Senior Accountant

American Library Association; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Medical and dental coverage

Retirement annuity

35-hour work week

Job summary

The Senior Accountant at the American Library Association in Chicago maintains the integrity of the general ledger through reconciliations, journal entries, and analytical review, supporting timely financial reporting. This role participates in the annual audit, develops accounting policies, and supervises a staff accountant in a hybrid Chicago office.

As the organization transitions to a new ERP system, the Senior Accountant will help reconcile data across platforms and document internal

Qualifications

• Degree in Accounting or Finance required; advanced degree or CPA a plus.
• 5 years of senior accountant-level general ledger accounting experience, preferably in a not-for-profit environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, including nonprofit concepts such as net asset classification, restricted and unrestricted funds, and functional expense allocation.
• Experience supporting financial statement audits, including preparation of audit schedules and work papers.
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical judgment: able to identify discrepancies, form a hypothesis about the cause, and know when to resolve independently.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills; able to balance recurring close deadlines with ad hoc projects and audit requests.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly and annual balance sheet account reconciliations; prepare recurring and ad hoc journal entries, including prepaid expenses, grants, travel, and fixed assets (40%).
• Analyze general ledger accounts and related activity; identify discrepancies and recommend corrective action; calculate selected budgeted data (20%).
• Participate in all aspects of the annual financial statement audit; prepare schedules and documentation, and serve as a resource for external auditors (15%).
• Coordinate standardized documentation of finance and accounting policies, procedures, and job responsibilities; support system enhancements, process improvements, and the F&A staff support site (10%).
• Assist the CFO with human resources analyses, benefits calculations for budgeting, budget preparation, and monthly, quarterly, and annual projects as assigned (10%).
• Serve as backup for routine accounting functions during staff absences; perform other duties as assigned (5%).

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

The Senior Accountant maintains the integrity of ALA's general ledger through account reconciliation, journal entry preparation, and analytical review, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting for the Association. This position plays a key role in the annual financial statement audit and in developing and documenting accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls. This position will also supervise a staff accountant. The Senior Accountant also provides analytical and administrative support to the Chief Financial Officer in budgeting, human resources, and special projects, exercising independent judgment to identify and resolve accounting discrepancies.

This is an exciting time to join the Finance team: ALA is transitioning to a new ERP system, and this role will play a hands-on part in the conversion, helping reconcile data across platforms and shape improved processes for the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Account Reconciliation and Journal Entries: Prepare monthly and annual balance sheet account reconciliations; prepare recurring and ad hoc journal entries, including prepaid expenses, grants, travel, and fixed assets (40%)
• General Ledger Analysis and Review: Analyze general ledger accounts and related activity; identify discrepancies and recommend corrective action; calculate selected budgeted data (20%)
• Audit Coordination and Support: Participate in all aspects of the annual financial statement audit; prepare schedules and documentation, and serve as a resource for external auditors (15%)
• Process Documentation and Internal Controls: Coordinate standardized documentation of finance and accounting policies, procedures, and job responsibilities; support system enhancements, process improvements, and the F&A staff support site (10%)
• CFO and Organizational Support: Assist the CFO with human resources analyses, benefits calculations for budgeting, budget preparation, and monthly, quarterly, and annual projects as assigned (10%)
• Backup Coverage and Other Duties: Serve as backup for routine accounting functions during staff absences; perform other duties as assigned (5%)

This is a regular full-time, exempt position based in our Chicago office.

ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have fully remote positions outside of our workplace sites.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Salary & Benefits

Starting salary range is negotiable from $85k based on relevant experience. ALA offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off, a retirement annuity and a 35-hour work week. You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Requirements

• Degree in Accounting or Finance required; advanced degree or CPA a plus
• 5 years of senior accountant -level general ledger accounting experience, preferably in a not-for-profit environment
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, including nonprofit concepts such as net asset classification, restricted and unrestricted funds, and functional expense allocation
• Experience supporting financial statement audits, including preparation of audit schedules and work papers
• Proficiency with accounting/ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Strong analytical judgment: able to identify discrepancies, form a hypothesis about the cause, and know when to resolve independently.
• Excellent organization and prioritization skills; able to balance recurring close deadlines with ad hoc projects and audit requests

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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