Staff Accountant - Private School

ABOUT HOLY FAMILY MINISTRIES

Holy Family Ministries is a unique community that provides opportunities for children, youth, and families from Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods to excel academically, grow spiritually, expand life experiences, and become exceptional leaders. For nearly forty years, Holy Family (HFM) has provided hope and purpose, rooted in faith, through the transforming power of education. More than 500 students across four programs are enrolled in year-round programming, each experiencing the chance for a brighter future. At Holy Family, Excellence in Education goes beyond just the classroom, ensuring every child can succeed in school and life.

Our programs strengthen communities by educating youth for entrance into high-performing high schools; instill in youth the values, character strengths, and resilience needed to succeed in life; and develop young leaders. The four stellar programs available at Holy Family Ministries: 1) Little Learners Academy - Early learning education, 2) Holy Family School - Education for K-8, 3) Adventures in Learning - afterschool and summer camp, and 4) The Peace Exchange -youth leadership and violence prevention program.

Holy Family Ministries has earned a Platinum Seal from Candid (Guidestar), a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, and a well-respected 501(c)(3) organization.

JOB OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Controller, the Staff Accountant supports the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization. This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledger, supporting the month-end close process, preparing reconciliations, and assisting with audit preparation. The position works collaboratively with internal departments to ensure accurate financial reporting and strong financial documentation practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and post journal entries, including recurring entries, allocations, and adjustments.
• Reconcile bank and credit card accounts monthly and investigate any discrepancies.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts (prepaids, payables, receivables, fixed assets, accruals, etc.) on a regular schedule.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly financial statements and supporting schedules
• Review vendor invoices for proper coding, documentation, approvals, and compliance with policies.
• Enter and process invoices, reimbursements, and other disbursements in the accounting system.
• Prepare weekly payment runs (checks, ACH, credit card) and maintain vendor records (including W-9s and 1099 information).
• Record incoming cash, checks, electronic payments, and donations in the accounting system.
• Work with development and program staff to ensure contributions and grants are correctly coded to funds, grants, and restrictions.
• Maintain accounts receivable records, issue invoices and grant vouchers as needed, and monitor aging for timely collection.
• Track grant revenues and expenses by funding source, program, and restriction.
• Assist in preparing grant financial reports and supporting documentation for funders.
• Help monitor grant budgets versus actuals and flag variances or spending issues to the Finance Director.
• Review and post payroll entries from the payroll system into the accounting system, including allocations to programs, grants, and functions.
• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts (taxes, benefits, retirement, etc.).
• Assist with annual audit preparations, including pulling supporting documentation and preparing schedules.
• Help maintain and strengthen internal controls by following and improving financial policies and procedures.
• Support the preparation of information needed for tax filings (e.g., Form 990 support) and other compliance reports.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives to streamline the month-end close and reporting.
• Respond to finance-related questions from staff and external partners in a timely, service-oriented manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Controller.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)
• 2+ years of relevant accounting experience (nonprofit experience strongly preferred).
• Solid understanding of basic accounting principles and double-entry bookkeeping.
• Hands-on experience with an accounting software system (e.g., Blackbaud, or similar, and QuickBooks) and strong Excel skills is required.
• High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across departments.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and ethical standards of Holy Family Ministries.
• Experience with nonprofit fund accounting and grant management is preferred.
• Experience with payroll systems, i.e. Paycor, and allocations.
• Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs, i.e. Blackbaud, and integrating data with accounting systems.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Able to work indoors and occasionally outdoors. Role requires sitting, standing, squatting, kneeling, seeing, hearing, and the ability to lift a minimum of 10lbs.

BENEFITS (full-time employees only):

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Short-term Disability

Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

403(b)

Holy Family Ministries is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law. Accommodation is available upon request and certification.

Pay: $63,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have have experience working at at non-profit? If yes, how many years?
• Do you have experience working at a faith-based organization? If yes, how many years?
• Why are you currently looking for employment?
• This is a hybrid position and requires the candidate to meet at the school, work at our Westchester office, and opportunity to work from home. Do you have any concerns about these requirements?
• Have you used the following systems: Blackbaud and Paycor?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60624