What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Finance Assistant position at Ravinia Festival?
Position Title: Finance Assistant
Department: Finance
Reports To: Accountant
Range: $18/hr, non-exempt
Company Description
At Ravinia, we believe in the transformative power of shared, live-music moments and their ability to inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and foster a more connected world.
Beyond presenting outstanding performances by the world’s greatest musicians, our mission as a not-for-profit organization is to develop broader, more diverse audiences and performers in the music industry with our Reach Teach Play® community engagement and education programs, our Steans Institute’s collaborative and experiential artistic training programs, and more. Together, Ravinia’s initiatives serve tens of thousands of students, families, and emerging professional musicians.
Our 36-acre park is home to North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events, featuring a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers, make up a typical summer season across our open-air and indoor stages, including the annual residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Position Summary:
The Finance Assistant supports the Finance team during Ravinia’s busy summer season, with a primary focus on assisting the Accountant with accounts payable processes. This role contributes to the efficient and accurate processing of financial transactions while supporting broader Finance team initiatives. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and demonstrates strong communication and collaboration skills in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Payable and Financial Processing (60%)
Assist with the timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices
Research and resolve vendor balance discrepancies as needed
Prepare weekly cash deposits for courier pickup
Contact new vendors to verify and confirm payment information
- Scan, upload, and maintain financial documentation and records
Support general Finance team tasks and day-to-day operations
Assist with special projects as assigned by Finance team members
- Provide support to the People and Culture team during Summer Employee Orientation
- Collaborate with team members across departments as needed
Other duties as assigned
Knowledge and Skills Required
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Effective communication and problem-solving abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
Ability to learn financial systems and follow detailed processes
Team-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Education and Experience
Currently pursuing a degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
Previous internship or work experience in finance or accounting preferred
Familiarity with accounting software is a plus
Success Factors
Timely and accurate processing of accounts payable transactions
Effective resolution of vendor discrepancies
Strong attention to detail with minimal errors
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Positive collaboration and support across Finance and cross-functional teams
Work Environment
This is an in-person position based at Ravinia, operating primarily during standard business hours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM). During the peak summer season, typically May through September, additional hours may be required to support increased operational demands. The role functions within a fast-paced, detail-oriented, and collaborative team environment, where employees are expected to uphold Ravinia’s values of integrity, professionalism, mutual respect, and a strong commitment to customer service.
Benefits
Eligible for Illinois Paid Leave plan and a phone stipend.
Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer
As an equal opportunity employer, Ravinia strongly believes that diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our success and we strive to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive environment for all our employees. Ravinia does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.
Salary : $18