What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at ASCENSION DEPAUL SERVICES?
Job Summary:
The Staff Accountant plays a key role within the Finance/Accounting team, contributing to the organization’s financial health by supporting month-end close processes, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with fiscal responsibilities. This position handles various financial tasks, including accounts payable, payroll processing, grant tracking, and financial reporting. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, reliability, flexibility, initiative, and a commitment to high ethical standards..
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Management & Reporting:
- Enter monthly journal entries into the general ledger and ensure accurate coding.
- Monitor the general ledger to maintain precision and correctness.
- Assist with the preparation of monthly financial statements and complete month-end account reconciliations.
- Conduct variance analysis to compare actual performance against budgeted goals on a monthly basis.
- Support the creation, review, and revision of grant budgets and the organization’s annual budget.
- Collaborate in preparing reports for internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with audit requirements.
- Accounts Payable & Payroll:
- Enter accounts payable invoices and ensure timely, accurate payment processing.
- Assist with third-party payroll processing and support month-end and year-end financial reporting efforts.
- Grant & Expense Tracking:
- Maintain detailed records of grant allocations, expenses, and financial activities to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
- Help manage other finance processes related to department operations and reporting.
- Collaboration & Communication:
- Build and maintain effective communication across departments and organizational levels.
- Nurture the organization’s mission by aligning financial practices with its core values and goals.
- Additional Duties:
- Assist with special projects and other fiscal tasks as assigned by leadership.
- Provide occasional front desk support or reception duties as needed to support the team.
Complexity of Work:
This staff accounting role requires the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously, applying critical thinking and sound judgment to make well-informed decisions. The ideal candidate must demonstrate self-direction, working independently with minimal supervision while ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Success in this position requires adaptability to a dynamic, fast-paced environment, maintaining focus under pressure, and delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines.
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Follow Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
Minimum Qualifications & Skills:
Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial management.
Proficiency with accounting software and general ledger systems.
Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- High level of professionalism and ethical standards.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the organization
Education:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- A minimum of 2 Years previous experience in Fund Accounting and Payroll
- Associates degree necessary, Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Bilingual Preferred. (English/Spanish)
Competencies for Staff Accountant:
- Financial Acumen:
Demonstrates a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and grant management, ensuring precise and accurate financial records. - Customer Focus:
Understands the needs of internal and external stakeholders, providing responsive service and support to all departments while maintaining professionalism and empathy.while maintaining professionalism and empathy.
- Accountability & Ownership:
Takes responsibility for assigned tasks, follows through on commitments, meets deadlines, and ensures accurate financial reporting. - Effective Communication:
Clearly conveys information, financial data, and insights, both in writing and verbally, to individuals at all organizational levels, ensuring transparency and understanding. - Collaboration & Teamwork:
Builds positive working relationships across departments, contributing to a cohesive and supportive work environment. Values diverse perspectives and fosters inclusiveness. - Attention to Detail:
Demonstrates precision and thoroughness in all financial processes, identifying discrepancies and proactively resolving issues to maintain data integrity. - Adaptability & Flexibility:
Embraces change and is open to new ideas, adjusting priorities and approaches as needed in a dynamic work environment. - Ethical Integrity & Trustworthiness:
Acts with honesty and high ethical standards, safeguarding sensitive financial information and promoting trust throughout the organization.
Self-Awareness & Continuous Improvement:
Reflects on performance, seeks feedback, and takes initiative for self-development, staying up-to-date with changes in accounting standards and practices