Accounting Specialist

Housing Forward; Maywood (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Forward in Maywood, IL is seeking an Accounting Specialist to record and reconcile credit card transactions, handling accounts payable and cash disbursements accurately. You will maintain vendor records, process payments, and support financial reporting with the team.

You will work under the Controller and CFO, ensuring internal controls, timely month-end close, and clean documentation. Experience in Sage Intacct and nonprofit accounting is preferred to support grant billing and grant

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent experience.
• Not-for-profit accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with Sage Intacct is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process accounts payable and cash disbursements with proper approvals.
• Manage accounts receivable and donations processing in the accounting system.
• Maintain vendor records and respond to vendor inquiries.
• Assist with month-end close, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Support grant billing and reporting; ensure documentation and controls.

Skills

Not-for-profit accounting

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Tools

Sage Intacct

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for accurately recording and reconciling the agency’s credit card transactions, accounts receivable payments, cash receipts, and other financial activity. This position supports the timely and accurate processing of accounts payable, vendor payments, and cash disbursements while maintaining appropriate documentation and internal controls.

The Accounting Specialist manages the workflow of invoice processing, maintains vendor records, analyzes vendor activity, and tracks leasing and utility payments to ensure proper recording and timely payment. The position also supports online purchasing, transportation card and gift card distribution, petty cash, and client laundry fund management in accordance with finance department procedures.

Working closely with the Controller, CFO, and other finance team members, the Accounting Specialist assists with financial reporting, audits, and other accounting functions as assigned. The position is expected to maintain accurate financial records, protect agency resources, and provide responsive service to internal departments and vendors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements

• Manage the invoice processing workflow, including collecting invoices, verifying supporting documentation, obtaining appropriate approvals, and entering invoices into the accounting system.
• Ensure proper authorization, approvals, and signatures are obtained for checks, invoices, and payment forms.
• Prepare and maintain check and payment listings and upload Positive Pay files to the online banking system.
• Allocate, code, enter, and reconcile company credit card transactions and statements, ensuring all required documentation is complete and properly recorded.
• Collect, enter, and maintain vendor information, including W-9 forms and payment details, in accordance with agency procedures.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for vendors regarding invoices, payment status, and account information.
• Establish and maintain ACH vendor payment information in accordance with internal controls and banking procedures.
• Process year-end 1099 and 1096 filings and maintain supporting documentation.
• Administer the petty cash account and funds supporting client needs, including maintaining accurate records and reconciling balances.
• Purchase, track, and issue transportation passes and gift cards in accordance with finance department procedures.
• Track utility payments and related invoices to ensure timely processing, accurate coding, and proper recording in the accounting system.
• Analyze vendor activity and assist with identifying discrepancies, unusual transactions, or opportunities to improve payment processing and financial controls.

Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts

• Enter or import online donations and electronic deposits received from the Development Department and other sources into the accounting system.
• Ensure all bank activity is recorded accurately and timely in the accounting system.
• Enter accounts receivable payments, receipts, and other cash receipts into the accounting system.
• Reconcile cash receipts and deposits to supporting documentation and investigate discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate records of cash receipts and assist with follow-up on outstanding receivables as assigned.

General Ledger and Financial Reporting

• Assist with general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close activities.
• Create and utilize Sage Intacct accounting reports and prepare ad hoc financial reports in a timely manner as requested.
• Assist with financial audits by gathering supporting documentation, responding to information requests, and maintaining organized accounting records.
• Support the Controller and/or CFO with financial analysis, reconciliations, reporting, and other accounting-related projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Controller and/or CFO.

Other

• Assist with grant billing preparation if needed.
• Responsible for filing and archiving accounting records.
• Responsible for adhering to the agency’s document retention and destruction policy.
• Actively participate in departmental and monthly all-staff meetings.
• Attend and complete professional staff trainings as scheduled.
• Represent the agency in a professional and ethical manner.
• Maintain an active team approach with all staff in all work-related situations and with the staff of other agencies/organizations when collaborating on shared programs/grants
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor of Science in Accounting or equivalent experience. At least one-year not-for-profit accounting experience preferred.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

High standards for accountability, controls, timeliness, reporting and accuracy. Strong organizational skills. Competency in Microsoft Word Office. Proficiency in accounting software (i.e Sage Intacct). Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Policies, Accrual Accounting and Fund Accounting. Strong attention to detail.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for extended periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, review documents, and work on a computer.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Housing Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability.

Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties, as necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.