Accountant

Description Role: Accountant Alternative Name: Strategic Finance Development Lead Organization: BECOME, Inc. Location: Chicago, Illinois Status: Contract-to-Hire Availability: 25 to 35 hours a week Pay: $60,000 to $70,000 About BECOME: BECOME is an innovative community transformation organization that boldly facilitates authentic grassroots community leadership and co-creates strategies and solutions to help communities actualize their collective liberation. Led by the core values of truth, actualization, transcendence, love, and unity, BECOME partners with residents and institutions to develop the collective skills necessary to actualize what their lives and potential could be. Together, we can transform reality. Role Summary As the Strategic Finance Development Lead at BECOME, you will be integral to our collective leadership by providing crucial financial insights for the board and the Abundance domain. Beyond maintaining accurate financial management records, you will offer thought leadership in our decentralized decision-making. Your expertise in compliance ensures our financial practices align with regulatory requirements and ethical standards, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and accuracy. Your proficiency in budget line items will support not only the Abundance domain but also enhance overall understanding of operating expenses across domains. Your role is pivotal in guiding strategic financial decisions that align with our values and contribute to the actualization of BECOME's vision. Key Responsibilities Maintain accurate financial records, ensuring proper recording of all transactions. Create and maintain a system to track and support project contract agreements, invoicing schedules, and payments. Support the Abundance domain's mission to cultivate and maintain the resources, skillsets, mindset, and flow within the organization. Oversee the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts and reconcile subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger. Contribute to creating the annual budget and aligning financial strategies with organizational goals. Develop the 5-year strategic plan budget, providing a comprehensive financial roadmap for long-term success. Prepare monthly financial reports, including balance sheets and profit and loss statements. Track actual vs. planned budget items for the organization and support project and team leads with managing their allocated annual budgets, providing insights for making informed decisions. Conduct ongoing bookkeeping activities to ensure real-time financial data accuracy. Compile and present board reports, facilitating transparent communication on financial performance. Monitor market trends and regulatory changes that may impact costs and financial planning. Attend regular team meetings to stay informed about operational challenges and opportunities. Provide financial guidance and training to business leaders, offering insights into the financial implications of strategic decisions. Provide cash projections, enabling proactive financial decision-making and resource allocation. Conduct random quarterly audits to ensure no issues with financial reporting processes. Prepare for annual audits, managing the audit process to ensure compliance with financial standards. Process bills accurately and efficiently. Track and manage grants, ensuring adherence to grant requirements. Prepare and file 1099 forms in compliance with tax regulations. Preparation of quarterly employment State wage reports and end-of-year tax filings. Provide the CEO with financial expert guidance to support the organization’s strategic plan and goals. Qualifications and Skills At least a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, or a related field. Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) are highly desirable. At least 2 years of proven experience in accounting and finance roles, preferably working in a nonprofit organization, demonstrating an understanding of the sector’s unique financial and operational challenges. Familiarity with nonprofit business management principles, including grant management and compliance with donor regulations. In‑depth knowledge of financial regulations, accounting standards, and compliance requirements relevant to nonprofits. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to assess financial data and make informed decisions that align with the organization’s mission. Experience and proficiency in accrual accounting. Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Dext, and Bill.com), nonprofit management software, and other relevant tools to manage financial and logistical data efficiently. Excellent communication skills to effectively convey financial insights and reports to both financial and non‑financial stakeholders. Proactively identifying opportunities for process improvement to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the nonprofit’s mission. Keen attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial records, especially when reporting to donors and grantors. #J-18808-Ljbffr