Finance Specialist - Oak Brook, IL

Department: Operations Location: Oakbrook, IL (MUHSEN HQ); Hybrid position open to local Illinois candidates with part remote and part in person required days in Illinois Employment Type: FT (Salaried Exempt) Reports To: Director of Operations Introduction to MUHSEN MUHSEN Vision MUHSEN envisions Muslim communities where individuals with disabilities and their families are welcomed, supported, and included across the span of their lifetime. MUHSEN Mission MUHSEN is a nonprofit organization serving families and individuals with intellectual, mental, and physical disabilities. MUHSEN works to establish inclusive and accessible North American Muslim communities for individuals with disabilities and their families. We do this through engaging in community advocacy and education (Awareness) and implementing and encouraging programs and services (Accommodation), leading ultimately to inclusive and welcoming communities (Acceptance). Role Overview The Finance Specialist owns the full-cycle financial operations of MUHSEN — accounting, reporting, budgeting, payments, tax compliance, and audit coordination. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Operations, this individual will serve as the organization’s day-to-day financial backbone, ensuring our books are accurate, our spending is disciplined, and our reporting is timely and audit-ready across all states in which we operate. This is a hands-on role for a finance professional who wants broad ownership rather than a narrow lane. You’ll partner directly with the Director of Operations on budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy, while also managing the detailed mechanics of the general ledger, vendor payments, and compliance filings. The ideal candidate is self-directed, highly organized, and takes real pride in keeping the books clean and compliant. Key Responsibilities Accounting & Financial Reporting Maintain the general ledger and perform monthly/year-end close, journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit standards (ASC 958) Prepare accurate, timely financial statements and monitor all transactions for accuracy, proper coding, and policy compliance Process vendor payments, reimbursements, and contractor payments, and manage accounts payable Budgeting & Financial Planning Prepare and revise the annual operating budget with the Director of Operations; track budget-to-actual performance and present variance analysis Forecast financial needs, model budget scenarios, and align spending with program cycles and grant timelines Identify cost-saving opportunities across operational areas Audit & Tax Compliance Coordinate the annual financial audit and serve as primary liaison with external auditors Lead preparation and filing of Form 990 (and 990-T if applicable) and manage multi-state charitable registrations Ensure timely payroll tax filings, sales tax renewals, and other compliance obligations; flag changes in nonprofit tax law Benefits, Cost Allocation & Program Finance Manage financial administration of employee benefits, including retirement matching and health premium reconciliations Develop and apply a functional expense and cost allocation methodology across programs, management, and fundraising Track restricted fund activity and partner with program staff on grant budget monitoring Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 2-4 years of accounting/finance experience, including at least 1 year in a nonprofit Working knowledge of nonprofit GAAP (ASC 958), fund accounting, and Form 990 support Experience with financial audits and proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks Nonprofit, Sage Intacct, or similar) and Excel Highly organized, detail-oriented self-starter comfortable managing competing deadlines Preferred Qualifications CPA candidate or actively pursuing licensure Experience with grant accounting, restricted funds, and federal grant compliance (2 CFR Part 200) Experience working in a lean or small-team finance function where you own broad scope #J-18808-Ljbffr Muhsen