Staff Accountant

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking an entry-level Staff Accountant to support day-to-day accounting operations. The role involves assisting with the general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close, ensuring accurate financial reporting for a nonprofit.

You will collaborate with finance and program staff to meet grant requirements and organizational policies. Responsibilities include preparing routine journal entries, maintaining GL accuracy, assisting with month-end

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining the general ledger and posting routine journal entries.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes to ensure timely recording.
• Prepare schedules and documentation for annual audits and assist auditors.
• Support special projects and maintain accounting records and filing systems.

Skills

Excel

GAAP

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication skills

Team player

Independent work

Nonprofit accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Accounting software

Job 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.

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.