A Day in the Life:

The Accounting Assistant is responsible for supporting the Garden’s accounting team by downloading, uploading, and reconciling accounts payable, accounts receivable, point of sale, credit card data, and recording daily, weekly and monthly banking and accounting activity. In this role, you will interact with a variety of Garden Staff to ensure accurate coding, and provide accounting data. Working under general supervision, this full-time (40 hours per week), mostly on-site, non-exempt position reports to the Director of Finance. Please include both a cover letter and resume with your application.

What You’ll Do:

On an ongoing basis:

• Cash
  • Prepare bank deposits
  • Process checks through remote capture system
  • Reconcile POS activity
  • Manage cash on site
• Accounts Payable
  • Download / upload invoices within several systems and distribute
  • Coordinate and manage accurate processing and payment of accounts payable and data import into the general ledger system.
  • Reconcile payables
• General Accounting
  • Download, manipulate and upload data from various systems into accounting system.
  • Identify discrepancies in ledgers and accounts, tracking them to the source and correcting them.
  • Assist with monthly reconciliation of asset and liability accounts

As needed:

• Payroll
  • Import payroll data into accounting system
  • Reconcile payroll reports
• Accounts and Grants Receivable
  • Assist with uploading data into various contractor systems
  • Assist with invoice preparation, recording activity and maintaining aging reports
• Government Filings
  • Sales tax return
  • 571L
  • Property tax exemption
• Operations and Procedures
  • Document accounting procedures
  • Assist with preparation of reports
  • Recommend improvements in accounting procedures in all departments in order to maintain adequate financial controls (i.e. Shop inventory, public education program, etc.)
  • Records management - filing & storage of Garden documents
  • Support the accounting team with various projects and tasks as needed
  • Collaborate with Director of Finance and other team members to successfully execute various accounting tasks

You Must Be Able To:

• Apply accounting concepts, practices and theories to develop solutions to problems of moderate scope and complexity
• Work well with others and effectively communicate accounting procedures and policies to staff both verbally and in writing
• Multi-task and manage time in a fast-paced environment
• Work independently and as part of a team to further the mission of the organization
• Lift and carry 20 lbs., bend, squat, and walk stairs and the SBBG trails;
• Stand/walk for up to 2 hours at a time, and use a computer or phone for lengthy periods

You Will Definitely Need:

• Proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Office
• Strong computer skills and experience with cloud-based applications
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Skill and knowledge of systems management to ensure smooth operation of various accounting functions to meet the demands of the organization
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field or a minimum of 3 years of related experience, which must include general accounting and monthly closing with a computerized accounting system, account reconciliation, accounts payable
• The ability to work independently and as a team member

It Would Be Nice If You Had:

• Experience with nonprofit fund accounting, accounts receivable, preparation of audit schedules
• Experience with accounting software other than QuickBooks
• Experience tracking activity by project, grant or event
• A desire to learn and grow within the field of accounting

More About Us

The Garden is a beautiful place to work! In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer:

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.