Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Specialist, Senior Accountant - Shared Financial Services

at Makeawishamerica

🏢 About Makeawishamerica

Make-A-Wish America is a renowned nonprofit organization that grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven culture where your accounting expertise directly supports the fulfillment of wishes across the country. The organization values collaboration, innovation, and the power of hope.

About This Role

As a Senior Specialist, Senior Accountant in Shared Financial Services, you will be the accounting backbone for multiple chapters, ensuring accurate financial processing and compliance. Your work directly impacts the organization's ability to allocate resources efficiently and maintain donor trust through transparent financial reporting.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day starts with reviewing donation batches and resolving any discrepancies, followed by a virtual check-in with your assigned chapters. You might spend the afternoon preparing reconciliations, leading a month-end close meeting, or assisting with audit preparations, all while ensuring deadlines are met in a collaborative, remote environment.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Makeawishamerica Is Looking For

  • Has at least 2 years of full-cycle accounting experience, ideally in a nonprofit or shared services environment, with proficiency in bank reconciliations and month-end close.
  • Is an Excel power user (vlookups, pivot tables, complex formulas) and can quickly adapt to NetSuite and Salesforce, with a preference for prior experience in these systems.
  • Thrives in a remote, collaborative setting, confidently leading month-end meetings and serving as the primary point of contact for multiple chapter stakeholders.
  • Demonstrates a passion for the mission, understanding the importance of accurate accounting in supporting wish-granting operations.

📝 Tips for Applying to Makeawishamerica

1

Highlight any nonprofit accounting experience, especially with fund accounting or restricted donations, as this is strongly preferred.

2

In your resume, quantify your impact (e.g., 'Managed month-end close for 5 chapters, reducing close time by 20%').

3

Mention specific Salesforce or NetSuite experience in your application; if you lack it, emphasize your ability to learn new systems quickly.

4

Tailor your cover letter to express genuine interest in Make-A-Wish's mission, not just the accounting duties.

5

Ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects your accounting expertise and any volunteer work with nonprofits to show alignment.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience with full-cycle accounting and month-end close, especially in a multi-entity or shared services environment.', 'Showcase your proficiency in Excel and any experience with ERP systems like NetSuite or CRM like Salesforce.', 'Convey your ability to communicate effectively with non-finance stakeholders and lead virtual meetings.', 'Express enthusiasm for supporting the mission and ensuring financial integrity for the chapters.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Make-A-Wish America's annual report and financial statements to understand their revenue sources and expense allocation.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the chapter structure and how shared services support local operations.
  • → Learn about the organization's wish-granting process and how accounting supports it.
  • → Check recent news about Make-A-Wish to understand current initiatives or challenges.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you prioritize and manage month-end close tasks across multiple entities?
2 Describe your experience with bank reconciliations and resolving discrepancies.
3 How would you handle a chapter manager questioning a financial report or process?
4 Walk us through a time you improved an accounting process; what was the outcome?
5 What is your familiarity with nonprofit accounting standards (e.g., ASC 958, fund accounting)?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application; failing to mention nonprofit experience or the mission can hurt your chances.
  • Avoid focusing solely on technical skills without demonstrating soft skills like communication and leadership.
  • Don't overlook the remote aspect; ensure your application highlights your ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

📅 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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