Position: Senior Accountant

Department: Accounting | Location: Chicago, IL

Position Description

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country, has a proud history dating back to 1868. With over 750,000 members in nearly 1,800 communities nationwide, our organization is committed to charity and patriotism. Each year, we donate over $60 million in cash and $350 million in goods and services to support young people, veterans, the disadvantaged, the disabled, and civic programs. Over our 155-year history, we have disbursed more than $3.6 billion to those in need. Come be a part of the Elks’ quiet network of good deeds!

We are seeking a Senior Accountant to join our team. This position supports the accounting operations of the Elks National Foundation (ENF), our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Senior Accountant plays a vital role in ensuring accurate financial reporting, supporting compliance and audit activities, and assisting in maintaining the integrity of our internal controls and systems. This is a mid-level position ideal for someone ready to take on more responsibility and grow into a leadership role.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform and review monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reports
  • Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures, ensuring timely and accurate reporting
  • Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for the annual audit and Form 990
  • Monitor restricted fund activity and ensure compliance with donor and grant requirements
  • Assist with investment tracking and monthly reconciliations
  • Collaborate with the Accounting Manager and Controller to support budgeting and forecasting processes
  • Support the preparation of grant and contract financial reports
  • Maintain and improve internal controls, accounting procedures, and documentation
  • Analyze budget-to-actual results and provide variance explanations to management
  • Provide support and mentorship to junior accounting staff

Qualifications/Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant accounting experience; nonprofit experience strongly preferred
  • Understanding of GAAP and fund accounting principles
  • Experience preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and audit schedules
  • Proficiency in accounting systems; experience with Sage Intacct is a plus
  • Strong Microsoft Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, data analysis)
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and meeting deadlines
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid team environment
  • Experience with grant or donor-restricted funds is a plus
  • Commitment to the mission and values of the nonprofit sector

Join Us:

If you are an experienced accounting professional looking to grow and contribute to a meaningful cause, we encourage you to apply. Join the BPO Elks and help support communities across the country. We offer flexibility with hybrid work options, competitive benefits, and a team-oriented workplace rooted in service and tradition.

Position Details

  • Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
  • Compensation: Commensurate with experience - $70K-$85K
  • Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (M–F); some flexibility available; hybrid work environment
  • Location: Easily accessible via CTA (Brown/Purple Line, bus lines)

Company Paid Benefits

  • Medical, Life, AD&D Insurance (1x base pay)
  • Short-Term Disability (100% pay for first 4 weeks)
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 10 vacation days, 11 holidays, 12 sick days, 40-hours of Chicago Paid Leave
  • 401(k) plan with 3% Safe Harbor and 2% company match

Our small nonprofit office offers a warm, collaborative atmosphere—more like a family-run business than a corporation. Employees appreciate the strong work-life balance, supportive team environment, and mission-driven work.

The Elks Campus, located on the border of Lincoln Park and Lakeview, is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and transit options.

To Apply: Please apply via our website at https://www.elks.org/who/careers.cfm by submitting a cover letter and resume (.doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf). A brief pre-employment test (approx. 25 minutes) is part of the application process.

Please note, the Elks participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. A satisfactory background check is also required.

BPO Elks of the USA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

No phone calls, please.