Financial Manager / Certified Accountant / Bookkeeper – Center for Independent Living (CIL)

Job Summary

The Center for Independent Living (CIL) is seeking a mission-driven Financial Manager/Certified Accountant to oversee essential fiscal operations and ensure compliance with federal, state, and nonprofit financial requirements. This role supports the organization's commitment to Independent Living philosophy and ACL-aligned financial stewardship.

This position is part-time at 15 hours per week, with flexibility to increase hours during audits, drawdowns, reporting cycles, or other periods requiring additional financial support. A two-tier pay structure allows MOBILE to hire either a developing candidate or an experienced CIL/ACL-ready financial professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight - Manage daily accounting, bookkeeping, monthly reconciliation, budgeting support, and cash-flow monitoring within a part-time schedule.
• Executive Director Authorization - Ensure all transfers, reallocations, and financial movements receive Executive Director approval before processing.
• Payment Management System (PMS) - Monitor federal PMS accounts, maintain documentation, and ensure compliance with federal requirements. Executive Director approval is required for all drawdown procedures.
• Federal Drawdowns - Complete timely and accurate drawdowns of ACL Part C funds; training provided if needed.
• ACL Compliance - Maintain financial practices aligned with ACL expectations, including allowable costs, documentation standards, and reporting cycles.
• Grant & Contract Administration - Track expenditures for Part C and Part B funds, maintain cost allocation plans, and support fiscal components of the 704 Report.
• Internal Controls - Maintain segregation of duties, fraud prevention systems, and transparent financial processes.
• Audit Coordination - Prepare documentation for annual audits and ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
• Payroll & Benefits Oversight - Manage payroll and benefits administration in alignment with nonprofit and labor regulations.
• Board & Executive Reporting - Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for leadership and the Board.
• Policy Development - Maintain and update financial policies aligned with ACL, GAAP, and nonprofit best practices.

Required Knowledge & Competencies

Independent Living & ACL Knowledge

• Independent Living Philosophy - Understanding consumer control, self-determination, peer support, and community integration.
• CIL Operations - Familiarity with core services and Title VII requirements.
• ACL Expectations - Knowledge of ACL's oversight role, fiscal reporting requirements, and compliance standards.
• Rehabilitation Act Title VII - Understanding statutory requirements governing CIL funding.

ACL-Required Financial Skills

• Uniform Guidance Compliance - Federal cost principles, procurement rules, and documentation standards.
• Federal Grant Stewardship - Managing obligations, expenditures, match requirements, and reporting cycles.
• Cost Allocation - Developing and maintaining compliant cost allocation plans.
• Fiscal Reporting - Supporting accurate fiscal components of the annual 704 Report.

Nonprofit Financial Expertise

• GAAP-aligned accounting
• Fund accounting
• Audit preparation
• Payroll and benefits compliance
• Accounting software proficiency (QuickBooks, MIP, or similar)

$25/hour - 15 hours per week, with additional hours approved as needed

For candidates who:

• Already understand ACL Part C and Part B funding.
• Have experience with PMS and federal drawdowns.
• Can independently manage cost allocation plans.
• Have prior experience in a Center for Independent Living or similar federal-grant nonprofit.
• Can perform monthly reconciliation, reporting, and audit preparation with minimal supervision.

Candidates may be assigned additional hours during:

• Audit season
• Drawdown cycles
• 704 reporting periods
• Budget development
• Financial policy updates

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Equivalent accounting, bookkeeping, or nonprofit financial management experience may be considered.
• CPA, Certified Accountant, Bookkeeper, or demonstrated nonprofit financial management experience preferred.
• Two to five years of nonprofit accounting, bookkeeping, or financial management experience preferred.
• Experience with federal grants preferred; willingness to learn ACL and CIL-specific systems required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial staff.

How to Apply

Submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the Executive Director. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Work Location

This position is primarily in-person in Columbus, Ohio.

Equal Opportunity

Employer & Significant Disability Preference

MOBILE Center for Independent Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to the principles of consumer control, self-determination, equal access, peer support, and full participation of individuals with disabilities in community life.

Consistent with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Independent Living philosophy, qualified individuals with disabilities, including individuals with significant disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply.

For purposes of employment consideration:

• Individual with a disability means a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• Individual with a significant disability means a person whose physical or mental impairment substantially limits the ability to live independently, maintain employment, or participate fully in community life and who may require multiple services, supports, accommodations, or assistive technology to achieve independent living outcomes.

As a consumer-controlled organization, MOBILE recognizes the value of lived disability experience and may give preference, where permitted by law, to qualified candidates with significant disabilities who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the Financial Manager, Certified Accountant, or Bookkeeper position.

MOBILE does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided throughout the application, interview, hiring, and employment process.

Individuals with significant disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. MOBILE believes that the leadership, perspectives, and lived experiences of people with disabilities are essential to advancing the mission of independent living and strengthening services for the communities we serve.

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15.0 per week

Work Location: In person