Demo

Staff Accountant I

Lake Forest
Forest, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 3/24/2026 CLOSED ON 4/24/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant I position at Lake Forest?

Work alongside the Finance team that encourages professional growth and work-life balance. Engage in municipal financing initiatives and join a wonderful team at The City of Lake Forest.

COLLABORATION
 Ability to support all functions of the Finance Department, including front desk customer service

CRITICAL THINKING
 An organization that provides you a platform to be analytical and technical in your day-to-day work



Learn more about the Finance Department and the dynamic role by reading, “Crafting a Budget Takes Time – But Results in Lake Forest Have Been Heartening” on Lake Forest Love.

As a Payroll Accountant, you will provide support to the Assistant Finance Director and entire Finance team by:

Primary Duties include:

  • Processing bi-weekly payrolls for both the City and Library, including transferring direct deposits and tax payments to the IRS and preparing annual W-2 ‘s

  • Maintaining individual benefits for each employee

  • Completing payroll related schedules for the annual budget and provide support to other departments in the City

  • Completing payroll schedules for the annual audits

Additional Duties include:

  • Assisting with financial audits

  • Preparing monthly journal entries

  • Providing backup to the alternate Staff Accountant and other department positions as needed including the front counter customer service

  • Assisting with special projects within the Finance department

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university with a major in accounting or related field

  • 1-3 years’ experience in accounting, preferably municipal services

  • Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality

  • Exceptional communication with residents and staff

  • Proficient in all Microsoft Office products

  • Knowledge of BS&A Financial Software is a plus


Why Join the City of Lake Forest?

  • Be part of a forward-thinking organization that is committed to a strong tradition of thoughtful planning and community involvement.       
  • Work in a collaborative environment that values professionalism, integrity, excellence, and exceptional customer service.  
  • Play a key role in ensuring that The City of Lake Forest continues to be a remarkable place to live, work, shop, dine, study, and enjoy life.  

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $80,406.04 - $111,652.46 DOQ

Insurance: Medical (PPO/HMO), dental, vision

Leave: 13 paid holidays, front-loaded vacation and sick time, parental leave

Retirement: IMRF pension 457(b)/Roth options

Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement, EAP, legal/life protection, PSLF eligibility

The City of Lake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

Salary : $80,406 - $111,652

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
This job has expired.
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Lake Forest

  • Lake Forest Forest, IL
  • The City of Lake Forest is seeking a creative and motivated college student majoring in English, Communications, or a related field to join our team as a C... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Lake Forest Forest, IL
  • We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Youth Cheerleading Coach to lead our cheer squads. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with ch... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Lake Forest Forest, IL
  • Become an Apprentice in Municipal Government! Excellent opportunity to learn a trade with competitive pay and benefits while completing on-the-job training... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Lake Forest Forest, IL
  • The Lake Forest Recreation Department Sailing Program (LFS) is looking for individuals to work as race coaches for our spring and summer racing seasons. Ra... more
  • 3 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Staff Accountant I jobs in the Forest, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • Staff Financial Group Chicago, IL
  • We are actively seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Remote Bookkeeper or Staff Accountant to join our client's accounting services team. Ideally, we pref... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Staff Financial Group Northbrook, IL
  • Staff Accountant - Manufacturing & Distribution Duties include: Perform all day-to-day accounting activities for the company. Prepare and distribute accura... more
  • 3 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!