Accounting Specialist: Accounts Payables

The Accounting Specialist: Accounts Payable plays a key role in supporting a growing finance and accounting team within a mission-driven nonprofit organization. This position is responsible for managing the full accounts payable process, including vendor payments, expense tracking, and reimbursements, while ensuring accurate allocation of costs across grants, contracts, and programs.

As part of a rebuilding and strengthening finance department, this role works closely with the Controller and other accounting staff to support month-end close, audit readiness, and strong internal controls. This is a full-time, onsite position in our Mariposa office and offers an opportunity to contribute to a collaborative team environment while helping build efficient, reliable financial operations that support the organization’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable & Expense Processing

• Oversee full accounts payable processing, including data entry, payment processing, and tracking of invoices for grants, contracts, and operating expenses
• Reconcile vendor accounts, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely payment of all agency bills, including utilities, communications, and credit cards
• Assist with processing staff reimbursements, including direct deposit payments, as needed
• Maintain accurate and organized accounts payable records to support audits and financial reporting

Grants, Allocations & Compliance

• Track program and department expenses and follow up with program staff to ensure receipts, invoices, and documentation are complete and accurate
• Review expense allocations to ensure proper recording across grants, contracts, and operating budgets
• Assist the Controller in monitoring indirect costs and allocation percentages for grant- and contract-funded programs
• Support compliance documentation for grant-funded expenses

Reporting, Close & Financial Support

• Prepare recurring and ad hoc accounts payable reports for management and the Controller
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including assigned journal entries and reconciliations related to accounts payable
• Assist with basic cash flow tracking and financial analysis related to payables
• Support the Controller with audit schedules and documentation

Team & Organizational Support

• Oversee petty cash reconciliation and assist programs with replenishment
• Learn key duties of other finance team positions to provide backup coverage as needed
• May provide backup support answering phones and greeting visitors
• Perform other related bookkeeping or finance tasks as assigned
  

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in accounts payable, bookkeeping, or accounting
• Experience in grant-funded nonprofit finance strongly preferred

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general accounting tools
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and grant-funded expense tracking
• Understanding of basic GAAP concepts related to accounts payable, vendor reconciliations, and accurate expense recording
• Experience with Araize Financial System preferred

Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately process and reconcile vendor invoices and payments
• Ability to track expenses and follow up for required documentation
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to maintain audit-ready records
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a small team
• Willingness to learn other finance functions to support team coverage
• Strong communication skills and ability to maintain confidentiality

Why Join Our Team?

• Be part of a growing and rebuilding finance and accounting department with the opportunity to help strengthen systems, processes, and internal controls
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment with meaningful community impact
• The benefits package includes generous vacation and sick leave, health, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement account with monthly employer stipend, and additional employee support programs—making the total compensation package competitive and supportive of employee well-being
• Working Monday–Friday onsite at our headquarters in Mariposa, California, supporting mission-driven work in a collaborative office environment rooted in community and rural quality of life
• Salary range posted; actual salary will be commensurate with experience and internal equity
• This position includes a 90-day probationary period