Accountant

 The Accounting Specialist is an integral part is an essential member of the Finance Team. Works in a fast-paced environment, must be able to accept a structured work environment, meet deadlines and work well under pressure. The Accounting Specialist assists the VP-Finance with transactional and routine bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities including verifying, reviewing and reconciling bills and posting and documenting financial transactions.  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

• Manage and execute the full monthly close process for AAWDC, ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately and financial records are complete by established deadlines. 
• Prepare and/or review monthly balance sheet reconciliations, including bank accounts, credit cards, prepaid expenses, accruals, payroll liabilities, and other key accounts. Research and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner. 
• Analyze monthly financial results compared to budget and prior year, identify significant variances, and provide clear explanations to the Director of Finance and leadership team. 
• Ensure timely and accurate entry of all financial data to support the preparation and delivery of monthly financial statements to the VP of Finance by the 10th of the following month. 
• Maintain the general ledger in an accurate, complete, and up-to-date manner, ensuring proper coding of transactions in accordance with organizational policies, grant requirements, and accounting standards. 
• Oversee the full accounts payable process, including: 
• Reviewing invoices for accuracy and appropriate approval 
• Coding expenses to correct general ledger accounts and funding sources 
• Entering invoices into the accounting system 
• Processing payments (check, ACH, or electronic transfer) 
• Resolving vendor discrepancies 
• Match check payments to supporting invoices and ensure payments are mailed or transmitted to the correct remittance address. 
• Manage accounts receivable functions, including invoicing, monitoring receivables, recording deposits, following up on outstanding balances, and ensuring proper revenue recognition, particularly for grants and program funding. 
• Receive and post payments accurately; investigate and resolve discrepancies, unapplied cash, or short payments promptly. 
• Prepare bank deposits and record all deposits accurately in QuickBooks and/or Sage Intacct, maintaining supporting documentation for audit purposes.   
• Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations, ensuring all transactions are recorded and reconciling items are cleared in a timely manner. 
• Maintain organized, audit-ready financial records and supporting documentation using a structured filing system, ensuring compliance with grant and regulatory requirements. 
• Keep the chart of accounts, vendor records, and customer/grantor lists accurate and current. 
• Assist with preparation of the annual budget and periodic financial forecasts by compiling financial data and supporting schedules. 
• Support annual audits and grant reporting requirements by preparing requested documentation and reconciliations. 
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting procedures, internal controls and transactional processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy. 
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the VP of Finance. 

  Education and Experience Requirements:

• Minimum associate degree, in accounting or related discipline, with or equivalent work-related experience.  Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred. 
• Required work experience: minimum - 3 yrs. experience as a Bookkeeper. 
• Proficiency in QuickBooks, Sage Intacct or similar accounting software. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all levels of an organization. 
• Comfortable with technology and can learn proprietary systems for data entry and reporting. 
• Ability to prioritize work, track deadlines, and report obstacles in a timely manner. 
• Knowledge of accounting principles, recordkeeping, document management with strong analytical and organizational skills. 
• Attention to detail and thorough investigative skills. 
• Proactive approach to problem solving and takes initiative to implement needed corrections. 
• Perform multi-tasks in an environment where priorities can change rapidly. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Competencies and Attributes: 

• Work Quality: Demonstrates a strong commitment to producing high-quality deliverables. Pays close attention to detail and accuracy, meets deadlines, seeks opportunities to improve work processes, and proactively addresses issues that could affect quality. 
• Problem Solving: Actively looks for opportunities to develop solutions. Breaks down problems into manageable components, simplifies complex issues, and identifies and understands root causes. 
• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to changing work needs, priorities, or environments. Maintains an open, flexible, and solution-oriented mindset when circumstances shift. 
• Initiative: Takes action without waiting to be prompted. Proactively addresses needs or challenges and goes above and beyond standard responsibilities to drive results. 
• Job Knowledge: Understands job duties and responsibilities thoroughly. Possesses and maintains the necessary technical skills and knowledge to meet performance expectations. 
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly and effectively in various formats—including writing, speaking, reading, and active listening. Works collaboratively within and across teams, keeps others informed and contributes to shared goals. 

Work Environment and Physical Requirements 

• General office environment with a hybrid work environment with in-office and virtual meetings as needed. 
• This position follows a 35-hour work week. 
• This position requires movement within the office to access files, office machinery, supplies etc.