Senior Staff Accountant

Alternatives•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Our mission is to inspire young people to create a just future through practices that heal individuals, restore communities, and transform systems. Since 1971, Alternatives has modeled innovative alternatives to the status quo in Chicago's youth services field. Our school and community-based therapy, prevention and leadership development programs support young people to individually and collectively to address causes of substance abuse, grief and trauma while building social-emotional, career and social change skills. In addition to working directly with young people, we train, coach and advocate for youth-serving institutions like Chicago Public Schools to be restorative and trauma-informed. The Senior Staff Accountant is to help with the day-to-day activities of the accounting department; this includes preparation of the vouchers for government grants. Tracks governmental contract submissions and payments and follow up. Perform other entries as assigned by the Controller. Review of bills before submission to funders for billings that are not grant related such as Chicago Public Schools for services rendered by Training and Coaching staff. Assists with the month end close; and assists with the accounts payable process.

Requirements

Proven experience working in not-for-profit accounting.
Bachelor’s degree in accountancy
Organized
Have the ability to work well across departments.
Experience working with government grants is mandatory.
Knowledge of GAAP based accounting
3 - 5 years of accounting experience is required
Consistently learning and working within the following frameworks: Anti-oppression, Positive Youth Development, Trauma-informed and Balanced and Restorative Justice.
Committed to working in a community-based, youth-centered organization, with flexibility, cultural responsiveness, and a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
The COVID vaccine is mandatory for all employees to the full extent permissible under applicable law.

Nice To Haves

Experience in SAGE Intacct accounting software is wanted but not required

Responsibilities

Meet weekly with the Supervisor to discuss workflow and receivables.
Prepare vouchers for grants, which include City of Chicago, State of Illinois, Cook County, CPS and other contracts as assigned.
Timely submission of all approved vouchers to funders
Full cycle process of accounts receivable including collections, reconciliations, revisions, and recording
Supports Controller and program management tracking monthly budgets
Works with program staff to ensure that expenses for contracts are properly accounted for in the accounting system.
Maintains on-going schedules on Balance Sheet, including but not limited to depreciation, accounts receivables, prepaid expenses, restricted revenue and payroll.
Build positive workplace relationships and work as a collaborative and reliable team member within Alternatives.
Perform other related duties as assigned.