Nonprofit Bookkeeper (Contract)

Role: Nonprofit Bookkeeper 

Job Summary: Pilot Light seeks proposals for a bookkeeping consultant (the “Consultant”). The Consultant will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, managing financial transactions, and assisting in the overall financial management of the organization. Your role will ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with relevant financial regulations. The ideal consultant has a strong background in bookkeeping, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for supporting our mission of Food Education at Pilot Light

Responsibilities:

1. Financial Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using Quickbooks. Record and classify financial transactions, including income, expenses, and other financial activities in accordance with accounting principles and nonprofit regulations.
2. Accounts Payable and Receivable: Process invoices, payments, and receipts. Manage accounts payable and receivable by accurately recording and tracking transactions. Prepare checks, verify payment accuracy, and maintain vendor relationships.
3. Budget Management: Assist in the development and monitoring of the organization’s budget. Track income and expenses against the budget and provide regular reports to the management team or relevant stakeholders.
4. Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly financial reports, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Generate financial reports on a regular basis for internal analysis and external reporting requirements.
5. Grant Compliance: Ensure compliance with grant requirements by accurately tracking and documenting expenditures, preparing financial reports, and providing supporting documentation as needed.
6. Donor Management: Maintain accurate records of donor contributions and pledges. Communicate pertinent information to development staff to support the generation of acknowledgments and receipts for donations and assist with donor reporting and communication as required.
7. Audit and Compliance: Collaborate with auditors during annual audits and other financial reviews. Provide necessary documentation and support to ensure nonprofit regulations and accounting standards compliance.
8. 1099 Form Generation: Prepare and generate 1099 forms for contractors accurately and in a timely manner, adhering to IRS guidelines and regulations.
9. Financial Policies and Procedures: As needed, help develop and maintain financial policies and procedures that promote sound financial management practices and internal controls.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in bookkeeping or accounting, preferably within a nonprofit organization
• Proficiency with Quickbooks
• Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, regulations, and compliance requirements
• Experience reporting on federal grants is a plus
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial record keeping
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Proficient in Google Suite
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• High ethical standards and commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Demonstrate a commitment to Pilot Light’s mission and values

Location: Residence in the United States is required.

Position Type: Contract, approximately 5-10 hours per week with increased hours during audit periods.

Timeline: The contract will start on July 1, 2023.

How to apply: Please send an email to info@pilotlightchefs.org with the following information:

• Cover letter, including hourly rate
• Resume
• Three references

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pilot Light embraces a philosophy that recognizes, values, and actively seeks diversity among its team. We seek to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, age, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

About Pilot Light

Pilot Light is a Chicago-founded 501(c)(3) Food Education nonprofit organization that partners with educators to support them in teaching their students through food and about food. Students develop knowledge and skills to advocate for informed food choices for themselves, their families and their communities.

Pilot Light’s teacher-led model is game-changing: through our approach, PreK–12 teachers are provided with the support and resources needed to integrate Food Education into their classrooms and engage students during implementation while also teaching them about food and its importance in their lives outside of school. 

Over the past 10 years, Pilot Light has grown from one Chicago elementary school to reach over 20,000 students across the country. During the pandemic, the organization scaled its offerings nationwide through virtual content and the introduction of several new programs and partnerships.

Pilot Light leads in Food Education through programming and professional development rooted in our Food Education Standards. We serve districts, schools, teachers, and learners through our Food Education Center, the annual Food Education Fellowship, Fellowship Alumni Network, and a variety of rapidly growing school and district partnerships. We are currently seeking several individuals who will join Pilot Light during this exciting time in our growth.