Junior Accountant

MISSION/VISION

Healthcare Alternative Systems (H.A.S.) provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. H.A.S. seeks to implement sustainable programs that benefit society by improving the well-being and recovery efforts of those individuals, families, and communities impacted by behavioral health problems. With eleven locations across the Chicagoland area, H.A.S. provides services and resources to individuals at every stage in their behavioral/recovery journey so that they can be successful and become contributing members of their communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Junior Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization, with a primary focus on Accounts Payable (AP). This position ensures vendor invoices are accurately processed, properly coded, approved, and paid in accordance with organizational policies, funding requirements, and established payment schedules. The Junior Accountant will also provide support for general accounting functions, reconciliations, month-end close, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, dependable, and committed to maintaining accurate financial records in support of the organization's mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

*Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

Accounts Payable - Backup Support

• Provide backup support for processing vendor invoices accurately and timely through the organization's AP system.
• Assist with reviewing invoices for appropriate approvals, supporting documentation, account coding, and compliance with organizational policies.
• Assist with coding invoices to the appropriate general ledger accounts, departments, programs, grants, and funding sources.
• Assist with verifying invoices against purchase orders, contracts, agreements, or other supporting documentation, as applicable.
• Provide backup support for matching receipts, coding, and recording credit card statements.
• Assist with maintaining accurate vendor records and supporting vendor setup and updates.
• Provide backup support for preparing and processing checks, ACH, and other electronic payments in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with weekly payment runs and help ensure payments are processed timely and accurately.
• Respond to routine vendor inquiries regarding invoices, payment status, and account balances, with assistance from the AP team as needed.
• Assist with researching and resolving invoice discrepancies and payment issues.
• Assist with monitoring outstanding invoices and maintaining an accurate AP aging.
• Maintain organized electronic and/or paper documentation in accordance with record-retention requirements.
• Provide additional AP coverage during staff absences, high-volume periods, and other times as needed to support continuity of operations.
• General Accounting Support - Primary Responsibility
• Complete monthly account reconciliations, including bank, credit card, and balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Prepare and post routine journal entries as assigned.
• Assist with maintaining accurate general ledger records.
• Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare and maintain prepaid expense, fixed asset, and accrual schedules.
• Research accounting discrepancies and assist with correcting errors.
• Work with the PSH team on the rent roll tracking spreadsheet
• Provide backup support for other accounting team members during absences and periods of high volume.

General Accounting Support - Primary Responsibility

• Complete monthly account reconciliations, including bank, credit card, and balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities.
• Prepare and post routine journal entries as assigned.
• Assist with maintaining accurate general ledger records.
• Accounts Receivable and Cash Receipts entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare and maintain prepaid expense, fixed asset, and accrual schedules.
• Research accounting discrepancies and assist with correcting errors.
• Work with the PSH team on the rent roll tracking spreadsheet
• Provide backup support for other accounting team members during absences and periods of high volume.
• Nonprofit and Grant Accounting Support
• Grant Vouchering - Backup Support
• Assist with Grant spend down reporting
• Assist in ensuring expenses are charged to the appropriate program, funding source, grant, or cost center.
• Maintain supporting documentation necessary for government grants, contracts, and other restricted funding.
• Assist with grant-related reconciliations and expense tracking as assigned.
• Follow organizational policies and applicable grant requirements related to allowable costs, documentation, and approvals.
• Assist with providing documentation for internal, external, and grant audits.

Administrative and Team Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of financial and organizational information.
• Assist with improving accounting processes and identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain organized financial records in accordance with organizational policies.
• Participate in Finance Department meetings and projects as assigned.
• Perform other accounting and administrative duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of accounting or accounts payable experience, preferably in a nonprofit or similarly complex organization.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting.
• Experience with government grants or grant-funded organizations.
• Experience with accounting software/ERP systems.
• Knowledge of fund, program, and grant accounting.
• Experience with electronic AP/payment systems.

Core Competencies

Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate financial records and identifies discrepancies.

Organization: Effectively manages invoices, documentation, deadlines, and competing priorities.

Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and follows through.

Communication: Communicates professionally with vendors, employees, and Finance team members.

Problem Solving: Investigates discrepancies and identifies appropriate solutions.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with the Finance Department and other departments.

Confidentiality & Integrity: Demonstrates sound judgment when handling financial and confidential information.

Mission Focus: Demonstrates commitment to supporting the organization's nonprofit mission.

Working Relationships

This position regularly interacts with:

Finance and Accounting staff * Program and department managers *Vendors and service providers *Grant and contract personnel* External auditors and other financial representatives, as needed

Physical/Work Environment

This position primarily performs work in an office environment and requires regular use of a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS

At HAS, we value our employees and offer a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. When you join our team, you'll receive:

• 19 Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 13 Paid Holidays - Enjoy time off to rest and recharge
• Comprehensive Health Insurance - Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Dental & Vision Coverage - Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical, dependent care and commuter
• Retirement Plan - 403(b)
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Education & Training Support - $200 dollars annual
• Voluntary Benefits
• EAP