Application Guide

How to Apply for Lead Manager, Accounting - Shared Financial Services

at Makeawishamerica

🏢 About Makeawishamerica

Make-A-Wish is the world's largest wish-granting organization, with a mission to grant the wish of every eligible child. Working here means contributing to a cause that brings joy and hope to children with critical illnesses, while being part of a passionate and mission-driven community.

About This Role

As the Lead Manager, Accounting for Shared Financial Services, you will be the financial backbone for multiple chapters, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance. Your work directly supports the organization's ability to allocate resources effectively, ultimately helping to grant more wishes.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing monthly financial statements for your portfolio of chapters, answering questions from chapter executives, and leading your team in reconciling accounts. You'll also spend time analyzing trends, preparing audit schedules, and collaborating with other departments to improve financial processes.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Makeawishamerica Is Looking For

  • Has a CPA or advanced degree in accounting/finance, with at least 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, including supervisory roles.
  • Possesses deep knowledge of nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting, grant management, and 990 preparation.
  • Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills, with experience managing relationships with internal or external clients.
  • Is tech-savvy, with proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, or similar) and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
  • Exhibits strong leadership abilities, with a track record of mentoring staff and driving process improvements.

📝 Tips for Applying to Makeawishamerica

1

Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with nonprofit accounting and shared services, using keywords from the job description like 'financial reporting', 'reconciliation', and 'customer service'.

2

In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with remote work and your ability to build relationships across different time zones, as this role is remote and serves multiple chapters.

3

Quantify your achievements, such as 'reduced month-end close time by 20%' or 'managed a portfolio of 10+ clients'.

4

Showcase your leadership experience, even if it's informal, like leading a team project or mentoring junior staff.

5

Research Make-A-Wish's financial stewardship and mention how your skills can help maintain donor trust and fiscal responsibility.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your passion for the mission and how your accounting skills can directly contribute to granting more wishes.', 'Highlight your experience in managing multiple clients or portfolios, and your ability to provide excellent customer service to internal stakeholders.', 'Demonstrate your expertise in nonprofit accounting and your understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by nonprofits.', 'Mention your leadership style and how you have developed your team to achieve high performance.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Make-A-Wish's annual report and financial statements to understand their revenue streams and expense allocation.
  • → Learn about the Shared Financial Services model and how it supports chapters; check the company's website for any details.
  • → Read recent news about Make-A-Wish, such as their impact stories or any financial stewardship recognitions.
  • → Understand the challenges nonprofits face in financial reporting and how Make-A-Wish specifically addresses them.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you handle conflicting deadlines from multiple chapters or clients?
2 Describe your experience with month-end close and financial statement preparation in a nonprofit environment.
3 How do you ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP and nonprofit regulations?
4 Give an example of a time you improved a financial process; what was the outcome?
5 How do you build and maintain strong relationships with remote stakeholders?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Make-A-Wish or the specific role.
  • Not highlighting your experience with nonprofit accounting, which is a key requirement.
  • Overlooking the customer service aspect; this role is about relationship management, so emphasize your soft skills.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Makeawishamerica!

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