, and adjacent roles in bookkeeping or accounts payable at Illinois companies are a common lateral move into tax work.
Where can I find and apply to tax accountant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to tax accountant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 27 Tax Accountant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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