Accountant Associate with the opportunity to transition into the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role.

Lifescape Community Services; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifescape Community Services in Rockford, IL is seeking an Accountant Associate to support our financial operations and help prepare reports, grants, and payroll under the CFO's guidance. The role emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, and strong analytical skills, with opportunities for growth toward senior finance responsibilities and potential future transition into the CFO path.

Join a mission-driven team and contribute to robust financial management, grant reporting, and process improvements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of accounting experience.
• Payroll processing experience preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting and grant funding preferred.
• Experience with Abila/MIP Fund Accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with agency policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Process and post general ledger transactions and journal entries.
• Perform accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
• Record and post cash receipts.
• Assist with inventory accounting and reconciliation.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Process payroll accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable payroll regulations and agency policies.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in the agency's payroll system.
• Prepare financial reports that reflect the agency's financial position and operating results.
• Track and report revenues and expenditures using the agency's modified accrual accounting methodology.
• Monitor costs associated with grants, contracts, and agency programs.
• Notify CFO of significant financial trends, variances, or issues requiring attention.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in Abila accounting software and other internal applications.
• Assist with annual independent audits by preparing schedules and supporting documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial, payroll, employee, and agency information.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and internal controls.

Skills

GAAP

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Abila/MIP Fund Accounting

Job description

Job Summary

This role is designed for an individual who is interested in long-term career growth, with the opportunity to be trained for a future transition into the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role. The Accountant Associate supports the agency's financial operations by performing a wide range of accounting, payroll, and financial reporting functions. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position helps maintain accurate financial records, prepares financial reports, supports grant and contract accounting, and assists with payroll and month-end and year-end financial processes. The Accountant Associate works closely with the CFO to ensure the integrity of the general ledger, support cost accounting and inventory management, prepare financial analyses, and identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality. The responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The Accountant Associate is responsible for performing the following essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation:

Accounting Operations

• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with agency policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Process and post general ledger transactions and journal entries.
• Perform accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
• Record and post cash receipts.
• Assist with inventory accounting and reconciliation.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure compliance with applicable payroll regulations and agency policies.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in the agency's payroll system.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare financial reports that accurately reflect the agency's financial position and operating results.
• Track and report revenues and expenditures using the agency's modified accrual accounting methodology.
• Monitor costs associated with grants, contracts, and agency programs.
• Prepare reports analyzing:
• Costs of services provided through grants and contracts.
• Program and service costs by county.
• Labor costs by contract, grant, or service area.

Notify the Chief Financial Officer of significant financial trends, variances, or issues requiring attention.

Systems and Compliance

• Develop and maintain proficiency in the agency's accounting software, including the Abila accounting system and other internal financial applications.
• Assist with the annual independent audit by preparing schedules and supporting documentation.
• Maintain the confidentiality of financial, payroll, employee, and agency information.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5 years of accounting experience.
• Payroll processing experience preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting and grant funding preferred.
• Experience with Abila/MIP Fund Accounting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.