ACCOUNTANT

Description

The Accountant, under the supervision of the Director of Finance, is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and legal compliance of financial records to support informed business decision-making. Major responsibilities include allocating expenses, reconciling accounts and preparing reports for management and funding sources. The employee performs a full range of accounting assignments and must exercise some degree of independent judgment and initiative when making decisions where alternatives are determined by established policies and procedures. 

Requirements

FISCAL OPERATIONS

• Integrate and coordinate the assigned duties of the accounting cycle (A/P, A/R, journal entries, payroll, etc.) with other agency staff resulting in timely and accurate financial reports.
• Preparation of information for the computerized general ledger system involves obtaining and analyzing necessary data, maintaining subsidiary ledgers and reconciliations, preparing reports and budgets, and managing backup information.
• Obtain and analyze required information.
• Develop and coordinate work procedures to attain the desired results applying generally accepted accounting principles and agency practices. 
• Review transactions for changes, accuracy and corrections and/or brings errors to the attention of the Finance Director.
• Verify accuracy of payroll labor distribution, as needed.
• Review invoices, code accounts, and process accounts payable.
• Prepare journal entries, maintain general ledger and reconcile asset and liability accounts.
• Prepare and maintain all documentation necessary for accounting transactions and reports.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports required by funding sources, management, and the Board of Directors.
• Assist with the billing process, including backup information, for inter-department transactions and third-party receivables.
• Assist in financial and compliance audit and monitoring visits.
• Audits, verifies, and processes employee expense claims reviewing rules for employee compliance.
• Assist in preparing budgets/budget modifications for programs and funding proposals. 
• Exercise initiative, discretion and independent judgment in accomplishing assigned duties.
• Complete related work as assigned within the scope of responsibility and skill required for the job.
• Monitor assigned grants and contracts.
• Keep informed about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Files and/or removes records and reports.
• Operates standard office equipment.
• Performs other duties as directed.
• Subbing in classrooms as needed.
• Follow all conduct and safety policies and procedures to ensure the children’s safety at all times. 

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned to the position.

SKILLS:

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret documents such as policy and procedure manuals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations and concepts.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management staff, board of directors or funding sources.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to translate numbers into required reports.
• Ability to understand and implement budget and comprehensive financial reports.
• Keen understanding of non-profit accounting procedures and cost allocation.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to visualize end results of a single multi-faceted project, develop procedures to attain results within broad guidelines, apply policies and practices to resolve problems independently, and detect cases for referrals. 
• Ability to use analysis and judgment in the adaptation and interpretation of established practices and procedures to meet problems and situations within a defined role. 
• Ability to assess complex participant needs and concerns and to work with staff to develop and implement service delivery strategies.
• Ability to prioritize within an environment that includes multiple and competing deadlines. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated budgeting and analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced and demanding work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records/information.
• Ability to gather and analyze data and write reports.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written and oral directions.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Excel and computerized computer systems.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Must be familiar with accounting practices from source documentation through audit.
• Must demonstrate good professional judgment, reliability and an ethical practice record.
• Must be highly accurate and detail oriented.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

College degree in accounting or a related field and at least one year work experience in full cycle accounting, preferably non-profit; or

Associate degree in accounting and at least four years’ experience in full cycle accounting, preferably non-profit.

A minimally qualified applicant must have experience with:

• Administering federal funding and/or grant programs.
• Analyzing and synthesizing federal grant guidelines.
• Managing budgets and/or accounting experience.
• Communicating and collaborating with internal and external partners.
• Providing technical assistance and/or training.

Employees must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be able to obtain CPR and First Aid certificates.

Ability to always maintain confidentiality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

College degree in accounting and at least four years work experience in full cycle accounting, preferably non-profit.

It is desirable for the employee to be fluent in English and Spanish.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

Employees must be able to always demonstrate that they are physically able to meet the requirements of their job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle and touch.
• The employee is frequently required to stand and sit for extended periods of time.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; talk and hear; and reach above shoulders.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  
• Specific vision requirements of this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.