Manager, Accounting

Aspire Chicago•Hillside, IL

12d•$65,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Accounting plays a critical role in managing the organization’s day-to-day financial operations, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial records. Reporting directly to the Controller, this position leads month-end and year-end close activities, prepares and analyzes financial reports, coordinates audit and compliance efforts, and ensures adherence to GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. Working closely with the AP & Payroll Manager, Entitlement Specialist, and Grant Compliance Specialist, the Manager, Accounting helps strengthen financial controls, support informed decision-making, and advance the organization’s mission. This role is ideal for an accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and takes pride in accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership of financial processes, leading complex accounting activities, and collaborating across teams while upholding integrity, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED plus a minimum of three (3) years of accounting work experience required.
Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles required.
Experience with general ledger accounting and reconciliations required.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and especially Excel required.
Valid Illinois driver’s license and consistently good driving record required.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree in Accounting preferred.
Experience working with grants, restricted funds, or government contracts preferred.
Familiarity with nonprofit financial statements (Statement of Financial Position, Activities, Functional Expenses) preferred.
Experience with accounting systems such as MIP, Intacct, NetSuite, or similar preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage General Accounting & Financial Operations
Partner with the Controller to execute monthly reconciliations of general ledger accounts in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Prepare, review, and post monthly journal entries, including accruals, allocations, and adjusting entries.
Lead execution of monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
Independently perform monthly bank, credit card, and balance sheet reconciliations.
Produce and analyze internal financial statements and management reports.
Support Budgeting & Financial Analysis
Collaborate with the Controller on budget development, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Monitor and analyze departmental spending, identifying variances, trends, and risks.
Implement and maintain cost allocation methodologies across programs and funding sources.
Coordinate Audit & Compliance Efforts
Coordinate annual financial audit preparation and serve as a primary liaison for auditor requests.
Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of restricted funds in collaboration with the Finance team.
Prepare and review grant reporting, including expenditure support and reconciliations, in compliance with funder, state, and federal requirements.
Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial documentation to ensure compliance with organizational policies.
Drive process improvements to enhance financial controls, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
Provide Collaboration & Cross-Functional Support
Work closely with the AP & Payroll Manager to ensure accurate expense coding and payroll allocations.
Coordinate with the Entitlement Specialist to reconcile client-related revenue and benefits.
Provide accounting support and guidance to program and administrative staff as needed.