Staff Accountant

Exemption Status: Exempt | Department: Accounting | Reports to: Controller

About the role

The staff accountant supports the Accounting Department through accurate financial reporting, grant accounting, and general ledger activities. The person in this position assists with the accounting and reporting requirements for assigned grants, prepares journal entries and reconciliations, and supports audit and compliance activities. Working collaboratively with finance staff and program managers, the staff accountant helps ensure accurate financial records and effective financial operations across the Garden.

Responsibilities

• Assist with coordinating the full life cycle of local, federal, and private grants, including monitoring budgets, expenditures, billing, and reporting deadlines to help ensure compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 and other internal and external compliance requirements.
• Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations for grants, receivables, cash, and other assigned general ledger accounts.
• Assist with preparing grant financial reports, reimbursement requests, and supporting schedules.
• Support the annual financial statement audit, Single Audit, and other compliance reviews by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and requested documentation.
• Support cash and internal receipt controls, including deposit documentation, reconciliations, and periodic petty cash counts.
• Collaborate with finance and program staff to maintain accurate accounting records and promote consistent financial reporting practices.
• Cross-train on accounting functions to support departmental coverage and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the controller to support the Garden's accounting and financial operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of professional accounting experience.
• At least three years of nonprofit experience is a plus but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field a plus but not required.
• Strong understanding of GAAP.
• Working knowledge of trial balance, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and month-end processes.
• Working knowledge of accounting and reporting software (e.g., Financial Edge).
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products with advanced knowledge of Excel required.
• Experience working with Gateway Ticketing Systems’ Galaxy Connect a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Physical Demands

• Office setting.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, listening, speaking, and keyboarding.
• Use of office equipment including computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, and fax machines.
• Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.

Benefits

Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes employee wellness across physical, mental, and financial pillars. Benefits include:

• Innovative total rewards supporting professional growth and personal development.
• Flexibility to balance personal and professional commitments.
• Opportunities for increased compensation through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Pay

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and reviewing the candidate’s qualifications, including relevant prior work experience, secondary language proficiency, or advanced degrees that enhance performance. The minimum salary up to the budgeted amount is shared when posting job openings.