Senior Accountant

Job DetailsJob Location: Greater Chicago Food Depository - Chicago, IL 60632Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 SalaryJob Shift: DayJob Category: AccountingThe Senior Accountant, Accounts Payable is primarily responsible for managing the Food Depository's day-to-day accounts payable activities and ensuring that invoices, employee reimbursements, vendor payments, and related accounting transactions are processed accurately and timely. <p></p> This position combines hands-on accounts payable processing with broader senior accounting responsibilities, including month-end and year-end close support, general ledger management, financial reporting, account reconciliations, grant and budgeting support, intercompany accounting, internal controls, and audit support. The position serves as the primary accounts payable resource for employees and vendors while contributing cross-functionally across the Finance team and identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls, and efficiencies. <p></p> Key Responsibilities <p></p> Accounts Payable and Payment Processing <p></p> Manage the accounts payable process from invoice receipt through payment and reconciliation. <p></p> Receive, review, code, and enter invoices, purchase orders, and employee expense reimbursements. <p></p> Review invoices and supporting documentation for accuracy, proper approval, coding, and compliance with organizational policies. <p></p> Monitor the accounts payable inbox and respond to employee and vendor inquiries. <p></p> Review open purchase orders, outstanding invoices, and payment due dates. <p></p> Prepare and process payments through ACH, wire transfers, and paper checks. <p></p> Accumulate and organize checks and payment documentation for processing and distribution. <p></p> Ensure invoices and reimbursements are paid accurately and timely. <p></p> Maintain positive and professional relationships with vendors and internal departments. <p></p> Research and resolve invoice discrepancies, duplicate payments, credits, and other payment issues. <p></p> Maintain accurate vendor records, including payment information and required tax documentation. <p></p> Coordinate annual 1099 and 1096 reporting and filing processes. <p></p> Accounting, Close, and Financial Reporting <p></p> Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations related to accounts payable, accrued expenses, purchasing, employee reimbursements, intercompany activity, and other assigned general ledger accounts. <p></p> Reconcile accounts payable activity to the general ledger and investigate discrepancies before records are posted or finalized. <p></p> Support month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries, account analysis, reconciliations, schedules, and documentation. <p></p> Maintain accounts payable schedules, spreadsheets, reports, and supporting documentation. <p></p> Assist with expenditure, payment, and vendor reporting. <p></p> Support the preparation of financial statements, management reports, account analyses, and budget-to-actual variance reporting, as assigned. <p></p> Ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and Food Depository policies. <p></p> Grant, Budget, and Cross-Functional Accounting Support <p></p> Support grant accounting activities, including expenditure tracking, reconciliations, reporting, and documentation of funding restrictions. <p></p> Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting by preparing schedules, compiling financial data, and researching variances. <p></p> Record, reconcile, and resolve intercompany transactions and balances. <p></p> Partner with Finance colleagues on cross-functional accounting activities and participate in cross-training to strengthen team coverage and continuity. <p></p> Internal Controls and Process Improvement <p></p> Follow and help maintain accounts payable policies, procedures, workflows, and internal controls. <p></p> Identify opportunities to improve accounts payable accuracy, efficiency, documentation, and service. <p></p> Assist with implementing new systems, workflows, or process improvements related to purchasing, accounts payable, and expense reimbursement. <p></p> Monitor transactions for compliance with organizational policies and escalate exceptions or concerns when appropriate. <p></p> Serve as an accounts payable subject matter resource for employees and vendors. <p></p> Administrative and Audit Support <p></p> Maintain organized electronic accounts payable and Finance department filing systems. <p></p> Receive, sort, and process Finance department mail. <p></p> Create and maintain spreadsheets, reports, and other department records. <p></p> Prepare schedules and gather supporting documentation for annual financial audits, grant and third-party audits, and tax filings; respond to auditor requests as assigned. <p></p> Provide clerical and interoffice support to the Finance department, as needed. <p></p> Participate in special projects and perform other responsibilities as assigned. <p></p> QualificationsQualifications <p></p> Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required. Equivalent education and directly related experience may be considered. <p></p> At least seven years of progressive accounting experience, including substantial responsibility for accounts payable from invoice receipt through payment and reconciliation, along with cross-functional accounting experience. <p></p> Strong working knowledge of accounts payable, general ledger management, account reconciliations, employee expense reimbursements, financial reporting, and month-end and year-end close. <p></p> Experience with ACH payments, wire transfers, checks, purchase orders, and vendor maintenance. <p></p> Experience supporting 1099 and 1096 filings required. Nonprofit accounting experience and knowledge of grant funding, donor restrictions, and related reporting requirements strongly preferred. <p></p> Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles. <p></p> Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook. <p></p> Experience using accounting, purchasing, expense reimbursement, or accounts payable systems. <p></p> Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to process a high volume of transactions accurately. <p></p> Ability to identify problems, research discrepancies, recommend solutions, and implement process improvements. <p></p> Ability to communicate accounting requirements clearly to employees and vendors with varying levels of financial knowledge. <p></p> Strong work ethic and demonstrated ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, work independently, and contribute as a collaborative team member in a fast-paced environment. <p></p> Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling financial information. <p></p> Ability to work in the office Monday through Friday during normal business hours. <p></p> Exposure <p></p> Normal office environment with possible exposure to a warehouse environment. <p></p> Regular interaction with Food Depository employees, vendors, auditors, and other external partners. <p></p> Benefits: <p></p>• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage <p></p>• Employer-paid life and disability insurance <p></p>• Employee Assistance Program <p></p>• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution <p></p>• Generous paid time off <p></p>• Parental leave <p></p>• On-site gym <p></p>• $3,000 annual employer-paid ThrivePass lifestyle and wellness benefit program <p></p>• $250 employee referral bonus <p></p>