Staff Accountant - Programs

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago • Chicago, IL

9d

About The Position

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith. The Staff Accountant - Programs reviews and reconciles financial records for accuracy, compliance, and completeness; supports month-end and year-end closes, audits, reporting, and variance analysis; resolves discrepancies with stakeholders; maintains strong internal controls; and continuously improves accounting processes and professional expertise.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree (AA) in a related field of study
• 1-3 years relevant experience
• Journal entries and reconciliations
• Month-end close support
• Financial reporting
• Account analysis
• ERP basics
• Background check

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in a related field of study
• 3-5 years relevant experience
• Excel modeling
• Workflow automation
• CPA or CPA candidate

Responsibilities

• Review assigned area's files for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements. Identify and investigate discrepancies or inconsistencies, follow up independently to resolve issues, and provide weekly status updates to stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Assist with the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes by preparing journal entries, analyzing general ledger accounts, researching payment activity, submitting cash receipts, and compiling supporting documentation. Ensure that all financial data is recorded accurately and in a timely manner to support reliable reporting.
• Conduct financial variance analysis and assist in identifying trends, anomalies, or areas for improvement. Prepare and maintain reports and schedules that support internal decision-making and external reporting requirements. Communicate findings clearly and proactively to leadership and other stakeholders.
• Support the year-end audit process by gathering and organizing backup documentation, preparing audit schedules, and responding to auditor inquiries. Collaborate with finance leadership to ensure that audit requirements are met efficiently and that the organization remains in good standing with external auditors and funders.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and other accounting staff to resolve financial and operational issues in a professional and timely manner. This includes reconciling credit card transactions, gathering documentation for expenditures, and contributing to the continuous improvement of accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Engage in ongoing learning, training, and skill development, seeking and applying feedback to continuously improve performance and contribute to team and organizational success.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree