Sr. Accountant

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is dedicated to creating long-lasting positive change, whether it’s through health and wellbeing, early education, violence prevention, or one of our other programs and services. We’re looking for talented individuals who are committed to empowering our community by creating a safe and welcoming environment that encourages growth and support — individuals like you! Under the direct supervision of the VP of Accounting/Controller and Grants Administration, the Senior Accountant will be responsible for providing excellent customer service to internal and external clients. The Senior Accountant is also externally facing with government agencies, external auditors, and bankers. The Senior Accountant supports the financial integrity of the organization by performing detailed reconciliations of bank and investment accounts and managing the full lifecycle of capital expenditures. This role ensures compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, donor restrictions, and grant requirements, while maintaining accurate financial records and strong internal controls. The position collaborates closely with finance, grants management, and program teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, in Accounting, Finance, or related field
3-5 years or more work experience in accounting (non-profit sector).
Payroll and Accounts Payable experience is a plus.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, with understanding of nonprofit/fund accounting principles.
Experience managing restricted funds and grant compliance requirements.
Ability to organize data and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.
Experience with grant compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance / 2 CFR Part 200).
Proficiency in Excel is a must

Nice To Haves

CPA designation desirable, but not required.
Preferred experience with ERP systems such as Blackbaud, NetSuite, Great Plains and or similar nonprofit accounting platforms.
Experience in Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint is desirable.
Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s mission
Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team competencies in previous experience or practice

Responsibilities

Perform monthly reconciliations for all bank accounts, including operating, restricted, and grant-specific accounts.
Reconcile investment accounts and endowments, including tracking purchases, sales, earnings (interest/dividends), unrealized gains/losses, and fees.
Ensure proper classification of restricted vs. unrestricted funds in reconciliations.
Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
Maintain detailed reconciliation support for audit and donor compliance purposes.
Coordinate with external investment managers, financial institutions, and internal stakeholders.
Administer and monitor the capital expenditure approval process in alignment with internal policies and grant/donor restrictions.
Ensure capital purchases are allowable under grant agreements and properly documented.
Track CapEx budgets, funding sources (including restricted funds), and expenditures.
Record fixed asset additions, disposals, and transfers, ensuring proper funding source classification.
Maintain fixed asset schedules with clear linkage to grants or donor-restricted funds, where applicable.
Calculate and record depreciation in compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP).
Ensure capital expenditures and investment activity are accurately recorded in accordance with fund accounting principles.
Support tracking and reporting of restricted funds related to capital assets and investments.
Assist with grant reporting requirements related to capital spending and asset use.
Collaborate with the grants management team to ensure compliance with federal, state, and donor requirements.
Prepare journal entries for cash activity, investments, and fixed assets.
Support month-end and year-end close processes.
Assist in preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules, including statements of financial position and activities.
Provide audit support, including preparation of schedules for auditors and compliance reporting (e.g., Uniform Guidance, if applicable).
Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, internal controls, and organizational policies.
Prepare daily cash related reports
Update annual and monthly trust/LIC reports
Assist in the preparation of reports as required
Strengthen internal controls over cash handling, investments, and capital expenditures.
Ensure compliance with donor restrictions and grant agreements.
Identify opportunities to streamline reconciliation and CapEx processes.
Maintain up-to-date documentation of accounting procedures and workflows.
Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required