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.

Performance Measures:

1. Lists, spreadsheets, data, information, and records are accurate, complete, and entered on a timely basis.  Back up materials/schedules balance to the general ledger.  Information is clearly labeled and organized for easy access by supervisor and other pertinent staff.
2. Variances and entries are properly identified, explained, and reported to supervisor and/or management.
3. Deadlines for month end close and other projects are met.
4. Employee’s/customers questions and inquiries are answered timely and accurately.
5. Reports contain accurate, useful, and relevant information.
6. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing.  Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.
7. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.
8. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.
9. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment.  Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
10. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

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.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary for this position starts at $61,600. IFF offers employees medical and dental insurance; a vision discount plan; 401k with organization contribution beginning after one year (contribution fully vested after five years); flexible spending accounts, including dependent care and commuter transportation; and short-term, long-term, AD&D, and life insurance policies. Time off is pro-rated for new hires and accrues. Employees in their first year of employment receive: 11 paid holidays; 15 paid vacation days; 12 paid sick days; and two paid personal days. The organization observes a Summer Friday policy, closing its doors at 2:00 pm on Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. A mentoring program is also available.

How to Apply

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