Director of Finance And Accounting

The Reader Institute for Community Journalism (RICJ), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit publisher of the Chicago Reader, is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative licensed CPA to serve as the Director of Finance for our organization, which has a budget of over $5M.

DescriptionDirector of Finance 

Experience/Expertise: Nonprofit Organizations and Grant Compliance

About the RICJ

The Reader Institute for Community Journalism (RICJ), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit publisher of the Chicago Reader, is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative licensed CPA to serve as the Director of Finance for our organization, which has a budget of over $5M. This position is responsible for the accounting department's day-to-day operations and collaborates with the leadership team to optimize the RICJ’s operations and financial position. This position reports to the RICJ’s chief of staff.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in nonprofit accounting, unrelated business income, and restricted funds. Proven expertise in integrating software like Salesforce and payroll processors with QuickBooks to streamline processes is highly desirable. 

Responsibilities Include:

General Ledger and Reporting

• Manage and understand the accrual accounting system and general ledger for multiple revenue streams and vendors.
• Perform monthly payroll, bank, and credit card reconciliations.
• Prepare journal entries for payroll and month- and year-end closing.
• Present monthly and annual financial reports to leadership and the RICJ Board of Directors.

Vendors and Accounts Payable

• Oversee all accounts payable to maintain good standing with vendors.
• Set up and manage payment plans, process invoices, and track expenses.
• Reconcile and process credit card charges and payments.
• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing via Gusto and QuickBooks for 40 staff and 100 contractors.

Client Invoicing and Accounts Receivable

• Ensure a positive cash flow by overseeing all accounts receivable.
• Process ad sales client invoices daily and work with the Chief Revenue Officer on delinquent accounts.
• Implement the integration of Salesforce and QuickBooks for invoicing.
• Work with the Operations and Merchandise teams to reconcile product sales and subscriptions.

Advertising, Donor, and Philanthropic Organization Support:

• Track and reconcile payments from merchandise sales, donors, and philanthropic organizations.
• Communicate with Sales, Marketing, and Development departments to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Ensure recurring membership payments via multiple portals are correctly tracked and reconciled with the Development department.

Events and Projects

• Track event and project budgets, working closely with internal and external event planners.
• Inform leadership about budget status and any potential issues.
• Oversee vendor registration for tax and reporting purposes.

Budget, Cash Flow, Audit, and Taxes

• Collaborate with leadership to develop and review the annual budget.
• Maintain and manage cash flow projections, leading weekly cash flow meetings.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, ensuring a smooth year-end audit process.
• Support timely filing of 1099s, W-2s, 990s, extensions, and IRS requirements.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain financial process documentation for internal departments.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and private grants.
• Oversee Workers’ Compensation, Business, and Health Insurance audits.
• Handle U.S. Census data requests.
• And other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of experience in accounting, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (preferred focus in accounting/finance).
• CPA certification preferred.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, grant compliance, and financial software (QuickBooks preferred).
• Strong skills in financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting.
• Experience with Salesforce and payroll software (Gusto) integration is highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to nonfinancial staff.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and other relevant technologies.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a full-time hybrid position that requires attending in-person meetings and events. This position also must be in-person at the RICJ/Chicago Reader office at least two days per week. The annual salary is up to $80,000, depending on experience. 

The RICJ offers medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits, paid time off, company-sponsored holidays, and a SIMPLE Savings IRA with employer matching. Preference is given to candidates who reside in Chicago or the surrounding areas.

To apply, visit the Chicago Reader careers page at www.chicagoreader.com/careers. 

The deadline to apply is January 31, 2025.  

RICJ/Chicago Reader is an equal opportunity employer.