Senior Staff Accountant - Chicago, IL

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives.

Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Why join us?

Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth.

Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. Join Gateway Foundation today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Position Summary

The Senior Staff Accountant plays a key role in managing complex accounting functions across multiple organizational areas. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance with accounting standards, and providing guidance and support to accounting staff.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly analytical, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness across all ledgers
• Prepare comprehensive financial statements and reports for internal leadership and external regulatory agencies
• Review, analyze, and reconcile general ledger accounts, transactions, and financial data
• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals, depreciation, and prepaid asset schedules
• Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies; recommend and implement corrective actions
• Serve as a subject matter expert to accounting staff by reviewing work, providing training, and ensuring adherence to GAAP and internal standards
• Coordinate and prioritize tasks for self and others to meet critical deadlines
• Monitor accounting systems and processes; recommend and implement improvements for efficiency and compliance
• Support audit preparation by compiling documentation and collaborating with auditors
• Participate in special projects, including system implementations, process improvements, and regulatory compliance initiatives
• Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, operations, and IT teams to ensure accurate financial data and reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting requirements
• Experience with ERP or financial systems (Gateway experience a plus)
• Proven ability to analyze complex financial data and identify trends or discrepancies
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability

Compensation

• $70,000 - $80,000 annual salary based on experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to communicate with others in order to gather and exchange information, respond to telephone inquiries.
• Ability to continually proofread, and check and verify data and calculations of detailed statements and account records from printed form and computer monitor display. Use a keyboard and video display terminal to enter, retrieve, and/or audit information and data on a continual basis.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation

Health and Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial wellbeing

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and time off

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.