Staff Accountant I

Staff Accountant I Department: Finance Status: Full Time Location: Alsip Who We Are At Sertoma Star Services, we’re on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness to achieve personal success. Our team works together to provide meaningful services, promote independence, and strengthen the communities we serve.

Your Role

As the Staff Accountant I, you will support the Finance Department by preparing journal entries, posting cash receipts, coordinating month-end close activities, and completing timely account reconciliations. You will also assist with financial reporting, Corporate Compliance audits, analysis, and special projects to support accurate financial records and efficient operations.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet agency needs. Prepare and post standard and adjusting journal entries. Code and post miscellaneous cash receipts, Social Security payments, and COBRA premiums. Complete assigned account reconciliations, research variances, prepare related journal entries, and recommend process improvements.

Reconcile bank accounts to the general ledger for Sertoma Centre, Sertoma Centre Foundation, and Kimball Court Apartments. Prepare bank deposits and reconcile cash requirements and collections for fundraising events. Prepare sales tax returns and remittance requests as needed. Complete fiscal year-end account reconciliations and respond to audit requests.

Maintain records in the fixed asset accounting system (FAS) and post corresponding journal entries. Prepare the monthly PACE expense report. Prepare and distribute janitorial billings. Assist the Accounts Payable Clerk with coding and provide backup for invoice processing during short-term absences. Assist the Payroll Administrator with timecard reviews as needed.

Notify the Accounts Receivable Supervisor of chargebacks and returned checks due to non-sufficient funds, and follow up through resolution. Assist with Corporate Compliance audits by documenting findings, preparing reports, and recommending process improvements. Maintain the Finance Department’s Home-Based Services Agreements file.

Assist with preparing financial statements, variance analysis, ad hoc reports, and special projects. Maintain compliance with applicable licensing, funding, accreditation, safety, and regulatory requirements, as well as agency policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or current pursuit of a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of accounting experience. CPA certification preferred but not required. Previous staff accountant experience preferred, including month-end close, journal entry preparation and posting, and account reconciliations. Working knowledge of accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll strongly preferred.

Proficiency with computers, internet applications, and accounting software, including data uploads. Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as they apply to nonprofit organizations. Intermediate or advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, including pivot tables, filters, and data manipulation tools.

Strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate work as appropriate, and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain all required training, licensing, and certifications established by applicable regulatory agencies, funding sources, accreditation standards, and agency requirements, including CPR and First Aid after hire.

Benefits

Benefits are available based on employment status and plan eligibility and include: Paid time off and 13 paid holidays. Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employer-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and long-term disability coverage. Employee Assistance Program. 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.

Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities. Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, subject to program requirements. Health, Safety, and Culture This position primarily involves sedentary office work, including occasionally lifting or carrying files, ledgers, and other materials weighing up to 10 pounds.

The work environment is generally an office setting without substantial exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including: Safely bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and lifting materials as needed.

Meeting established productivity and quality standards. Maintaining regular and punctual attendance, subject to applicable accommodations and leave protections. Traveling by automobile to agency sites and other locations in varying weather conditions as needed. Working occasional overtime or weekends for meetings and special events.

Sertoma Star Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace where employees are treated with dignity and respect. Our open-door, team-building approach supports both agency goals and employee success.