Staff Accountant

Westside Justice Center

Staff Accountant supporting day-to-day financial operations at Westside Justice Center. Responsible for maintaining financial records, accounts payable, and receivable, and reporting for a nonprofit organization.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $60,000 - $70,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in maintaining accurate accounting records, managing accounts payable and receivable, and performing bank reconciliations. Proficient in applying accounting principles and internal controls while effectively communicating with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Accounts Payable ManagementAccounts Receivable ManagementBank ReconciliationQuickBooks ProficiencyFinancial Reporting

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Accounting PrinciplesBookkeeping PracticesFinancial RecordkeepingJournal EntriesGeneral Ledger ActivitySpreadsheet ProficiencyData OrganizationRoutine Financial ReportingGrant ManagementInternal Controls

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailOrganizational SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelGoogle SheetsQuickBooks

Certifications & Qualifications

Associate's Degree in AccountingBachelor's Degree in Accounting (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit Financial PracticesFinancial Activity ProcessingVendor ManagementFunder DocumentationSmall Business Accounting

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized accounting records for day-to-day financial activity, ensuring transactions are recorded timely and in accordance with established procedures
Manage accounts payable processing, including reviewing invoices for accuracy and proper approval, coding expenses, entering bills, preparing payments, maintaining vendor records, and resolving routine discrepancies
Support accounts receivable functions by preparing invoices, recording payments, monitoring outstanding balances, following up on routine receivables, and maintaining accurate customer or funder records
Prepare and post recurring and routine journal entries, review transaction detail for accuracy, and support maintenance of the general ledger
Perform timely reconciliations of bank accounts, credit cards, vendor accounts, customer accounts, balance sheet accounts, and other assigned accounts; research and resolve variances as needed
Assist with month-end and year-end close by preparing schedules, reconciling assigned accounts, gathering supporting documentation, and identifying items requiring review or adjustment
Maintain organized accounting files, audit support, and historical financial records in accordance with internal procedures, documentation standards, and retention requirements
Prepare routine financial reports, account summaries, schedules, and transaction detail by collecting, reviewing, and organizing financial information for management review
Support grant-related payment tracking, restricted fund activity, and funder documentation in coordination with the Senior Staff Accountant and program staff
Assist with maintaining documentation for restricted funds, grant payments, allocations, and related transactions to support accurate records and compliance with funder requirements
Apply established internal controls, accounting policies, approval procedures, and not-for-profit financial practices consistently, escalating unusual items or exceptions when appropriate
Communicate professionally with staff, vendors, customers, funders, and other stakeholders to obtain information, resolve routine accounting questions, and support timely processing of financial activity
Perform other accounting, reporting, documentation, and administrative duties as assigned to support the finance function

Requirements

What you’ll need

A minimum of an associate’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field is required; bachelor’s degree preferred
Minimum of two years of professional accounting, bookkeeping, or finance experience required, preferably in a small business, nonprofit, or mission-driven environment
Demonstrated hands-on experience applying accounting principles, bookkeeping practices, and financial recordkeeping in a professional setting
Working experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank and account reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledger activity
Intermediate proficiency with spreadsheets, including Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets; ability to organize data, review details, and prepare basic schedules or reconciliations
Hands-on experience using accounting software required; QuickBooks experience strongly preferred
Strong attention to detail and ability to complete work accurately and efficiently
Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow through on routine accounting tasks in a small-office environment
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and verbally
Ability to apply established accounting procedures and internal controls with sound judgment, accuracy, and appropriate follow-through
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) retirement plan