Program Accountant

Background

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do.  We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Summary

This is a high visibility role throughout our organization, which requires leveraging reporting tools to develop grant budgets, financial reports, and building relationships within a collaborative team.  The Program Accountant will be responsible for assisting the accounting team with activities including recording, classifying, examining, and analyzing data and records of all grant transactions. Processes grant payments, investigates, and understands key finance issues within the grant requirements, and provides clear, concise, and timely analysis and recommendations for all grant related funds. Participates in special projects, cross training and performs ad-hoc duties and analysis as required.

Responsibilities

1. The Program Accountant prepares monthly grant journal entries for approval by the Controller that supports the monthly close process.  Entries are created to ensure accuracy, reasonableness, and correctness.
2. Works with project managers across department lines to ensure grants are recorded and drawn down in accordance with grant agreement and budget guidelines.  Creates project reports in our accounting system to be presented monthly to Controller and project management.
3. Ensures grants are properly setup in the accounting system (Sage Intacct).  Maintains grant compliance related to funds, revenues, expenses, and indirect allocations.
4. Assist cross functional departments with grant budget review, payment adjustments, budget modifications, financial report requirements, and grant closeout.
5. Works with program staff to ensure any grant recipients and expense invoices are paid on a timely fashion.
6. Provides Data and Systems support (Dynamics 365/Sage)
   1. Develops, prepares, and distributes reports (Excel or through Sage directly) to provide accurate and timely information to users, working closely with the Data Analytics Team on behalf of Finance.
   2. Supports integration and analytics related to cross functional work with a primary focus on the interdependencies with the Real Estate Solutions team.
   3. Serves a Finance representative for systems related process improvement workstreams
7. Directly assists the Controller in support of the audit process, annual budget and monthly financial reports for all levels of Management.
8. Maintains required job knowledge, skills, and core professional competencies.  Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.
9. Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and direct relevant experience.

Previous Experience: Four or more years of related experience, preferably in the nonprofit, banking, or consulting sectors.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

1. Thorough understanding of nonprofit grant accounting rules, policies, and procedures.
2. Ability to build strong cross functional relationships within an organization and team.
3. General Accounting and Finance knowledge.
4. High level of organizational and detail skills with the ability to balance multitask and adapt as challenges are presented.  Ability to think creatively about problems.
5. Ability to meet deadlines.
6. High level of experience with Microsoft Excel and Word.

Additional Requirements:  Regional travel may be required.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and direct relevant experience.

Previous Experience: Four or more years of related experience, preferably in the nonprofit, banking, or consulting sectors.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

1. Thorough understanding of nonprofit grant accounting rules, policies, and procedures.
2. Ability to build strong cross functional relationships within an organization and team.
3. General Accounting and Finance knowledge.
4. High level of organizational and detail skills with the ability to balance multitask and adapt as challenges are presented.  Ability to think creatively about problems.
5. Ability to meet deadlines.
6. High level of experience with Microsoft Excel and Word.

Additional Requirements:  Regional travel may be required.  Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Grade 3. This salary grade starts at $61,600

• Medical plans (PPO, HMO, and HSA options)
• Dental plans (PPO)
• Vision discount program
• Pretax medical, transportation, and dependable care flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan
• Generous paid time off policy
• Employer-paid life and AD&D coverage
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Professional development
• Mentoring program
• Hybrid work schedule
• Employee discount program
• Employee referral program
• Sabbatical leave
• Summer Fridays

How to Apply

Application Instructions: Please visit our Careers section of our website to apply online.  Both a resume and cover letter are required.

IFF does not offer relocation packages; must be authorized to work in the United States; IFF does not offer sponsorship. IFF works in a hybrid model; in office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and three days working from home.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve.  IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.