Staff Accountant (German Language Skills Preferred), German American Chambers of Commerce, IL, US

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – minimum three days onsite per week)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Department: Finance & Administration

Reports To: Accounting Manager

Who Are We?

The continuing mission of the German American Chamber of Commerce® of the Midwest (GACC Midwest/AHK USA-Chicago), a 501 (c)(6) organization headquartered in Chicago with a branch office in Michigan, is to promote and assist in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the Midwestern region of the United States. Our organization combines elements of a trade commission, a membership association, and a professional consultancy - quite a unique concept in international trade promotion. Read more about our organization at www.gaccmidwest.org

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our accounting and finance team. Based out of our Chicago, IL office and reporting directly to the Accounting Manager, this is a hands-on role that requires strong technical accounting skills, flexibility to work across multiple functions in a lean environment, and the ability to balance both strategic and day-to-day accounting tasks.

You will join a close-knit administration team of five, where collaboration, responsibility, and independent problem-solving are essential. In this setting, everyone wears multiple hats, which makes adaptability and initiative especially important. German language skills are a plus, as you will occasionally work with financial documentation in German and liaise with international partners. The role is well-suited for someone seeking a long-term opportunity in an international and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with GAAP and non-profit accounting standards.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Manage accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and general ledger entries.
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring.
• Support grant reporting and donor financial documentation.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax preparers.
• Handle bilingual financial documentation and communication with German stakeholders.
• Contribute to process improvements, system efficiencies, and internal controls.

Who are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP, Sage, or similar) as well as advanced Excel skills.
• German language skills preferred, as the role involves international financial documentation and communication.
• Audit support experience is beneficial.
• Ability to analyze and improve processes.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment.
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to organizational mission.

Why GACC Midwest?

At GACC Midwest, we believe that our benefits should make a difference - to you, your job, today and in the future. We are dedicated to supporting our most valuable asset, our employees!

• Team spirit instead of rigid hierarchies
• Competitive vacation policy, starting with 20 days, increasing with seniority up to 30 days
• 14 paid holidays including Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, plus additional days around Thanksgiving and Year End
• Health insurance with multiple plan options and networks (BlueCross / BlueShield HMO, PPO, HSA) & Guardian dental and vision
• 401(k) matching with a competitive, discretionary employer contribution
• Company-paid Life Insurance + AD&D/additional voluntary life + AD&D (also for spouse and children)
• Wellness incentives: access to fitness center and complementary yoga classes
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-paid Long-Term Disability
• FSA Health Care and dependent care
• FSA commuter (transit and/or parking)
• Goal oriented bonus plan
• Plus: Work from Home Policy, Flex-Time Policy
• We offer German classes in collaboration with the Goethe Institute

We welcome and encourage diversity in our workforce. GACC Midwest is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. Potential employees are subject to background checks.