Accounting Manager

About the ABF

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research institute that expands knowledge and advances justice through rigorous empirical research on law, legal processes, and legal institutions. The ABF's primary sources of funding are an annual grant from the American Bar Endowment (ABE) and contributions by the Fellows of the ABF – a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, faculty, and scholars whose careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession. The ABF offices are located on Northwestern University’s Chicago campus in Streeterville.

Position Overview

The Accounting Manager plays a key role in ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the organization’s financial operations. The Accounting Manager reports to the Senior Director of Finance and supervises the Senior Finance Associate. This position is responsible for multiple functions including financial reporting; grant and project financial management; compliance and external reporting; and disbursement oversight. The Accounting Manager ensures timely and accurate deliverables in accordance with U.S. GAAP and regulatory standards and supports the organization’s mission through interdepartmental collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Monthly Close and Internal Reporting (25%)

• Prepare and record journal entries with a high degree of accuracy
• Perform month-end and year-end close activities, including preparation of balance sheet account reconciliations and bank reconciliations
• Prepare schedules and minutes for Board of Director and Committee meetings

Grant and Project Financial Management (20%)

• Maintain and update budgets for all research projects
• Prepare grant and project status reports monthly; analyze and review general ledger reports and project budget reports for accuracy of costs
• Work with grant and research staff to review applications, create budgets, monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with statutory and grant-specific requirements

External Reporting and Compliance (20%)

• Manage annual financial statement audit
• Manage annual IRS 990 and benefit plan information return processes
• Assist with state regulatory reporting and charitable registrations

Disbursements (15%)

• Review all cash disbursements to ensure compliance with the ABF’s policies and procedures and accuracy of accounting
• Manage annual 1099 filing process

Other (20%)

• Supervise and mentor Senior Finance Associate in accounts payable/receivable activities; collaborate on finance projects as needed
• Create biweekly retirement plan funding schedules
• Develop the biannual National Science Foundation Indirect Cost Rate proposal
• Assist in annual budgeting process
• Identify process improvement opportunities and initiate and lead in the implementation of improvements
• Special projects as assigned by the Executive Director and Senior Director of Finance
• Other duties not listed above may be required of this position.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of accounting experience, including some academic and/or nonprofit experience
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or finance
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and relevant regulations for nonprofits
• Proficient in Excel, MS Office, and nonprofit accounting software
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Team player with cross-departmental collaboration experience
• Proven ability to manage staff and work independently
• Must reside in Illinois and maintain U.S. work authorization throughout employment

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA and/or CMA
• Experience managing interns and/or staff
• Proficiency in Financial Edge
• Enthusiasm for the ABF’s mission and values

The ABF strives to foster a community that represents many backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply for this position, even if you do not meet every qualification listed. Experience need not be professional in nature; unpaid or informal experience may be equally relevant. We value diversity of thought and experience, and we are committed to providing support and training to help our staff members grow and succeed in their roles.

Work Structure and Environment

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), exempt position. ABF employees are expected to work at the ABF offices at least two days per week and to work within the state of Illinois on the other days. Close mental and visual attention are required, primarily for using a computer and/or extensive reading. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a one-hour lunch period. Occasional work outside of these hours is expected in connection with ABF events (e.g., Board meetings). Out-of-state travel is not required for this position.

The American Bar Foundation (ABF) is firmly committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons, including providing reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants. All decisions regarding employment will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age; ancestry; certain arrest or criminal history records; citizenship; color; disability; gender; gender identity; genetic information; housing status; marital status; military status; national origin; order of protection status; parental status; pregnancy; protected activity (e.g., reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment); race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture or hair styles); religion; reproductive health decisions; sex; sexual orientation; source of income; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of such violence; unfavorable discharge from the military; or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.