Junior Accountant

Department: Finance
Location: Aurora, IL (100% on-site)
Employment Type: Full-time, exempt
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Salary Range: $65,000-$80,000/annual, DOE

About US:

Signature Retail Services (SRS) is a national retail merchandising and services company with about 700 team members. We partner with leading home improvement retailers, including The Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ace Hardware, to deliver merchandising, store remodels, and new store set-ups across the country. Behind every project in the field is a lean, hands-on corporate team in Aurora, Illinois, and our finance team keeps it all running smoothly.

In this role, we're looking for a detail-oriented, motivated accounting professional who wants more than just a role in a large finance department. Reporting directly to the CFO, you'll take ownership of day-to-day accounting operations, oversee accounts receivable and payable, contribute to budgeting and forecasting, and play an important role in the monthly financial close process. This is a hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining direct exposure to senior financial leadership and broader business operations. You'll have the chance to take on real responsibility, strengthen your financial expertise, and develop a deeper understanding of how accounting supports business decisions. Ideal for an accountant with a few years of experience who is ready to expand beyond routine accounting tasks, this role offers the variety, visibility, and professional growth to take your career to the next level.

What You'll Do:

Accounts Receivable

• Prepare and distribute customer invoices, accurately record cash receipts, and ensure timely application of payments.

• Monitor accounts receivable aging, follow up on past-due balances, and support collection efforts.

• Maintain accurate customer records and help resolve billing and payment discrepancies.

Accounts Payable

• Process vendor invoices, employee expense reports, and scheduled payments accurately and efficiently.

• Maintain vendor records and support year-end 1099 preparation and reporting.

• Help ensure timely payments while maintaining proper documentation and internal controls.

Forecasting & Budgeting

• Assist with the development of the annual budget and periodic financial forecasts.

• Monitor actual financial results against budget and prepare variance analyses for the CFO.

• Help identify trends, explain variances, and provide insights to support financial planning and decision-making.

General Accounting & Financial Close

• Prepare journal entries, accruals, prepaid expense schedules, and balance sheet and bank reconciliations.

• Support monthly and year-end closing activities and assist with financial statement preparation.

• Coordinate documentation and support schedules for internal and external audits.

• Maintain accurate financial records within the ERP system and identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and efficiencies.

• Partner directly with the CFO on ad hoc financial analysis, special projects, and other business initiatives.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

• 3+ years of hands-on accounting experience

• Solid understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles

• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and building reconciliations

• High attention to detail and accuracy with numbers

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, especially during month-end close

• Clear written and verbal communication skills

• Able to work on-site in Aurora, IL, full-time

Nice to Have Experience

• Experience with Acumatica ERP (not required; we'll train the right candidate)

• Experience with other ERP or accounting systems

• AR/AP experience in a retail, distribution, or multi-location business

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $65,000-$80,000 per year, based on experience.

• Health, Visition, Dental Insurance

• 401(k) with employer matching

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave

• Short Term Disability (STD)

• Long Term Disability (LTD)

• Growth Opportunities

Ready to Join the SRS Team? Apply today to take the next steps in your Career! Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. We look forward to meeting you!

Signature Retail Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Employment with Signature Retail Services is contingent upon completing all applicable pre-employment requirements, which may include background checks, motor vehicle record (MVR) reviews, employment eligibility verification, and other position-specific screenings, as permitted by law. Failure to complete required screenings or meet applicable employment standards may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment, subject to applicable law.