Staff Accountant

Ymcachicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA Chicago is seeking an entry-level Staff Accountant to support day-to-day accounting operations, maintain the general ledger, prepare journal entries, and assist with month-end close to ensure accurate financial reporting.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance, 0–2 years of experience, and familiarity with Excel and accounting software, with nonprofit experience considered a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 0–2 years of accounting experience; internship acceptable.
• Nonprofit accounting experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and post routine journal entries for AR, AP, Special Accruals, Debt, Bond, Deferred Revenue and other general accounting entries as it relates to Camps, Memberships, Programs, Contributions, Petty Cash, Third Party Merchants.
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of general ledger accounts.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Review financial transactions to ensure proper account coding.
• Support the preparation of monthly financial reports and schedules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Analytical thinking

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $58,000 USD to $72,000 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.

Description

Job Summary: The Staff Accountant is an entry‑level accounting professional responsible for supporting the day‑to‑day accounting operations of the organization. This position assists with maintaining the general ledger, preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, supporting the month‑end close process, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. The Staff Accountant works closely with finance team members and program staff to ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, grant requirements, and organizational policies.

Scopes and Responsibilities:

General Ledger Accounting

• Prepare and post routine journal entries as it pertains to AR, AP, Special Accruals, Debt, Bond, Deferred Revenue and other general accounting entries is it relates to Camps, Memberships, Programs, Contributions, Petty Cash, Third Party Merchants
• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of general ledger accounts.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end closing activities.
• Review financial transactions to ensure proper account coding.
• Support the preparation of monthly financial reports and schedules.

Account Reconciliations

• Perform monthly reconciliations of prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, accrued payables, Bonds, Leases and other balance sheet accounts.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies identified during reconciliations.
• Maintain supporting documentation for all reconciliations.

Accounts Payable and Receivable Support

• Assist with reviewing and recording accounts payable transactions.
• Support receivable tracking and collections activities as needed.
• Ensure transactions are recorded accurately and timely.

Audit and Compliance

• Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for annual audits.
• Assist in gathering information requested by auditors and funders.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational policies.

Other Responsibilities

• Support special projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist with maintaining accounting records and electronic filing systems.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal departments and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.

Experience

• 0–2 years of accounting experience.
• Internship experience in accounting preferred.
• Nonprofit accounting experience is a plus but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas and data analysis.
• Experience with accounting software preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to nonprofit, grant‑funded, or fund accounting environments.
• Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
• Experience working with federal, state, or private grant funding is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.