Staff Accountant

Chicago-Botanic-Garden; Glencoe (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL seeks a Staff Accountant to join the Accounting Department. This role supports accurate financial reporting, grant accounting, and general ledger activities, working closely with program managers to ensure compliant, transparent financial operations.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of accounting experience, GAAP knowledge, and strong Excel skills; nonprofit or grant experience is a plus, and familiarity with Financial Edge is helpful.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit accounting is a plus but not required.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and month-end close experience.
• Proficiency with grant accounting and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the full life cycle of local, federal, and private grants, including monitoring budgets, expenditures, billing, and reporting deadlines.
• Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations for grants and general ledger accounts.
• Assist with grant financial reports, reimbursement requests, and supporting schedules.
• Support annual audits and internal reviews with schedules and documentation.
• Maintain cash controls, deposits, and periodic petty cash counts.
• Collaborate with finance and program staff to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficient

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field

Tools

Financial Edge

Gateway Ticketing Systems Galaxy Connect

MS Office Suite

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Staff Accountant

Glencoe, IL, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 1724

Salary Range: $60,000.00 To $79,500.00 Annually

Title: Staff Accountant

Exemption Status: Exempt

Department: Accounting

Reports to: Controller

Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate’s qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate’s salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual’s contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview

The staff accountant supports the Accounting Department through accurate financial reporting, grant accounting, and general ledger activities. The person in this position assists with the accounting and reporting requirements for assigned grants, prepares journal entries and reconciliations, and supports audit and compliance activities. Working collaboratively with finance staff and program managers, the staff accountant helps ensure accurate financial records and effective financial operations across the Garden.

Responsibilities

• Assist with coordinating the full life cycle of local, federal, and private grants, including monitoring budgets, expenditures, billing, and reporting deadlines to help ensure compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and other internal and external compliance requirements.
• Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations for grants, receivables, cash, and other assigned general ledger accounts.
• Assist with preparing grant financial reports, reimbursement requests, and supporting schedules.
• Support the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit, and other compliance reviews by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and requested documentation.
• Support cash and internal receipt controls, including deposit documentation, reconciliations, and periodic petty cash counts.
• Collaborate with finance and program staff to maintain accurate accounting records and promote consistent financial reporting practices.
• Cross-train on accounting functions to support departmental coverage and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the controller to support the Garden's accounting and financial operations.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Minimum of five years of professional accounting experience. At least three years of nonprofit experience is a plus but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field a plus but not required.
• Strong understanding of GAAP.
• Working knowledge of trial balance, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and month-end processes.
• Working knowledge of accounting and reporting software (e.g., Financial Edge).
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products with advanced knowledge of Excel required.
• Experience working with Gateway Ticketing Systems’ Galaxy Connect a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Physical Demands

Office setting. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding. Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call [phone] to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.