The Newcastle Search Group, LLC
The Newcastle Search Group has been retained by a small, mission‑based non‑profit on the north side of Chicago to assist with the hiring of an Accounting Manager.
Position Overview: Accounting Manager
This role is essential for maintaining financial stability, implementing robust processes, and ensuring compliance with non‑profit accounting standards. The successful candidate will work independently while building systems and processes that support our mission and growth.
Key Responsibilities Daily Financial Operations
Oversee all day‑to‑day accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and cash management
Maintain accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
Process and review expense reports, vendor payments, client receipts and donor contributions
Monitor cash flow and banking relationships
Ensure proper segregation of duties and internal controls
Monthly Financial Management
Execute timely month‑end close procedures, typically within 10 business days
Prepare monthly financial statements including Statement of Activities, Statement of Financial Position, and Statement of Cash Flows
Generate and analyze budget vs. actual reports by program and funding source
Prepare cash forecast worksheet monthly
Prepare grant and donor financial reports (if any) as required
Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and investigate variances
Board and Management Reporting
Prepare comprehensive financial reports for monthly Board meetings
Create financial dashboards and key performance indicators
Present financial results to Board Finance Committee and full Board as needed
Collaborate with CEO on financial planning and analysis
Partner with CEO to prepare annual budget and quarterly budget revisions
Compliance and Audit Support
Coordinate annual independent audit, serving as primary point of contact with external auditors
Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and respond to auditor inquiriesEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements
Oversee preparation and filing of Form 990 and other tax returns
Maintain documentation for grant compliance and reporting requirements
Systems and Process Development
Evaluate and improve existing accounting systems and processes
Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures manual
Implement internal controls to safeguard organizational assets
Train staff on financial processes and expense reporting procedures
Maintain organized filing systems for financial records and supporting documentation
Grant and Fund Accounting
Track restricted and unrestricted revenue streams and related spend
Maintain compliance with donor restrictions and grant requirements
Monitor grant expenditures and ensure proper allocation of costs
Required Qualifications Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in nonprofit sector preferred
CPA certification preferred but not required for the right candidate
Experience with nonprofit fund accounting and GAAP compliance
Technical Skills
Proficiency in nonprofit accounting software (experience with FastFund preferred)
Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling
Experience with payroll processing and benefits administration
Knowledge of grant management and compliance requirements
Familiarity with nonprofit tax regulations (Form 990, UBIT, etc.)
Core Competencies
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong communication skills for Board presentations and audit interactions
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Experience rebuilding accounting functions and implementing new processes
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Administrative
Non‑profit Organizations
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Position Overview: Accounting Manager
This role is essential for maintaining financial stability, implementing robust processes, and ensuring compliance with non‑profit accounting standards. The successful candidate will work independently while building systems and processes that support our mission and growth.
Key Responsibilities Daily Financial Operations
Oversee all day‑to‑day accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and cash management
Maintain accurate and timely recording of all financial transactions in compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
Process and review expense reports, vendor payments, client receipts and donor contributions
Monitor cash flow and banking relationships
Ensure proper segregation of duties and internal controls
Monthly Financial Management
Execute timely month‑end close procedures, typically within 10 business days
Prepare monthly financial statements including Statement of Activities, Statement of Financial Position, and Statement of Cash Flows
Generate and analyze budget vs. actual reports by program and funding source
Prepare cash forecast worksheet monthly
Prepare grant and donor financial reports (if any) as required
Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and investigate variances
Board and Management Reporting
Prepare comprehensive financial reports for monthly Board meetings
Create financial dashboards and key performance indicators
Present financial results to Board Finance Committee and full Board as needed
Collaborate with CEO on financial planning and analysis
Partner with CEO to prepare annual budget and quarterly budget revisions
Compliance and Audit Support
Coordinate annual independent audit, serving as primary point of contact with external auditors
Prepare audit schedules, supporting documentation, and respond to auditor inquiriesEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements
Oversee preparation and filing of Form 990 and other tax returns
Maintain documentation for grant compliance and reporting requirements
Systems and Process Development
Evaluate and improve existing accounting systems and processes
Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures manual
Implement internal controls to safeguard organizational assets
Train staff on financial processes and expense reporting procedures
Maintain organized filing systems for financial records and supporting documentation
Grant and Fund Accounting
Track restricted and unrestricted revenue streams and related spend
Maintain compliance with donor restrictions and grant requirements
Monitor grant expenditures and ensure proper allocation of costs
Required Qualifications Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in nonprofit sector preferred
CPA certification preferred but not required for the right candidate
Experience with nonprofit fund accounting and GAAP compliance
Technical Skills
Proficiency in nonprofit accounting software (experience with FastFund preferred)
Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling
Experience with payroll processing and benefits administration
Knowledge of grant management and compliance requirements
Familiarity with nonprofit tax regulations (Form 990, UBIT, etc.)
Core Competencies
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Strong communication skills for Board presentations and audit interactions
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Experience rebuilding accounting functions and implementing new processes
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Administrative
Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr