Accounting Specialist

Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with match

Paid time off

Medical Insurance and Flex Spending

Job summary

HACIA in Chicago seeks an Accounting Specialist to manage accounting cycles and grant support, including vendor payments, cash management, journal entries, and reconciliations.

Reporting to the Accounting and Benefits Manager, this role supports budgeting, grant documentation, and financial reports, with opportunities to assist HACIA events and ensure strong financial health. Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree and nonprofit experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience, preferably with nonprofit organizations.
• Strong analytical and data reporting skills.
• Proficient in QuickBooks Online; proficient in Excel and MS Office.
• Experience with ERP software and expense tools (Expensify, Ramp, Bill) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage vendor payments and cash management.
• Post journal entries and reconcile accounts.
• Prepare grant tracking and reimbursement documentation.
• Assist with annual budgeting and financial reporting.
• Support HACIA events and related duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Time management

Data reporting

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

Tools

QuickBooks Online

Excel

ERP software

Expensify

Ramp

Bill

Job description

Founded in 1979 as a non-profit 501 (c) (6) organization, the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) is a construction advocacy, training, and membership organization. With over 300 members, HACIA provides a range of technical and supportive services to assist minority, women, veteran, and disadvantaged business enterprises (M/W/V/DBE) in addition to workforce development training in the construction and professional services industries. HACIA believes that all qualified construction businesses and individuals should have equal access to opportunities and education; and, therein, strives to build diversity and inclusion that strengthens the industry. HACIA’s mission focuses on ensuring the equitable participation of its members and the inclusion of diverse business practices in the construction industry, while also promoting growth, quality of work, professionalism, and integrity.

Position Summary

We are looking for a motivated Accounting Specialist to join our team with responsibility over both accounting cycles and grant management support. This individual will handle processing vendor payments, cash management, creating journal entries, account reconciliation and preparing grant tracking/support documentation. The Specialist will report directly to the Accounting and Benefits Manager and play a key role in ensuring that the organization maintains a solid financial standing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform the following capabilities satisfactorily:

Key Responsibilities

• Cash Management: Review of bank transactions and account balances. Tracks, records, and correctly codes cash receipts to the appropriate company accounts, entering details into QuickBooks Online
• Vendor Documentation/Payments: Facilitates payments to vendors by collecting W9/ACH vendor information, creating/reviewing invoices, processing payments thru QuickBooks Online
• Financial Transactions: Posts financial transactions, monitors and reconciles accounts payable, accounts receivable and other general ledger accounts. Runs monthly/quarterly financial reports in QuickBooks Online
• Credit Card Platform: Assists the Accounting Manager in inputting and tracking the organization’s credit card charges and balances through use of the Expensify software tool
• Grant Support: Works with the Accounting Manager and Finance Director in providing necessary support documentation for processing grant reimbursement payments and reconciliation.
• Budgeting: Assists with the organization’s annual budgeting process
• Event Participation: Supports/participates in HACIA events and performs other-related duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
• At least 3 years of experience, preferably with non-profit organizations; or an equivalent of education and experience
• Mathematical Ability: Must be able to run and provide data accurately and timely on a regular basis. Should have strong analytical skills in assessing and creating data reports
• Computer/Software Skills: Must be strongly proficient in QuickBooks Online. Should be proficient in Microsoft Excel and knowledgeable of other Microsoft Suite tools (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). Prior knowledge of other ERP software platforms and expense payment software (e.g., Expensify, Ramp, Bill) a plus
• Communications: Exhibits good listening and comprehension. Able to express thoughts and ideas in a clear and concise manner, both written and verbal form
• Customer Service: Displays courtesy and sensitivity. Maintains a level of confidentiality with personal information. Manages difficult customer situations and needs and addresses commitments on a timely basis
• Time Management:Prioritizes tasks effectively to meet deadlines. Manages multiple responsibilities without compromising quality or accuracy

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is generally a normal office environment but there may be occasions that require travel throughout the city and greater Chicagoland area. Employees are expected to work during the Company’s core business hours between 9:00am – 5:00pm. Employees will be given work schedules depending on department and project. The position will require occasional evening work to member events or activities.

Primarily will work in an office setting and may require travel throughout the city and greater Chicagoland area. The work environment is generally quiet to moderate.

• 401k with match
• Paid time off
• Medical Insurance and Flex Spending Plan

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature of the position and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of duties, skills, and standards required for the position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed or as assigned by their supervisor

HACIA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. HACIA hires individuals on the basis of their qualifications and ability to complete the essential requirements and responsibilities of the job to be filled. It is HACIA’s policy to grant equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, religion, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, age, veterans’ or military status, regardless of how discharged, source of income, credit history, arrest records, or physical or mental handicap or disability, genetic information, or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. HACIA will provide equal opportunities in all aspects of the employment relationship, including without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, working conditions, benefits and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment. All employment decisions are made based on availability, qualifications, ability, merit and/or other legitimate factors consistent with principles of equal employment.