Senior Staff Accountant

Title: Senior Staff Accountant (Nonprofit)

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, Salary

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid/On-site as needed) Salary Range: $62,000 – $72,000

WHO WE ARE: SkyART is a permanent fixture in the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago's South Side. Founded in 2001 with a mission to provide youth with an accessible, safe place to participate in quality visual arts programs at no cost, SkyART continues to fulfill its mission in South Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods, reaching young people through a rich variety of programs. In 2020, SkyART announced the expansion to Chicago’s West Side. Driving its mission is a deep understanding of the transformative power of art and its capacity to enhance intellectual, emotional, and social development. SkyART is a foundation from which creativity grows and individuals flourish. Participants are invited into a world of imaginative possibilities and connections that go beyond the individual, to positively impact all of the communities where we work and the city as a whole. With art at the center of everything we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where young people are empowered and connections are made.

WHAT WE DO: Through interdisciplinary, process-based projects, skill-building workshops, and large-scale collaborations, SkyART encourages critical thinking and inspires creative expression for youth ages 3 to 24. In 2020 SkyART also began offering Art Therapy for Chicago youth. Using an artist-in-residence model, Teaching Artists and Art Therapists work side by side with participants, in an atmosphere of mutual esteem and shared curiosity, through our dynamic and experimental methodology, the SkyWAY. Our programs include after-school and Saturday programs at our studios; classroom and after-school programs at partnering schools, and programs ranging from one-day workshops to multi-week courses offered in coordination with organizations such as city parks and libraries, as well as other non-profit program partners.

HOW YOU CONTRIBUTE: The Senior Staff Accountant plays a key role in ensuring the financial health and integrity of the organization. This role is responsible for managing core accounting functions -- including month-end close, reconciliations, grant tracking, and audit preparation support. The Senior Staff Accountant supports financial reporting and analysis, ensuring strong systems and controls are in place. This role works closely with the Chief Operating Officer and program leaders to align financial practices with organizational priorities.

This role operates with a high degree of ownership and collaboration, contributing to both day-to-day accounting operations and broader financial oversight.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

General Accounting Operations, Systems & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with internal controls and nonprofit accounting best practices

• Maintain accurate, complete and organized financial records

• Support the development, refinement, and strengthening of internal accounting controls

• Monitor accounting practices and recommend process improvements for accuracy and efficiency

• Evaluate and incorporate emerging technologies to improve automation and workflow efficiency

Month-end Close & Financial Reporting

• Lead the monthly close process, including journal entries and account reconciliations

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly financial statements and internal reports

• Execute monthly and quarterly financial reports for budget owners and the COO

• Analyze financial results, identify variances and highlight trends and concerns

Cash Management & Account Reconciliations

• Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations

• Monitor cash activity and ensure proper recording of all transactions

• Review bank statements to ensure completeness and accuracy of deposits and expenditures Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable processes

• Prepare and post payroll journal entries

• Process check runs and related payment activities

Grant & Program Financial Management

• Record and track grant revenue in accordance with donor restrictions and accounting standards

• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure alignment with budgets and reporting requirements

• Provide financial reporting for grants and programmatic operations

• Manage and track department budgets, program earned income, and proposed new initiatives.

• Meet regularly with budget owners to support financial tracking, forecasting, and accountability

• Collaborate with program and operations teams to ensure financial alignment across activities

Year-End Close & Audit Management

Focus: External accountability + audit readiness

• Prepare schedules and supporting documentation for year-end close

• Coordinate with the COO and external auditors to support the annual audit process

• Serve as primary liaison for auditors, responding to requests and coordinating follow-ups

YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment

• Experience with grant accounting and fund tracking

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting principles and financial reporting

• Demonstrated experience in budget management, and financial reporting, preferably in a nonprofit, social services or foundation/association environment

• Experience with month-end close and audit preparation

• Proficiency in accounting software and Excel a must, with advanced QuickBooks proficiency preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPA-track (preferred but not required)

• Experience working in a small to mid-sized nonprofit environment

YOUR SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

• Proactive problem-solving and analytical thinking

• Clear and effective communication skills

• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams

WHAT WE OFFER

SkyART offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a competitive salary commensurate with background, experience, and position responsibilities. Depending on the position, in addition to salary, benefits for eligible employees may include:

• Salary range: $60,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience

• Paid time off (PTO), with starting benefits of 4 weeks each fiscal year, plus an additional two (2) weeks off during the winter holiday

• Twelve paid holidays and one additional day off for your birthday

• Employee retirement account with up to 3% matching contribution from SkyART

• Full health Insurance benefits, including medical, dental and vision

WHY JOIN SKYART

• Be part of a mission-driven organization making a real impact

• Work in a collaborative, supportive, and people-centered culture

• Contribute to systems that directly support youth and community programming

Work Environment & Expectations

This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable working in a small, mission-driven organization where flexibility and collaboration are essential. Team members often wear multiple hats and contribute beyond their core responsibilities to support organizational success.

HOW YOU APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: [email protected] with ”SkyART Staff Accountant” in the subject line. Be sure to include your first and last name along with contact information in the body of the email. Do not call, mail or fax. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

SkyART is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SkyART does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.