Leads budgeting, financial reporting, cash-flow monitoring, compliance, and accounting oversight for client associations. Supervises accounting support staff, ensures GAAP-compliant transactions, improves financial processes and reporting systems, and presents financial insights to association boards. Oversees event and membership revenue reconciliation, supports audits and accreditation standards, and advises clients on budgets, forecasts, and fiscal decisions. Occasional travel is required for client meetings and conferences.
Position Overview
The Accountant of Associations is a critical member of Celtic’s Association Division, supporting the financial integrity and operational excellence of our client associations. This role ensures fiscal accountability across multiple organizations by leading budget development, reporting, compliance, and financial process improvements.
The ideal candidate is detail-driven and proactive, blending technical accounting expertise with a consultative mindset. Association accounting experience is strongly preferred. You’ll play a key role in helping association boards make sound financial decisions that support their mission and long-term success.
What You’ll Do
Association Financial Leadership
- Lead the annual budgeting process for assigned association clients, aligning financial goals with strategic priorities.
- Deliver accurate, timely, and insightful financial reports and presentations for boards of directors.
- Oversee corporate filings, insurance renewals, and tax documentation in collaboration with outside accounting firms.
- Monitor cash flow and financial trends to ensure sustainability and compliance.
Accounting Oversight & Process Improvement
- Supervise and mentor accounting support staff handling daily payables, receivables, and reconciliations.
- Implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance accuracy, consistency, and efficiency across clients.
- Ensure all transactions are coded accurately and processed in alignment with GAAP and Celtic’s quality standards.
- Identify opportunities to modernize systems, automate reporting, and improve data visibility.
Board Reporting & Strategic Partnership
- Prepare and present monthly and year-to-date financial summaries for client boards and executive teams.
- Provide variance analysis and recommendations to guide fiscal decision-making.
- Partner with internal and client leadership to manage event and sponsorship budgets, forecasting outcomes and ROI.
- Serve as a trusted financial advisor who brings clarity, accuracy, and foresight to every discussion.
Event & Membership Finance Operations
- Oversee online event registration and payment processes, ensuring a seamless member experience.
- Collaborate with event planners and membership teams to reconcile revenues, refunds, and registration data.
- Support integration between financial and membership management systems to streamline operations.
Division Support & Compliance
- Maintain Celtic’s AMCI accreditation standards, ensuring adherence to industry best practices.
- Support internal audits, profitability tracking, and document retention compliance.
- Contribute to new client proposals, renewals, and growth initiatives within the Association Division.
Professional Excellence
- Represent Celtic Chicago with professionalism, integrity, and client-first service.
- Communicate proactively, manage deadlines independently, and support team collaboration.
- Travel occasionally for client meetings and conferences.
- Contribute to the profitability, efficiency, and culture of Celtic Chicago.
Celtic Chicago Inc Niles, Illinois, USA Office
Niles, IL, United States
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