Nonprofit Staff Accountant - Grants & Finance Ops

Are you a compassionate professional looking to serve communities in need? At Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS), we’ve been a trusted provider of healthcare and mental wellness services in Chicago for over 50 years, operating across 14+ locations. We’re looking for dedicated individuals eager to make an impact in behavioral health, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention. Join our mission-driven team and enjoy affordable benefits.JOB SUMMARYThe Staff Accountant supports the Finance Department by performing day-to-day accounting functions to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial operations. This role is responsible for accounts payable, cash collections, preparing monthly vouchering support packages, maintaining grant information, posting general ledger entries, and supporting month-end close processes. The Staff Accountant works closely with Program Managers and the Finance team to maintain strong financial controls, ensure proper documentation, and support effective stewardship of the organization’s resources.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDaily & Routine Accounting OperationsManage Accounts Payable (A/P) including invoice entry, coding, approvals, vendor file maintenance, and weekly check/EFT processing.Manage cash collections, including deposit preparation, daily receipting, and reconciling cash received to funding sources.Enter and maintain general ledger (G/L) journal entries for recurring and nonrecurring transactions.Support accounts receivable (A/R) tracking, including invoicing funders, monitoring payments, and communicating outstanding items.Grant & Contract AccountingDevelop, maintain, and track grant information, including award amounts, contract terms, start/end dates, spending deadlines, funder requirements, and key contacts.Support the preparation of monthly vouchering packages, including documentation, payroll allocations, expense backup, and funder-specific forms.Maintain electronic and physical grant files in accordance with IDHS, CDPH, ICJIA, HUD, and other funder requirements.Month-End Close & ReconciliationRecord transactions for bank accounts, credit cards, prepaid expenses, and other balance sheet accounts.Assist in producing internal financial reports, variance analyses, and supporting schedules.Maintain organized audit-ready documentation throughout the year for annual audit support.Internal Support & CommunicationProvide administrative support for vendor setup, W-9s, 1099 tracking, and contract documentation.Maintain strong internal controls and follow all fiscal policies and procedures.Assist with ad-hoc financial projects as assigned.Other duties as assigned.REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIESStrong understanding of basic accounting principles and GAAP.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.High attention to detail with excellent accuracy in data entry and documentation.Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP preferred).Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with program and finance staff.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive financial information.Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn nonprofit accounting concepts (fund accounting, restricted/unrestricted, grant allocations).Ability to organize and maintain accurate grant and vendor files.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.Minimum of 2 years of non-profit accounting required.Experience with accounts payable, general ledger entries, and reconciliations required.Experience working with grants or funder reimbursement processes a plus.FundEZ experience preferred; willingness to train and develop required.CPA or CPA-track preferred but not required.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSSedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.EEOIt is the policy of H.A.S. not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Comprehensive Benefits at Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS)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:Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)13 Paid Holidays – Enjoy time off to rest and rechargeComprehensive Health Insurance – Affordable HMO, PPO, and HSA options through Blue Cross Blue ShieldDental & Vision Coverage – Choose from HMO or PPO dental plans and vision coverage through Blue Cross Blue ShieldFlexible Spending Account (FSA)- Medical, dependent care and commuterRetirement Plan – 403(b)Life & Disability InsuranceEducation & Training Support - $200 dollars annualVoluntary BenefitsEAPJoin a mission-driven team that supports your well-being while making a difference in the community! #J-18808-Ljbffr