Sr. Accountant

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is dedicated to creating long-lasting positive change, whether it's through health and wellbeing, early education, violence prevention, or one of our other programs and services. We're looking for talented individuals who are committed to empowering our community by creating a safe and welcoming environment that encourages growth and support - individuals like you!

Under the direct supervision of the VP of Accounting/Controller and Grants Administration, the Senior Accountant will be responsible for providing excellent customer service to internal and external clients. The Senior Accountant is also externally facing with government agencies, external auditors, and bankers.

The Senior Accountant supports the financial integrity of the organization by performing detailed reconciliations of bank and investment accounts and managing the full lifecycle of capital expenditures. This role ensures compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, donor restrictions, and grant requirements, while maintaining accurate financial records and strong internal controls. The position collaborates closely with finance, grants management, and program teams.

Salary starts at $72,000 per year, includes full-time benefits, and opportunities to grow within the organization

Our staff is the Ys greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and the passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees
• Opportunity for eligible employees to participate in the Ys retirement fund
• Be part of a team that is passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, volunteers, and members
• Do meaningful work and contribute to the advancement of the YMCA vision by meeting the needs of the people in our communities
• Complimentary Adult YMCA membership and an employee discount on select programs
• Career advancement opportunities - grow your career at the Y!

Responsibilities

Cash & Investment Reconciliations:

• Perform monthly reconciliations for all bank accounts, including operating, restricted, and grant-specific accounts.
• Reconcile investment accounts and endowments, including tracking purchases, sales, earnings (interest/dividends), unrealized gains/losses, and fees.
• Ensure proper classification of restricted vs. unrestricted funds in reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Maintain detailed reconciliation support for audit and donor compliance purposes.
• Coordinate with external investment managers, financial institutions, and internal stakeholders.

Capital Expenditure (CapEx) & Fixed Asset Management

• Administer and monitor the capital expenditure approval process in alignment with internal policies and grant/donor restrictions.
• Ensure capital purchases are allowable under grant agreements and properly documented.
• Track CapEx budgets, funding sources (including restricted funds), and expenditures.
• Record fixed asset additions, disposals, and transfers, ensuring proper funding source classification.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules with clear linkage to grants or donor-restricted funds, where applicable.
• Calculate and record depreciation in compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP).

Grant & Fund Accounting Support

• Ensure capital expenditures and investment activity are accurately recorded in accordance with fund accounting principles.
• Support tracking and reporting of restricted funds related to capital assets and investments.
• Assist with grant reporting requirements related to capital spending and asset use.
• Collaborate with the grants management team to ensure compliance with federal, state, and donor requirements.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Prepare journal entries for cash activity, investments, and fixed assets.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Assist in preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules, including statements of financial position and activities.
• Provide audit support, including preparation of schedules for auditors and compliance reporting (e.g., Uniform Guidance, if applicable).
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, internal controls, and organizational policies.
• Prepare daily cash related reports
• Update annual and monthly trust/LIC reports
• Assist in the preparation of reports as required

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Strengthen internal controls over cash handling, investments, and capital expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with donor restrictions and grant agreements.
• Identify opportunities to streamline reconciliation and CapEx processes.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of accounting procedures and workflows.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• Preferred 3-5 years or more work experience in accounting (non-profit sector). Payroll and Accounts Payable experience is a plus.

• CPA designation desirable, but not required.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, with understanding of nonprofit/fund accounting principles.

• Experience managing restricted funds and grant compliance requirements.

• Ability to organize data and prioritize multiple, competing priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness.

• Experience with grant compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance / 2 CFR Part 200).

• Preferred experience with ERP systems such as Blackbaud, NetSuite, Great Plains and or similar nonprofit accounting platforms.

• Proficiency in Excel is a must

• Experience in Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint is desirable.

• Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago's mission

• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team competencies in previous experience or practice

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required