Senior Accountant

American Library Association•Berwyn, IL

3d•$85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Accountant maintains the integrity of ALA’s general ledger through account reconciliations, journal entry preparation, and analytical review, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting. The role contributes to the annual financial statement audit and to the development and documentation of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. It supervises a staff accountant and provides analytical and administrative support to the Chief Financial Officer in budgeting, human resources, and special projects, using independent judgment to identify and resolve accounting discrepancies. ALA is transitioning to a new ERP system, and the Senior Accountant will help with the conversion by reconciling data across platforms and improving departmental processes. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position based in ALA’s Chicago office. Staff currently work on a hybrid schedule; ALA does not offer fully remote positions outside its workplace sites. The starting salary is negotiable from $85,000 based on relevant experience. Benefits include flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off, a retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. Employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Employment offers are contingent on a satisfactory background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Requirements

Degree in Accounting or Finance.
At least 5 years of senior accountant-level general ledger accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, including nonprofit concepts such as net asset classification, restricted and unrestricted funds, and functional expense allocation.
Experience supporting financial statement audits, including preparing audit schedules and work papers.
Proficiency with accounting or ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
Strong analytical judgment, including the ability to identify discrepancies, form hypotheses about causes, and determine when to resolve issues independently.
Excellent organization and prioritization skills, with the ability to balance recurring close deadlines with ad hoc projects and audit requests.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or CPA.
Experience in a nonprofit environment.

Responsibilities

Prepare monthly and annual balance sheet account reconciliations and recurring and ad hoc journal entries, including entries for prepaid expenses, grants, travel, and fixed assets.
Analyze general ledger accounts and related activity, identify discrepancies, recommend corrective action, and calculate selected budgeted data.
Participate in all aspects of the annual financial statement audit; prepare schedules and documentation and serve as a resource for external auditors.
Coordinate standardized documentation of finance and accounting policies, procedures, and job responsibilities.
Support system enhancements, process improvements, and the F&A staff support site, including hands-on participation in the ERP conversion and reconciliation of data across platforms.
Assist the CFO with human resources analyses, benefits calculations for budgeting, budget preparation, and monthly, quarterly, and annual projects.
Supervise a staff accountant.
Provide backup coverage for routine accounting functions during staff absences and perform other assigned duties.