Accounting Manager - Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)

About Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)

Since 1934, the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) has been serving evangelical churches across the former Soviet Union. Founded by Peter Deyneka Sr., a Belarusian immigrant with a vision to bring the Gospel to his own people, SGA continues his legacy today by equipping and supporting national churches in 13 countries across Russia, the former Soviet Union countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Through strategic ministry partnerships, SGA trains pastors and lay leaders, supports national church-planting missionaries, provides Bibles and Christian resources, and delivers humanitarian aid to those in need.

Headquartered in Loves Park, Illinois, SGA is a small but deeply committed team of approximately 25 staff members, including a couple of overseas missionaries. The organization is non-denominational, theologically conservative, and marked by a spirit of prayer, humility, and service. Each day begins with a time of corporate prayer and devotion, uniting the staff around the ministry’s shared calling.

The Opportunity

Accounting Manager

Reports To: Vice President of Administration & Finance

Location: Remote (Preferred) with periodic travel to Loves Park, Illinois

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Slavic Gospel Association (SGA) is seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to serve as the ministry's technical accounting leader. Reporting to the Vice President of Administration & Finance, this individual will oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization, supervise the accounting team, ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, maintain strong internal controls, and coordinate the annual audit process.

This role is intentionally designed to provide deep technical accounting expertise, allowing the Vice President of Administration & Finance to focus on strategic leadership, governance, organizational stewardship, operational leadership, and executive partnership.

The Accounting Manager will play a key role in maintaining the financial integrity of the ministry while partnering with leadership to strengthen the accounting systems, controls, and processes that support SGA's mission around the world.

Essential Responsibilities

Accounting Operations

• Lead the day-to-day accounting operations of the ministry.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure the integrity of the general ledger and financial records.
• Oversee cash management, interfund activity, and financial transactions.
• Supervise accounts payable, contributions processing, and other accounting functions.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare accurate monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Develop financial reports and supporting schedules for executive leadership and the Board.
• Assist with the annual budgeting process and periodic financial forecasts.
• Produce financial analyses that support organizational decision-making.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Coordinate preparation for the annual external audit.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Maintain and strengthen internal accounting controls and financial policies.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and organizational financial policies.
• Partner with the Vice President of Administration & Finance on ECFA financial reporting and stewardship requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain and optimize Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and related accounting systems.
• Utilize Jet Reports and Excel to improve financial reporting and analysis.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, efficiency, documentation, and internal controls.
• Assist in documenting accounting procedures to strengthen organizational continuity.

Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and develop accounting staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Cross-train team members to ensure operational continuity.
• Serve as a trusted technical accounting resource for the organization.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA strongly preferred, or significant nonprofit accounting experience demonstrating equivalent technical accounting expertise.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Strong nonprofit and fund accounting experience required.
• Experience preparing audited financial statements.
• Experience working directly with external auditors.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Technical Skills

• Thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or a comparable ERP system preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with Jet Reports or similar reporting tools preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Technical accounting expertise.
• Sound judgment and integrity.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Initiative and a continuous improvement mindset.
• A collaborative, servant-hearted leadership style.
• Ability to balance accuracy with responsiveness.

Faith & Ministry Alignment

The successful candidate will:

• Profess a personal faith in Jesus Christ.
• Demonstrate a lifestyle consistent with biblical Christian values.
• Support and uphold SGA's Statement of Faith and Perspective on the Ministry of the Holy Spirit.
• Participate in the spiritual life of the ministry, including staff prayer and chapel.
• View financial stewardship as an essential ministry function that advances the Gospel through faithful support of SGA's mission.