The ACLU of Illinois is one of the largest state affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union, a nationwide, non-partisan membership organization dedicated to the defense and expansion of civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU has been at the forefront of every major battle for civil liberties and social justice in this country, and continues to work through integrated advocacy to advance equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. 

Job Description

The Finance Associate will play a crucial role in supporting all Finance Department functions and safeguarding the organization’s assets. Reporting to the Deputy Finance Director, the Finance Associate will be entrusted to maintain strong internal controls while processing accounts payable and credit card expenses, recording daily revenue journals, and assisting in month and year-end financial close cycles.

The Finance Associate must demonstrate the highest level of integrity and maintain strict confidentiality with sensitive financial information. The successful candidate will hold a high bar for excellence, even when things get hectic, and manage a high volume of work with efficiency and accuracy. Previous experience working within an accounting or finance department is required.

Employment Status

Full-time exempt position that is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers/United Auto Workers Local 2320. This position is based at our Chicago, Illinois office and offers a hybrid work structure of four days in office and one day of remote work after introductory training period. We expect this position to start in early 2026. 

Responsibilities

• Process invoices in the accounting system, Financial Edge NXT, with accuracy and timeliness; manage the accounts payable email inbox. 
• Record monthly credit card expenses incurred on organization credit cards; ensure proper documentation and accurate expense coding; manage the receipts email inbox. 
• Process daily mail, make daily bank deposits, and create daily receipt journals summarizing contributions made by check, credit card, and electronic funds transfer.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee expense reimbursements.
• Record and track all receivable accounts and follow up on collections.
• Prepare weekly fundraising revenue data files for upload into accounting system while reconciling with daily receipt journals.
• Participate in month and year-end financial close cycles recording revenue, expenses, bank adjustments, and other journal entries; reconcile key general ledger accounts. 
• Prepare workpapers for the annual audit and tax reporting.

• Minimum 2 years of relevant, hands-on, full-time accounting department experience, particularly within the following areas: accounts payable, revenue and expense recording, and month and year-end close cycles.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills. 
• Experience with general ledger accounting systems required; Financial Edge NXT a plus. 
• Familiarity with nonprofit fund accounting and project accounting preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity and professionalism at all times.
• Experience administering and ensuring compliance with critical internal controls and policies with colleagues at all levels.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a personal sense of ownership and accountability for the work. 
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues and contacts with different backgrounds, experiences, and positions within the organization.
• Passion for advancing the ACLU of Illinois mission, goals, and programs.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary range for this position is $53,000 to $60,000, commensurate with experience. As a member of the collective bargaining unit, this position is eligible for an annual salary increase on April 1, 2026 in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

Benefits include:

• Vacation: 15 days of paid vacation in the first year and 20 days of paid vacation thereafter. 
• Health benefits: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance for staff and eligible dependents. 
• Retirement benefits: 6% employer-paid retirement contribution after 1 year without any employee contribution; plus 50% employer-paid retirement match on the first $125 contributed by the employee per pay period.
• Other benefits: 100% employer-paid life insurance; employee assistance program; short and long-term disability insurance. Paid parental leave after 1 year. Flexible spending account.

ACLU Employment Statement

The ACLU of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, criminal record, or veteran status.

The ACLU of Illinois is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance applying online, please email jobs@aclu-il.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• A current resume.
• A one-page cover letter that explains (1) how you meet the qualifications listed above using examples from past jobs, and (2) your interest in working for the ACLU of Illinois in this role.