Chief Accountant

The Salvation Army; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Greater Cleveland Area Services (GCAS) seeks a Chief Accountant to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee operations for Harbor Light and related corps. This role partners with the Area Services Coordinator, finance leadership, and the Advisory Board to ensure financial integrity and clear reporting.

Responsibilities include budgeting, GAAP reporting, audit coordination, grant budgeting, and cross-department collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field required.
• 5+ years of financial operations management and staff supervision experience.
• Experience with computerized accounting systems.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial guidance and analytical support to leadership and committees.
• Oversee daily operations of the finance team and supervise staff.
• Prepare, monitor, and evaluate annual operating and capital budgets for all corps and Harbor Light.
• Perform monthly general ledger reviews, accruals, and adjustments for accurate reporting.
• Prepare monthly, year-to-date, and annual financial statements with clear analysis for leadership.
• Monitor cash flow and prepare projections as requested.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Lead internal and external audit processes and 990 proforma.
• Manage grant budgeting and reporting (governmental and foundation); SEFA where applicable.
• Attend Property Committee meetings to ensure proper funding sources.

Skills

Staff supervision

Financial leadership

Regulatory & compliance

Analytical skills

Communication of financial information

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Salvation Army Greater Cleveland Area Services (GCAS) is seeking a Chief Accountant to provide strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for the organization, including Harbor Light. This key role supports mission delivery by ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and clear financial reporting across all corps and area services.

The Chief Accountant works closely with the Area Services Coordinator, finance leadership, and Advisory Board, while supervising a dedicated finance team.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial guidance and analytical support to the Area Services Coordinator, Advisory Board, and Finance Committee, including attending and presenting at Advisory Board and Finance Committee meetings.
• Oversee daily operations of the finance team, including staff development and supervision
• Prepare, monitor, and evaluate annual operating and capital budgets for all corps, area services, and Harbor Light
• Perform monthly general ledger reviews, accruals, and adjustments to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Prepare monthly, year‑to‑date, and annual financial statements with clear analysis for leadership and officers
• Monitor cash flow and prepare projections as requested
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and timely completion of all required filings
• Lead internal and external audit processes, including preparation of audit schedules and the annual 990 proforma
• Manage grant budgeting and reporting (governmental and foundation), including SEFA preparation where applicable
• Attend Property Committee meetings to ensure proper funding sources in compliance with policies.
• Review and approve corporate credit card transactions
• Perform or oversee bank reconciliations and trust report reviews
• Support Harbor Light and Greater Cleveland operations as needed, including occasional cross-coverage
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and seasonal initiatives as requested

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of two finance team members (Accountant and Accounting Specialist)
• Financial oversight of Harbor Light Senior Accountant

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience managing financial operations and supervising staff
• Experience with computerized accounting systems
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications

Preferred:

• Strong knowledge of non-profit accounting including fund accounting

• Knowledge of accounting for Government grants

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
• Clear communication skills for presenting financial information to non‑financial audiences
• Commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission and values

About Us

The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Motivated by the love of God, our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. In Greater Cleveland, we serve individuals and families through a wide range of programs such as sheltering and feeding at five corps and the Harbor Light facilities.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organization making a meaningful impact on the Greater Cleveland community
• Collaborate with dedicated professionals committed to service and stewardship
• Opportunity to combine technical accounting leadership with purpose-driven work

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Salvation Army is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.