Accounting and Human Resource Assistant

The MacArthur Justice Center seeks a dedicated and detail-oriented Accounting and Human Resource Assistant to join our team. This full-time role involves supporting both the Finance and Human Resource functions by preparing financial statements, completing monthly bank account and credit card reconciliations, performing HRIS updates, and handling various other finance and HR-related tasks. The ideal candidate will work with attention to detail and a high standard of discretion and confidentiality. This position will directly support the efficiency and effectiveness of our finance and HR departments, reporting to the Director of Finance/Treasurer, and working closely with the Human Resource Director.

About the Roderick & Solange MacArthur Justice Center

The Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center (MJC) is a national, nonprofit civil rights law

firm.  We advocate for people harmed by America’s oppressive and violent criminal legal system to vindicate their rights, hold people with power accountable, and transform the system. Our advocacy includes cutting-edge litigation across the country, addressing end-to-end issues in the criminal legal system: from police and prosecutorial misconduct to mass incarceration, to the conditions of jails and prisons, to wrongful convictions. 

We have offices in Chicago, Illinois; St. Louis, Missouri; New Orleans, Louisiana; Oxford, Mississippi; and Washington, D.C. For more information on our work, visit www.macarthurjustice.org. 

The criminal legal system disproportionately harms people of color, people from low-income communities, people who were formerly incarcerated, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage people who identify within these and other communities underrepresented in the legal profession to apply. All applicants must have and be committed to the cultural competence required to work with clients, co-workers, and community partners who come from different backgrounds and experiences. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Accounting Support:

• Complete monthly credit card reconciliations and monitor accounts    
• Prepare financial reports and monthly statements        
• Prepare occasional invoices       
• Review invoices for accuracy prior to payment
• Enter and post all checks and payments into accounting system        
• Review travel expense reports for accuracy and compliance with policy        
• Complete monthly bank reconciliations        
• Prepare monthly supporting schedules for payables, HR, and the general ledger        
• Send notices to current and former participants of the retirement plan        
• Assist in the reconciliation of monthly benefits with HR and payroll        
• Assist in supporting employee communications (e.g., updating information and loading materials to employee Intranet.)

Human Resources Support:        

• Complete HRIS updates related to new hire processing, termination, and employee changes        
• Serve as an employee contact for ADP and benefit platform login assistance       
• Perform Filing and records management       
• Complete ad hoc reporting        
• Respond to employment verifications and loan forgiveness forms ·       
• Assist in supporting employee communications

Other Job Duties:

• Collaborate on special event planning, including contracts and budgeting
• Support financial reporting for the Roderick MacArthur Foundation and Death Penalty Information Center, as directed by the Treasurer/Director of Finance
• Administrative support as needed for Accounting and HR functions

Qualifications

Education:      

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.   Associate’s degree in accounting preferred but not required.

Skills and Experience:        

• At least two years of accounting/bookkeeping experience,       
• Basic understanding of GAAP and IRS regulations,
• Technology and accounting systems savvy,
• Ability to work within a team environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming, and a willingness to honor the diverse experiences and perspectives of MJC staff and clients.        
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills, including the ability to follow through on assignments independently, manage multiple projects at once, work well under pressure, and have flexibility in the event of changing priorities/deadlines.        
• Effective verbal and written communication skills,       
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills,
• A high level of confidentiality and professionalism are required.       
• Must be mature, possess emotional intelligence, flexible, and adaptable to varying situations.

Technology:        

• Familiarity with Blackbaud Financial Edge nonprofit software required,        
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, Adobe, and Word required,        
• Proficiency with SharePoint, OneDrive, and Outlook required,       
• Experience working with ADP Workforce Now or other HRIS preferred.

Travel: Semi-monthly travel to the MJC office in Niles, Illinois, for occasional on-site work with the Director of Finance/Treasurer. Possible domestic travel for organization-wide gatherings (e.g., All Staff Retreat).

Location: Hybrid/Chicago, Illinois. MJC operates on a hybrid schedule and requires some days in the office each week. The Accounting/HR Assistant must reside in the Chicago area.

Compensation:

The salary range for the Accounting & HR Assistant is $50,000 to $61,000 and includes an excellent benefits package that includes employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and disability

insurance, EAP, FSA plans, 401K, and a generous paid-time-off policy.

TO APPLY: 

Please submit the following:        

• A cover letter addressing your experience relevant to the considerations above and        
• A resume.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis.  Applications will be accepted through August 22, 2024 or until the position is filled.