The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

The Staff Accountant is a key member of the finance team and is responsible for treasury management, month-end close, postings to general ledger, inputting monthly journal entries, balance sheet account reconciliations, bank reconciliations, miscellaneous financial reports as requested, processes accounts payable, maintains vendor files, is responsible for coordinating all calendar year-end tax forms and providing back-up for other functions within the Finance Department.

The Ideal Candidate Is

• A detail-oriented self-starter with prior experience as a Staff Accountant

• Someone who exhibits sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and make decisions

• Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas

• Comfortable interacting with high-level executives

• A team player capable of cultivating productive working relationships across the firm

• Resourceful, can-do attitude

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily cash management, maintains bank accounts, and act as a liaison between CAS/PNNM and financial institutions

• Records all payroll fee invoices in general ledger (MIP) and perform quarterly payroll reconciliations and analysis of fees, taxes, and the like

• Records all cash transactions in MIP, including development and all other miscellaneous revenue

• Records account transfers, bank fees, electronic payments, and the like in MIP

• Assists with preparations for annual financial audit and annual tax filing and provide support during audit fieldwork.

• Maintains carefully organized files of the company’s financial records in accordance with the document retention policy

• Maintains depreciation schedule pre- and post-monthly journal entry, reconciling monthly

• Supports reconciliation of balance sheet accounts

• Custodial account reconciliation for investments

• Reviews invoices for accuracy and ties-out balance to check requests

• Reviews general ledger coding and proper approvals on all check requests to ensure expenses are coded correctly per the budget

• Processes check requests and invoices in MIP (data entry)

• Prepares and process accounts payable checks

• Monitors accounts to ensure payments are up-to-date

• Resolves invoice discrepancies

• Corresponds with vendors and responds to inquires

• Determine, process and issue 1099’s to the IRS by due dates

• Document and regularly update related processes and procedures

• In coordination with the finance team and the organization as a whole, supports, implements, maintains, and reports on work that upholds inclusion, diversity, equity, and access

• Other duties as assigned by VP of Finance

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting plus 2 years as a Staff Accountant, preferably with a nonprofit organization, or equivalent skills and experience required.

• Experience gathering and evaluating financial information and making accountable recommendations to senior leadership.

• Experience inputting and processing journal entries into a computerized accounting system, as well as a solid understanding of general accounting principles.

• Ability to analyze and reconcile balance sheet accounts and bank statements.

• Excellent computer and superb Microsoft 365, particularly Excel, skills required.

• Must be professional, analytical, detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills.

• Background and reference check required.

• Deep commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity is required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental Vision Plans

• Life Disability Benefits

• EAP Work/Life Program Services

• 401(k) Savings Plan

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Sick Leave

About Us

For 166 years, The Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (‘Nature Museum’) has been connecting Chicagoans to nature and science. As a leader in the field of scientific research, education and community programming, Nature Museum’s mission is to create a positive relationship between people and nature through collaboration, education, research and collections, exhibitions and public forums to grow the region’s urban connection to the world of nature and science. The Nature Museum believes that nature and science should and can be accessible to everyone and seeks to be a spark that ignites and fosters a sense of wonder for nature, an understanding of science and protection of the natural world.

Founded in 1857, the Chicago Academy of Sciences is Chicago’s oldest museum and one of America’s oldest scientific institutions. Created by members seeking to understand the natural world through methodical exploration and study, the Chicago Academy of Sciences became the first private scientific museum founded in the city of Chicago. When the Academy opened its doors to the public in 1869, the institution’s focus expanded to that of a community museum with the goal of welcoming and engaging Chicago residents and visitors. The scientific collections that have been curated and preserved through the Chicago Academy of Sciences have been used to help define human understanding of nature, ecology and the diversity of life in the United States. They are key resources in allowing the scientific community to interpret our present place in history as well as anticipate future conditions.

How to Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter to hr-finance @ naturemuseum.org to apply.

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.