Finance Coordinator

NeighborSpace (NBSP), Chicago’s only nonprofit urban land trust, is dedicated to preserving and sustaining community-managed open space. Established in 1996, the organization’s mission is to protect land for use by neighborhood residents to grow and distribute food; share and celebrate local culture through intergenerational public programs and events; and enjoy respite and renewal in nature, especially through nature play areas for young children in neighborhoods coping with the trauma of community violence. 

NBSP shoulders responsibilities of land preservation, including property ownership, liability insurance, and access to water, so community groups can focus on stewarding community gardens and neighborhood farms, and organizing community-building activities. The growing NBSP network includes 140 sites: 33 acres of land for producing food; creating nature, play, and art spaces; and sustaining safe, healthy, beautiful environments.

Position 

NeighborSpace seeks an experienced Finance Coordinator to join our hands-on team, dedicated to supporting and expanding community growing in Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Bookkeeping: Maintain accurate records of financial transactions by establishing accounts, posting transactions and managing NeighborSpace’s fiscal accounts
• Accounts Payable and Receivable: Manage these processes including processing invoices, preparing payments, getting necessary approvals, managing necessary communications and reconciling accounts as well as managing allocations for gardens and fiscal accounts.
• Manage Vendors: Manage vender tracking including gathering W-9 forms and process necessary 1099 forms with support from outsourced accounting
• Credit Card Reconciliations: Ensure submission of receipts and perform monthly reconciliations to ensure transactions are in line with organizational polices and are accurately recorded
• Bank Reconciliation: Perform monthly bank reconciliations to ensure all transactions are recorded, identify potential instances of fraud and resolve any discrepancies 
• Banking Relationships: Manage key banking relationships and lead efforts to assess necessary financial services made available through banking institutions
• Grants Management: Leads grants management processes including financial reporting, documentation, budgeting and invoicing
• Payroll Processing: Lead payroll processing and ensure compliance with relevant tax laws and regulations
• Audit & 990 Preparation: Support annual audits and Form 990 submission by preparing documentation, responding to auditor inquiries and getting necessary signatures for the Form 990
• Budgeting & Planning: Supports the annual budgeting process; completes and updates monthly cash flow projections
• Accounting Period Close & Financial Reporting: Leads the monthly and annual close process; Prepare financial reports, including balance sheets and budget vs. actual reports, for review by NeighborSpace’s leadership and Board of Directors; prepares Fiscal Account Statements on request
• Team Collaboration: Work with stewardship staff, project managers and senior staff to support projects as needed with an emphasis on key organizational priorities

Qualifications  

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field highly preferred
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of bookkeeping experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Preferred Skills & Attributes:
  • Proficiency in QuickBooks 
  • Comfort with learning new software platforms (ex/Bill.com)
  • Knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
  • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong commitment to NeighborSpace’s mission

Work Environment

While NeighborSpace is largely a virtual organization and in the field, the Finance Coordinator is expected to spend at least 1-2 days per week on-site with staff.  

As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure work environment, NBSP will conduct a background check on prospective employees. By submitting your application, you consent to undergo a background check as part of the hiring process.