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Staff Accountant

Tempus AI · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 8, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a reconciliation that did not balance. How did you find the problem?

What they are checking: Persistence and a step-by-step approach to fixing differences rather than forcing them.

How do you keep your close tasks organized when deadlines are tight?

What they are checking: Personal organization habits that keep close on time and accurate.

What did you do in your internship or past accounting role to support an audit or tax filing?

What they are checking: Exposure to audit and tax support, which the posting names directly.

Tell me about a time you suggested a better way to do a routine task.

What they are checking: Whether they look for continuous improvement, as the posting asks.

What would you do

You notice a GL transaction that looks miscoded. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they investigate and raise issues instead of letting questionable entries pass.

Your manager asks for an analysis you have never done before by end of day. How do you approach it?

What they are checking: Resourcefulness and willingness to ask good questions early.

About the work

Walk me through how you reconcile a bank account at month end.

What they are checking: Basic reconciliation skill and how they handle timing items and unexplained differences.

What is the difference between an accrual and a prepaid expense? Give me an example of each.

What they are checking: Core accounting knowledge that a staff accountant uses every month.

Why do internal controls matter, and can you give an example of one?

What they are checking: Understanding that controls protect the accuracy of financial results.

How comfortable are you in Excel? What functions do you use most?

What they are checking: Practical spreadsheet skill needed for reconciliations and analysis.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Tempus AI.

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry? Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time. Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities :  Supporting day-to-day accounting functions  Responsible for maintaining and reconciling bank statements  Performing month-end close tasks and preparing financial statement analysis  Preparing balance sheet account reconciliations  Reviewing and analyzing general ledger transactions and accounts  Preparing supporting documentation for financial statement audit and tax provisions / returns  Assisting manager with preparation of workpapers for tax filings  Ensuring that appropriate systems and internal controls are implemented and maintained  Conducting ad-hoc analysis to support leadership requests  Driving continuous improvement in accounting processes Qualifications :  1+ years of experience in an internship or accounting role, preferably within finance, consulting, or technology  Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Tax, Audit, or Finance  Experience with Microsoft Office Suite; Advanced MS Excel skills (Logical Formulas, Lookups, Pivot Tables; experience with Visual Basic and/or SQL a plus but not required)  Exceptional customer service skills; cooperative; strong team‐player  An eye for the details and the ability to deliver accurate output in a timely manner  Strong organizational skills and comfort with managing multiple work streams  High level of self‐motivation with the ability to manage priorities, troubleshoot issues as they arise, and work independently  Poised and works well under pressure and in a fast-paced changing environment  Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)  Public accounting experience preferred  A champion for data accuracy and quality for the Accounting team Chicago: $65,000 - $82,000 The expected salary range may vary for other locations. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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