Junior Accounting Manager (CPA/EA)

Kaizen CPAs + Advisors • Antioch, IL

13d

About The Position

Are you ready to break free from the traditional accounting firm experience? We’re not your typical firm—we’re Kaizen! Do you enjoy working directly with clients and helping them achieve financial success? Are you passionate about accounting and building strong, lasting relationships? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. As a Junior Accounting Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering financial expertise to our small business clients, with a primary focus on tax. You’ll prepare personal, partnership, and corporate tax returns, while gaining diverse experience in payroll, bookkeeping, financial statements, compilations, reviews, and more. While your clients will span multiple industries, you’ll also gain experience working with businesses in the automotive sector. You'll report to the Account Manager and be part of a collaborative team that values continuous improvement.

Requirements

• CPA or EA certification—or a strong desire to pursue one
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 1–3+ years of relevant experience preferred, but if you’re passionate and driven, we want to hear from you!
• Confidence working with Outlook, Excel, Word, QuickBooks, and tax software
• Excellent communicator who thrives on building positive client and team relationships.
• Highly organized and capable of juggling multiple priorities with ease.
• Motivated and adaptable—you’re ready to grow in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment.
• Sharp time management skills with a strong sense of accountability.
• Long-term interest in moving into an Account Manager role

Responsibilities

• Work directly with small business clients to guide them toward financial clarity and success.
• Prepare personal, partnership, and corporate tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with clients on tax planning, projections, and inquiries—becoming their go-to expert.
• Review financial statements and assist with reviews that drive client confidence.
• Conduct research and support responses to federal and state tax authorities.
• Serve as a key liaison between Staff Accountants and Managers, keeping workflows smooth and communication clear.
• Share your knowledge through internal presentations and take advantage of continuous learning opportunities—with a clear path to becoming a Manager.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Cafeteria/Section 125 Plan
• Retirement/401(k): Employer match with 100% vesting on day one of eligibility
• Paid Vacation: Starting at 2 weeks, available for use from day one
• Paid Personal Time (PTO): 32 hours available to use from day one
• Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (if it falls during the work week), and Christmas Day

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees