Chief Accountant

To further the mission of The Salvation Army by providing strategic financial leadership, oversight, and reporting for the Greater Cleveland Area Services Command, including Harbor Light. The Chief Accountant is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, effective budget management, and the development and supervision of the finance team. This position serves as a key financial advisor to leadership and supports sound stewardship of resources in advancing the ministry and mission of The Salvation Army ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Financial Leadership and Reporting Serve as the primary financial advisor to the Area Coordinator, providing analysis, guidance, and recommendations regarding financial operations, reports, budgets, and strategic initiatives. Prepare, review, analyze, and distribute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for Greater Cleveland Area Services, Corps operations, and Harbor Light, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Conduct monthly reviews of the general ledger and prepare necessary journal entries, accruals, and adjustments to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards. Monitor operating and capital cash flow and prepare forecasts and financial projections as requested by leadership. Facilitate the fiscal year-end closing process and prepare all required year-end documentation for Divisional Headquarters. Initiate, review, and record adjusting entries required for proper financial classification and reporting or as directed by Divisional Finance. Perform and review bank reconciliations for Greater Cleveland Area Services. Review monthly trust reports to ensure accuracy and proper accounting treatment. Budgeting and Financial Planning Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of annual operating and capital budgets for all Corps and Area Services programs. Review and monitor Harbor Light budgets and provide guidance regarding budget performance and financial sustainability. Prepare budget forecasts and variance analyses, making recommendations to management regarding financial performance and resource allocation. Support financial planning related to capital projects, major repairs, and property-related initiatives, including budget preparation and submission through The Salvation Army Asset Management (TSAM) process. Grants and Compliance Develop, monitor, and report on all governmental, foundation, and restricted grant budgets for Greater Cleveland Area Services, Corps operations. Prepare and maintain documentation for grants assigned to the Chief Accountant, including but not limited to the Cleveland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Emergency Food Assistance. Review grant activity to ensure compliance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and applicable regulations. Identify grants requiring inclusion in the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and coordinate annual reporting requirements. Ensure compliance with all Salvation Army financial policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Audit and Financial Controls Coordinate and oversee internal and external audit processes. Prepare annual financial statements, supporting schedules, audit workpapers, and the annual Form 990 pro forma. Evaluate and strengthen internal controls and accounting processes to safeguard organizational assets and ensure financial integrity. Leadership and Team Development Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, training, and performance management for finance department personnel. Oversee all finance department activities while promoting professional growth, accountability, and continuous improvement. Maintain cross-functional knowledge of key accounting positions, including Senior Accountant, Accounting Specialist, and Harbor Light Senior Accountant, and provide operational support as needed during absences. Board and Committee Support Prepare and present monthly and year-to-date financial statements and accompanying analysis to the Advisory Board, Finance Committee, and leadership teams. Coordinate financial reporting and documentation for Finance Committee and Property Committee meetings. Operational Support Maintain the master payroll file in accordance with the budget and approved changes. Record and reconcile receivables related to the West Park Senior Program. Calculate and record the monthly Gifts in Kind. Perform Mont end account reconciliations and Division reporting package. Prepare support service and appropriation check requests. Request withdraws from Investment accounts in compliance with policy and the budget. Review and approve Area Services and Corps income recognition entries, accounts payable invoices and corporate credit cards transactions to ensure compliance with organizational policies. Fund operating reserves in compliance with the annual budget. Review restricted donation for proper treatment. Support Christmas assistance and toy distribution efforts as requested by the Greater Cleveland Area Services Operations Director, workload permitting. Attend staff meetings, committee meetings, workshops, conferences, and training sessions as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned by the Area Services Coordinator, Finance Committee Chairperson, or Divisional Leadership. Supervisory Responsibilities This position provides direct supervision and leadership to: Accountant Accounting Specialist Additionally, the Chief Accountant provides financial oversight and guidance to the Harbor Light Senior Accountant and collaborates with other finance personnel throughout the Greater Cleveland Area Services Command and The Divisional Headquarters. Minimum Qualifications Education Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field required. Experience Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting and financial management experience. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience preferred. Experience in nonprofit accounting, fund accounting, grant management, and financial reporting strongly preferred. Technical Knowledge Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, including fund accounting and restricted funds management. Experience with computerized accounting systems and financial reporting software. Strong understanding of budgeting, internal controls, audit processes, and financial statement preparation. Skills and Competencies Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to interpret financial information and communicate findings to both financial and non-financial audiences. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines. Demonstrated leadership and team development abilities. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively collaborating with leadership and staff. #J-18808-Ljbffr