Staff Accountant/ Finance Manager

Job description

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant / Finance Manager serves as the primary and often sole internal finance professional for a Nonprofit. This role is responsible for all day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and audit coordination, supporting a scientific membership organization with meetings, research programs, and volunteer governance. The position requires a high level of autonomy, sound judgment, and the ability to translate financial information for non-financial stakeholders.

Hybrid (In-office Tuesday & Wednesday)

Key Responsibilities

Full-Cycle Accounting & Financial Operations

Own the general ledger, including all journal entries, accruals, deferrals, and allocations

Perform monthly bank, investment, and credit card reconciliations

Manage month-end and year-end close processes

Maintain accounting records in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit standards

Revenue, Membership & Scientific Meetings

Record and reconcile revenue from membership dues, annual scientific meetings, workshops, sponsorships, and educational programs

Track and manage deferred revenue related to registrations, sponsorships, and subscriptions

Reconcile meeting revenue and expenses and prepare post-meeting financial summaries

Accounts Payable, Receivable & Cash Management

Process vendor invoices, contracts, honoraria, stipends, and staff reimbursements

Manage accounts receivable, including invoicing, cash receipts, and follow-up

Monitor cash flow and maintain short-term cash projections

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Reporting

Develop and manage the annual operating budget and meeting-specific budgets

Prepare timely financial statements and budget-to-actual reports for leadership and the Board

Provide financial insights and scenario analysis to support operational decisions

Grants, Awards & Restricted Funds

Track restricted funds, research grants, fellowships, and awards

Ensure expenditures comply with grant and donor requirements

Prepare financial reports for funders and program leadership

Audit, Tax & Compliance

Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors, tax preparers, and financial advisors

Prepare audit schedules and support Form 990 preparation

Maintain internal controls and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies

Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

Administer accounting and financial systems;

coordinate with association management systems (AMS) as needed

Develop, document, and improve financial policies and procedures

Identify efficiencies appropriate for a small, resource-constrained organization

Collaboration & Governance Support

Partner closely with the Executive Director on financial planning and strategy

Support Board and committee financial reporting and presentations

Serve as a trusted financial resource to staff and volunteer leaders

Other Duties

Support special projects and organizational initiatives as needed

Perform other duties consistent with the scope of the role

Qualifications

Required

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

5+ years of progressive accounting experience;

nonprofit or association experience required

Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting, and internal controls

Demonstrated ability to independently manage a full finance function

Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting software

Preferred

Experience with scientific or medical associations

Familiarity with AMS and accounting platforms

(e.G., Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Blackbaud, Personify, iMIS, QuickBooks)

Experience supporting audits, Form 990, and board-level reporting

Worksite address

rosemont, IL, 60018, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.