Manager, Finance & Operations

We LINK students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, especially Black students, with the resources and support needed for success as they advance to, through, and beyond college.

Chicago’s educational system amplifies persistent inequities, creating deep and lasting opportunity gaps for historically underrepresented students, particularly Black students. LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of these systemic and structural forces by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access for students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, especially Black youth in Chicago. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of historically underrepresented students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.

Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2025-2025 academic year, we will serve 300+ Scholars (Jr. LINK, High School & Collegiate Scholars). Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus from ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.

Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!

Position Summary

The Manager, Finance & Operations is responsible for leading the daily financial and operational functions of the organization. Key areas of responsibility include accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), credit card reconciliation, budget tracking, grant reporting, audit preparation, and general office operations. This full-time role reports to the President & CEO and works in close collaboration with the organization’s external accounting firm to ensure strong fiscal management and operational efficiency across the organization.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead day-to-day accounting operations, including oversight of accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), credit card reconciliation, and bank deposits.
• Manage credit card reconciliation and ensure timely and complete submission of receipts from all cardholders.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison with the external accounting firm for bookkeeping and preparing monthly financial statements and cash flow projections closed by the 15th of the following month, including maintaining the Fixed Asset and 5-Year Pledge Schedules, the depreciation schedule, and any other documentation.
• Reconcile all bank accounts and credit cards monthly in QuickBooks Online.
• Coordinate with HR/ Paylocity to oversee MyTax Illinois and IDES filings.
• Act as the organization’s main contact with the external audit firm; coordinate and prepare documentation for the annual audit and 990 filing.
• Process all payments using Bill.com; manage vendor setup, maintain documentation (e.g., W-9s) and support 1099 dissemination.
• Manage vendor relationships by reviewing statements, ensuring timely payments, maintaining accurate records, and responding promptly to vendor inquiries or issues.
• In collaboration with the Advancement team, ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of donations between QuickBooks Online and Salesforce.
• Monitor pledge collections and coordinate follow-up to ensure payments are received within 60 days of the due date.
• Maintain accurate and organized financial records and backup documentation to ensure audit readiness.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization to produce and distribute quarterly budget-to-actual reports, facilitate meetings to explain variances and improve financial understanding across departments.
• Assist in annual budget development and revenue/expense forecasting.
• Maintain and help update the Financial Policies & Procedures Manual.
• Other duties as assigned.

Budget/Grant Management

• Assist in grants administration i.e. the preparation of grant reports or reimbursement requests for grant awards.
• Enter and update staff allocations in the budgeting system to ensure the accuracy of operating budget and forecast scenarios.
• Produce budget versus actual financial reports for grants as needed.

Operations

• Manage relationships with external operational vendors (e.g., IT support, phone services, copier/printer providers) to ensure timely service, troubleshoot issues, and maintain smooth day-to-day functionality of office systems and equipment.
• Oversee supply inventory, equipment maintenance, and other operational tasks that support daily office functionality.
• Ensure smooth processing of mail, deliveries, and general administrative needs.
• Provide occasional front desk coverage or guest hospitality as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field supplemented by courses in Accounting required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in bookkeeping/financial management in a nonprofit or small business financial operations.
• Solid understanding of nonprofit accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• QuickBooks Online experience is REQUIRED.
• Bill.com experience is REQUIRED.
• Experience with Salesforce is highly preferred.
• Previous experience supporting a nonprofit audit process is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with the ability to learn new or updated software.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain financial data to non-financial colleagues.
• Excellent time management skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Discretion and professionalism with a strong commitment to the security of confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to confidently communicate with vendors and donors by phone to resolve issues and follow up on outstanding payments.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Self-starter with an ability to work independently as well as on a team.

Characteristics

• Mission Driven: Exemplifies and COMMITTED to the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization. LINK Unlimited Scholars is seeking a commitment of at least two years.
• Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
• Strong work ethic.
• A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
• Must have the utmost integrity and the ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.

Work Schedule

Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but at times requires upwards of 50 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday. Must also have flexibility to work on occasion evenings to support programming and other organizational events. LINK Unlimited Scholars is seeking a commitment of at least two years.

Compensation

Salary range $55,000-$65,000; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 11 Holidays, and a holiday shut down from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements via Paylocity (https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/9f42f360-fe7d-4557-a988-51234a605b20/LINK-Unlimited-Scholars). Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.

LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.