Staff Accountant

Join Us! 

At Action for Healthy Kids®, we don't just talk about improving student health - we build the networks, tools, and partnerships that make it happen. Join us and take the lead in driving meaningful change that reaches kids, families, and entire school districts. 

We are seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Staff Accountant to support the daily accounting operations of Action for Healthy Kids and its affiliated organizations. If you're a detail-oriented accounting professional who enjoys building strong financial processes and wants to support a mission that makes a real difference, we'd love to meet you.

About Us  

Action for Healthy Kids is a national non-profit organization raising the bar on the health of the whole child to extraordinary levels across the country. AFHK mobilizes school professionals, families, and communities to take actions that lead to healthy eating, physical activity, and healthier schools where kids thrive. We partner with dedicated volunteers - teachers, students, moms, dads, school wellness experts, and more - from within the ranks of our 140,000+ constituency to create healthful school changes. We are committed to impacting holistic changes, focusing on serving students from under-resourced communities. 

To learn more, please visit us at  

About the Role & Work Structure 

Reporting to the Controller, this role is critical to maintaining accurate financial records, supporting audits, and ensuring strong financial practices across Action for Healthy Kids and two affiliated organizations.

Work Structure & Environment

• Full-time, exempt
• Hybrid in Chicago
• Standard business hours (Monday–Friday) with flexibility as needed to collaborate across time zones 

Physical Demands  

• Primarily desk-based with extended seated work 
• Regular computer use and virtual meetings 
• Light items typically handled (e.g., notebooks, reports, small equipment) 

Travel  

• Light travel – potentially for a staff meeting outside of Chicago

What You'll Do 

• Prepare and post journal entries, ensuring accurate documentation
• Reconcile bank accounts, balance sheet accounts, and general ledger activity
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare financial reports, account analyses, and schedules
• Lead accounts receivable activities and assist with accounts payable functions
• Maintain compliance with accounting policies, internal controls, and regulations
• Support internal and external audits, including preparing workpapers
• Identify discrepancies, research issues, and recommend process improvements
• Maintain accurate financial data in systems and spreadsheets
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial reporting needs

What You'll Bring to the Role 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 2+ years of accounting experience (nonprofit experience preferred)
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles
• Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting systems
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• A collaborative mindset and ability to build strong relationships
• Commitment to the mission of Action for Healthy Kids
  

What You'll Gain at AFHK 

• Competitive salary: $60,000 - $65,000 annually, depending on experience
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match 
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical (with employer contribution), HRA with applicable medical plan (employer funded), FSA, dental (with employer contribution), vision (with employer contribution)
• Additional coverage: Life AD&D, disability, accident & critical care insurance (all employer paid); supplemental life available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Transit & parking discounts
• Generous time off: Flexible PTO, paid parental leave, holiday closures 
• Annual stipend: Wellness, Connectivity, & Home Office Setup 
• Professional development support  

Equal Opportunity: Action for Healthy Kids is committed to fair and inclusive hiring practices. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status under applicable law. 

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor employment visas for this role. 

Employment Terms: This role is offered as an at-will position, meaning employment may be terminated by either the employee or employer at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws.