Department: I.S. | Location: Chicago, IL
Help Desk Specialist – Financial Reporting System (FRS)
Location: Chicago, IL – W. Diversey & N. Lakeview Ave. (Lincoln Park) Department: IT / Financial Reporting Support Reports To: IT Director
Who We Are
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the country, with a proud history dating back to 1868. Today, with hundreds of thousands of members in nearly 1,800 communities, our mission is rooted in charity, patriotism, and community service. Each year, the Elks contribute millions of dollars in cash and services to support veterans, students, youth, and individuals in need.
Our Chicago campus serves as our national headquarters. From supporting nationwide Lodge operations to preserving our historic Memorial Building, our staff play an important role in advancing the Elks’ mission and helping members across the country.
Why Work With Us
At the Elks, employees are valued as an important part of our success. Team members enjoy:
• Mission-Driven Work: Support members nationwide and help Lodges operate effectively. • Meaningful Impact: Solve problems and make technology easier for users every day. • Professional Growth: Learn accounting systems, software support, and IT operations. • Historic Setting: Work from our Chicago headquarters near Lake Michigan.
Position Purpose
The Help Desk Specialist serves as the primary support contact for users of the Elks Financial Reporting System (FRS) and as backup for other applications. This position assists members nationwide with system access, QuickBooks exports, file mapping, uploads, troubleshooting, and general software support.
The ideal candidate has strong customer service skills, patience, curiosity, and an interest in information technology. This role requires the ability to explain technical and accounting processes clearly to users with little accounting or IT experience, while also being comfortable communicating with accountants, CPAs, vendors, and internal staff.
Essential Responsibilities
Help Desk & Customer Support
• Answer incoming help desk calls and emails regarding FRS and related systems. • Walk users step-by-step through exporting data from QuickBooks and other accounting systems. • Assist users with mapping data fields and uploading files into the Financial Reporting System. • Reset passwords, maintain user accounts, and manage access permissions. • Troubleshoot software, login, printing, internet, and file issues. • Escalate unresolved issues to vendors or leadership as needed. • Provide exceptional service to members of all technical levels nationwide. • Communicate patiently, clearly, calmly and professionally with all users.
Accounting & Application Support
• Support users with accounting-related data imports and reporting. • Review exported files for accuracy and completeness. • Assist with reconciliation questions and common accounting workflows. • Work with CPAs, bookkeepers, and Lodge officers on reporting needs. • Knowledge of QuickBooks strongly preferred; experience with accounting software a plus.
IT & Desktop Support Backup
• Serve as backup support for headquarters desktop support and internal/external membership systems. • Image, deploy, and set up computers and workstations. • Assist with hardware replacements, software installs, and workstation troubleshooting. • Help maintain inventory of devices and related equipment.
Documentation & Training
• Create user guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting documentation. • Develop training materials, webinars, and how-to resources. • Identify recurring issues and recommend process improvements.
Education & Experience
Required: • Associate degree or equivalent experience in IT, Accounting, Business, or related field. • 2+ years of customer support, help desk, accounting support, or technical support experience. • Basic accounting knowledge required. • Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel and CSV file handling.
Preferred: • Experience supporting QuickBooks or similar accounting software. • Experience with ticketing/help desk systems. • Experience imaging computers and desktop support. • Experience working with remote support tools. • Experience in nonprofit or membership-based organizations.
Skills & Competencies
• Excellent customer service skills. • Strong verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users. • Patience, empathy, and professionalism. • Ability to support both beginner users and experienced accountants/CPAs. • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. • Highly organized with strong attention to detail. • Curious mindset with interest in learning IT systems. • Ability to multitask and manage priorities.
Other Position Requirements
• 100% in-person role based in the Chicago headquarters. • Ability to travel annually to the Elks National Convention for approximately one week annually. • Ability to work occasional overtime or weekends during peak periods. • Ability to lift and move computer equipment as needed.
Position Details
• Employment Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt • Work Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday–Friday) • Location: Chicago, IL (CTA-accessible; on-site parking available)
Company-Paid Benefits
• Medical Insurance (multiple plan options) • Life & AD&D Insurance • Short-Term Disability • Long-Term Disability • Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Time, and Chicago Paid Leave • 401(k) Plan with employer contributions
Compensation: $55,000-$65,000 (Based on Experience)
Join Our Team
If you enjoy helping people, solving problems, and working in a mission-driven organization where technology and service come together, we invite you to apply. At the Elks, you’ll help members nationwide succeed every day.
Please note, the Elks participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.A. A satisfactory background check is also required.
Equal opportunity employer.
No phone calls, please.