General Overview

The Accounting Coordinator is an important member of the accounting team and is individually responsible for assisting with regular day-to-day accounting tasks, accounts payable, month-end closing, and general customer service for a non-profit membership association of over 270,000 members. The accounting team supports all accounting functions for the company and its affiliated business entities including 501(c)7, 501(c)3, and 501(c)2 non-profits as well as for-profit corporations. Being successful in this role requires a broad understanding of the accounting function, an ability to learn the individual requirements and nuances of each business entity, and a willingness to assist in modernizing and streamlining accounting processes.

Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Utilize accounting software (Sage Intact), our database (Salesforce), and associated technology to complete day- to-day accounting functions;
• Suggest improvements to modernize and increase the efficiency of accounting processes and work to implement them under the guidance of supervisors;
• Assist in reconciling transactions between bank accounts and database financial records;
• Complete basic journal entry and month-end close processes;
• Assist in recording and maintaining current fixed asset purchases, balances, history, and depreciation by category and entity;
• Enter annual budgeting data and run regular accounting reports;
• Provide customer service over the phone and email for general accounting questions from other staff, association members, vendors, and external stakeholders;
• Cross-train on accounts receivable and other accounting functions to assist as needed.

Accounts Payable

• Record invoices and accounts payable records in accounting software;
• Verify proper invoice coding and management approval, per entity, per department;
• Ensure recording of inventory purchases and unit cost of items;
• Manage payment timing and priority, and coordinate with supervisor and Accounts Receivable regarding cash availability and future cash needs;
• Process payments through ACH, check, and wire transfer;
• Coordinate approval, coding, and repayment of expense reimbursements for association members and external stakeholders;
• Assist in digitizing accounts payable processes including invoices, approval processes, payment to vendors, and expense reimbursements;
• Maintain accuracy of vendor company and contact information;
• Communicate with vendors regarding updating payments, payment schedules, annual policy notices, general questions, and request Form W-9 as applicable;
• Prepare and file Form 1099 and 1096 for all relevant entities.

Education and Experiential Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Accounting degree or 3-5 years of general accounting, clerk, and/or accounts payable experience;
• Sage Intact financial management software experience required;
• Salesforce experience preferred;
• Non-profit accounting experience preferred.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of general accounting principles, regulatory standards, and compliance requirements;
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accounting, and spreadsheet programs;
• Robust mathematical and data entry skills;
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills;
• Ability to provide exemplary customer service via the phone and email;
• Self-directing and willing to take on new tasks and responsibilities;
• Team-oriented philosophy with the ability to handle multiple projects at once.

Physical Demands

• While performing the in-office duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools or controls. Manual dexterity and coordination are required for more than 50 percent of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, and similar machines.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid position, working at the Sigma Chi International Fraternity Headquarters office located in Evanston, IL, at least two days per week and more frequently as needed.
• Typical office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with a flexible schedule with supervisors’ approval.
• Most work takes place in a usual office working conditions, where the noise level is typical of most office environments with telephones, personal interruptions, and background noises.
• The office culture is relaxed and open-minded about regular change and growth

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills.