Staff Accountant

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago•Chicago, IL

31d•$58,000 - $72,000

About The Position

The Staff Accountant is an entry-level accounting professional responsible for supporting the day- to-day accounting operations of the organization. This position assists with maintaining the general ledger, preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, supporting the month-end close process, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. The Staff Accountant works closely with finance team members and program staff to ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and organizational policies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
0–2 years of accounting experience.
Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas and data analysis.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Internship experience in accounting preferred.
Nonprofit accounting experience is a plus but not required.
Experience with accounting software preferred.
Exposure to nonprofit, grant-funded, or fund accounting environments.
Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
Experience working with federal, state, or private grant funding is a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepare and post routine journal entries as it pertains to AR, AP, Special Accruals, Debt, Bond, Deferred Revenue and other general accounting entries is it relates to Camps, Memberships, Programs, Contributions, Petty Cash, Third Party Merchants
Maintain the accuracy and integrity of general ledger accounts.
Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
Review financial transactions to ensure proper account coding.
Support the preparation of monthly financial reports and schedules.
Perform monthly reconciliations of prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, accrued payables, Bonds, Leases and other balance sheet accounts.
Investigate and resolve discrepancies identified during reconciliations.
Maintain supporting documentation for all reconciliations.
Assist with reviewing and recording accounts payable transactions.
Support receivable tracking and collections activities as needed.
Ensure transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for annual audits.
Assist in gathering information requested by auditors and funders.
Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational policies.
Support special projects and process improvement initiatives.
Assist with maintaining accounting records and electronic filing systems.
Provide excellent customer service to internal departments and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.