Onboarding Staff Accountant

Kaizen CPAs + Advisors • Antioch, IL

8d

About The Position

At Kaizen CPAs + Advisors & YPD, we're a people-first firm committed to helping businesses overcome financial challenges and achieve their goals. We believe great results come from great people, and our culture is built around four core values: Own It, Be an Ideal Team Player, Make a Positive Impact, and Embrace a Growth Mindset. Join a supportive team where your work matters, your growth is encouraged, and your contributions make a real impact. We are seeking an Onboarding Staff Accountant to support new clients as they transition into the Kaizen accounting system. Your role bridges accounting expertise with onboarding execution-cleaning up books, performing reconciliations, preparing initial financial reports, and establishing the foundation for each client's long-term success with our firm. You'll work closely with our Onboarding Manager to ensure client files are accurate, organized, and standardized to our Kaizen methodology. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, learns quickly, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where every day brings a new challenge.

Requirements

• Experience in bookkeeping/accounting: reconciliations, journal entries, financial statements.
• QuickBooks Online proficiency; QBO ProAdvisor certification (or willingness to obtain quickly).
• Understanding of basic accounting concepts (A/R, A/P, bank recs, payroll posting, revenue recognition, depreciation).
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service.
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and manage multiple onboarding projects.
• Problem-solving mindset with high attention to detail.
• Comfortable working independently and in a team setting.
• Positive attitude, adaptability, and willingness to embrace continuous learning.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field preferred.
• QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification (required or achieved shortly after hiring); Advanced certification preferred.
• Experience in bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, journal entries, payroll, and financial statement preparation.
• Strong customer service skills, communication, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to manage multiple clients, tasks, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, QBO, and willingness to learn new technologies.
• Team player motivated to work in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

• Advanced QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification

Responsibilities

• Clean up and standardize new clients' QuickBooks Online files.
• Perform bank and credit card reconciliations, categorize transactions, and correct data inconsistencies.
• Prepare initial financial statements for onboarding review.
• Draft adjusting journal entries for accruals, depreciation, payroll entries, and reclassifications.
• Assist in connecting POS systems, payroll integrations, and other external software during onboarding.
• Maintain complete, well-documented workpapers for smooth client handoff.
• Request needed financial information from clients and follow up professionally and proactively.
• Update the Onboarding Manager on progress, challenges, and delays.
• Support training preparation by ensuring the client's file is clean, organized, and ready for onboarding sessions.
• Collaborate with accounting, payroll, tax, and admin teams as needed.
• Complete onboarding tasks within the established 30–45 day timeframe.
• Maintain accurate to-do lists, timelines, and internal reports.
• Uphold Kaizen standards for accuracy, timeliness, and exceptional client experience.
• Contribute ideas to improve onboarding workflows and client processes.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree