Staff Accountant

ALA Brand; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

Medical and dental coverage

Paid time off

Retirement annuity

35-hour work week

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to support the Finance & Accounting department in Chicago. You will prepare journal entries, perform reconciliations, and assist with month-end close and the annual audit, ensuring accurate financial records and reliable reporting.

This full-time, exempt role operates in a hybrid Chicago office environment with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and cross-department collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• A minimum of two years of relevant accounting experience
• Strong attention to detail and analytical ability
• Solid working knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems, with experience in Microsoft Dynamics GP preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven priorities, particularly during month-end and year-end close
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential financial and membership data
• Nonprofit or association accounting experience
• Experience with membership or CRM systems such as iMIS

Responsibilities

• Preparing and submitting journal entries and monthly account reconciliations, serving as liaison between Accounting and other ALA departments, and ensuring assigned transactions are recorded accurately to support the month-end close process
• Performing daily ecommerce reconciliation, reviewing and reconciling credit card payments, and researching and resolving credit card charge inquiries
• Overseeing credit report activity in iMIS and recording banking activity related to monthly entries
• Performing reconciliations of select Balance Sheet accounts and responding to accounting questions, concerns and requests from staff and members
• Assisting with year-end close and the annual audit by preparing requested reports and supporting schedules and projects
• Serving as backup support for other Accounting/Finance staff as needed to maintain continuity of department operations

Skills

Journal entries

GAAP

Microsoft Excel

Accounting systems

Month-end close

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics GP

Job description

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a detail-oriented, organized Staff Accountant to support its Finance & Accounting department. Reporting to the Controller, this position works closely with Accounting, Finance and ALA departments to ensure the accurate and timely recording of payments, revenue and journal entries, while supporting month-end close, account reconciliations and the annual audit process. At ALA, you will play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the Association's financial records, serving as a liaison between Accounting and other departments, and providing dependable support to staff and members.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing and submitting journal entries and monthly account reconciliations, serving as liaison between Accounting and other ALA departments, and ensuring assigned transactions are recorded accurately to support the month-end close process
• Performing daily ecommerce reconciliation, reviewing and reconciling credit card payments, and researching and resolving credit card charge inquiries
• Overseeing credit report activity in iMIS and recording banking activity related to monthly entries
• Performing reconciliations of select Balance Sheet accounts and responding to accounting questions, concerns and requests from staff and members
• Assisting with year-end close and the annual audit by preparing requested reports and supporting schedules and projects
• Serving as backup support for other Accounting/Finance staff as needed to maintain continuity of department operations

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 $65k 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:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• A minimum of two years of relevant accounting experience
• Strong attention to detail and analytical ability
• Solid working knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems, with experience in Microsoft Dynamics GP preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven priorities, particularly during month-end and year-end close
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential financial and membership data
• Preferred but not Required
• Nonprofit or association accounting experience
• Experience with membership or CRM systems such as iMIS

Additional Information:

This position may be asked to provide backup coverage for other Accounting/Finance functions as needed to support department continuity.

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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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.