Fourth Presbyterian Church: A Light in the City

To apply:

• Interested candidates should email their resume to jobs@fourthchurch.org
• Email subject line should read Your name/Staff Account-Revenue/FPC
• No phone calls, please.
Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Lights seeks to fill this position as soon as possible and will work actively to build a diverse pool of candidates

Summary

Fourth Presbyterian Church seeks a Staff Accountant for the second-largest Presbyterian church in the United States and its sister non-profit organization, Chicago Lights. Working with the Director of Finance and two additional Staff Accountants will assist with all activities related to day-to-day accounting, account reconciliations, will prepare and record daily cash transactions, revenue, and expense entries by compiling and analyzing account information. They will maintain and balance subsidiary accounts by verifying, allocating, and reconciling transactions and resolving discrepancies. They will also develop business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant is responsible for reviewing and processing all revenue streams and balancing cash accounts. All pledge agreements, bequests, award letters, and other supporting contribution documentation needs to be reviewed and processed according to the donor and FASB. The role requires immense attention to detail and organization skills. In addition the Staff Accountant will handle billing processes, including accounts receivable for Day School and other in-house events. The Staff Accountant looks for ways to improve efficiency and recognizes ineffective practices for change. Frequent meetings with the Resource Development team will help to facilitate recording and updating contributions to reflect the most accurate information.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Monday–Friday with a hybrid schedule allowing to work remotely Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Must be available to work on-site Tuesday and Thursday. Depending on the volume of work and holidays this schedule may change and the incumbent must be available to work on-site additional days.

Essential Functions

Under the Director of Finance’s direction, the Staff Accountant will coordinate all the revenue activities. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepare daily journal entries and summaries of cash,check, and credit card transactions.
• Collaborate with Resource Development on recording pledges, restricted gifts, and processing Raisers’ Edge gift batches.
• Prepare cash deposits for the bank and deposit checks via remote desktop scanner.
• Support month-end and year-end close process and prepare journal entries and schedules.
• Record and reconcile stock gift activity, investment activity, and update and reconcile investment accounts.
• Reconcile fund balances and prepare journal entries.
• Reconcile, adjust, and maintain balance sheet accounts such as cash, accounts receivable, accrued expenses, fixed assets, and update schedules.
• Prepare bank reconciliations.
• Assist with the annual external audit and prepare schedules and provide supporting documemtation.
• Track capital campaign revenue and Day School activity, prepare monthly reports as needed.
• Prepare invoices and statements for clients and process credit cards for payment (IATS).
• Maintain the organization’s accounting system and files while upholding internal controls.
• Provide backup assistance to other accounting functions, as needed.
• Identity opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness of current processes.
• It is impossible to convey every single task into one job description. As the role evolves, this job description will be adjusted accordingly.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is reqired.
• A minimum of three years of progressive fund accounting experience; non-profit is highly preferred.
• A minimum of two years experience working with contracts, pledges, and grant agreements is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel (pivot tables, v-lookup, etc.) is required.
• Thorough understanding of accounting, quality work-conscious, and detailed-oriented is required.
• Proficiency in computerized accounting systems such as Intacct, Great Plains, or Blackbaud.
• Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with high initiative, flexibility, and team approach; must be comfortable working with the staff at all levels across the organization.
• Demonstrates job competencies in the following areas:
o Problem-solving, innovation/creativity, and adaptability.
o Oral and written communication.
o Teamwork, judgment, planning/organizing, and initiative.
o Productivity, high energy and self-motivation, and professionalism.
o Attendance/punctuality and dependability.
o Achievement-oriented with assignments and financial accountability.
• Commitment to equity and social justice and proven ability to thrive in a diverse, equitable, just, and inclusive environment.
• Comfort working in a faith-based, multi-cultural, and diverse organization.

Physical Requirements

Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here represent those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to view, read, and navigate a computer screen during scheduled work time.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds at times.
• If the current health conditions dictate, one must be able to participate in online virtual communications, including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing.
• Smoke- and drug (illegal or recreational)-free environment.
• Fourth aims for accessibility in any off-site location that we have control of, but some of them may not be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. The employee is regularly required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone, and in person.
• Fourth Presbyterian Church’s & Chicago Lights offices are located in downtown Chicago

COVID-19 Considerations

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an offer of employment from Fourth Presbyterian Church or Chicago Lights, you will be required to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. This requirement is subject to accommodation in compliance with applicable laws.

EEO Statement
Fourth Presbyterian Church is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation or any other factor protected by law. We intend that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity, and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.