Public accounting careers in Illinois
Illinois offers CPAs access to complex, high-impact work in the U.S. – from Chicago’s private equity and financial hub to Springfield’s strong public accounting presence.
With no single industry dominating, firms need tax and audit professionals who can go beyond compliance – combining technical expertise with real commercial insight.
At Distinct, we connect public accounting professionals with CPA firms that genuinely align with their ambitions, not just their experience.
Public accounting jobs in Illinois
Many Illinois firms don’t advertise publicly, meaning job boards only show a fraction of the market. At Distinct, we open that hidden market. Even if the right role isn’t listed, reach out – often the best opportunities start with a conversation.
Why partner with Distinct for your next career move?
What CPAs say about working with us
Illinois tax and audit market
Illinois is one of the most diverse and technically demanding accounting markets in the U.S., led by Chicago’s global finance and private equity hub. Institutions like the CME Group drive demand for CPAs across audit, valuation and complex regulatory work.
Beyond Chicago, strengths in healthcare, life sciences, not-for-profit and manufacturing create consistent demand for expertise in areas like cost accounting and multi-state tax.
With a highly diversified economy and strong competition for talent, CPAs in Illinois benefit from broad exposure, complex work and faster career progression.
Your Illinois public accounting recruiters
Imogen Talbot-Slack
- Illinois & Indiana
Lucy Weibel
- Illinois & Indiana
FAQs
Do I need a resume ready?
No. We start with a conversation – understanding your experience, goals and priorities before shaping how you present to firms.
Is your recruitment service free for candidates?
Yes. There’s no cost to you – firms cover all fees once a placement is made.
What CPA firms do you work with in Illinois?
We work with a wide range of firms – boutique, regional and multi-state. We focus on the firms where we can add the most value, excluding the Big Four.
What’s the average salary for CPAs in Illinois?
It depends on firm size, role and responsibilities but for manager-level positions, we typically see salaries averaging $137,500, with higher salaries in Chicago to reflect the cost of living and complex work.
How can I find out my market value?
Averages only tell part of the story. Your day-to-day scope, client exposure, balance of prep vs. review work and industry focus can all influence where you sit in the market. With just a few details – no resume or strings attached – we’ll give you a realistic view of your current market value. And sometimes, the best advice we can give is that you’re already in a great spot.
Curious where you stand? Let’s have a quick, no-pressure chat about your value in today’s market.
Ready to explore?
Whether you’re looking for faster progression, more interesting work or simply a better fit, let’s talk.