What are the responsibilities and job description for the STAFF ACCOUNTANT position at Bergens Promise Inc?
Description
The Staff Accountant plays a central role in the accounting and finance operations of the organization, owning a broad range of general ledger, reconciliation, and financial reporting functions with a high degree of independence. Reporting to the Controller, this position is responsible for monthly close activities, account reconciliations, and the preparation of accurate, GAAP-compliant financial information. The ideal candidate brings 2 to 5 years of progressive accounting experience, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing deadlines with minimal oversight, while continuing to develop toward more senior accounting responsibilities within a mission-driven, non-profit environment. All Bergen's Promise employees are responsible for embracing and supporting the agency's mission to enhance the well-being of youth and their families, and for adhering to the agency's philosophy, values, and code of conduct, consistent with the Children's System of Care guiding principles.
Requirements
General Ledger & Account Reconciliations - Perform and review monthly general ledger, bank, and cash account reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies independently and escalating complex issues as needed.
Journal Entries & Month-End Close - Prepare and post journal entries and lead key components of the monthly close process, ensuring the books close accurately and on schedule.
Payroll Support - Process payroll-related journal entries and reconcile payroll accounts in coordination with HR and Payroll.
Revenue Recognition & Deferred Revenue - Responsible for revenue recognition for fee-for-service activity in compliance with GAAP and maintain and track related deferred revenue schedules. Assist with revenue recognition for fee-for-service, grant, and other funding sources in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
Budget & Variance Analysis - Track budget modifications and prepare variance explanations between budget and forecast for management review. Assist with annual budget preparation, budget modifications, financial forecasting, and variance analysis for management review.
Financial Statement Preparation & Reporting - Assist in preparing monthly and annual financial statements, supporting schedules, and key financial ratio analyses as directed by the Controller/CFO.
Audit Support - Coordinate with external auditors and gather supporting documentation for the annual financial statement, retirement plan, and related audits. Prepare audit schedules, respond to auditor requests. Assist with preparation of Form 990 supporting documentation.
Internal Controls - Maintain and help strengthen internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent control deficiencies.
Accounting Systems & Professional Knowledge - Partner with software vendors to maintain and recommend enhancements to accounting systems and stay current on accounting standards and best practices.
Confidentiality & Compliance - Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive financial information and follow all documented policies, procedures, and work instructions.
Ad-Hoc & Project Support - Support utilization reviews, special projects, and other finance-related initiatives as assigned by the Controller/CFO.
Grant Accounting & Compliance - Assist with tracking grant expenditures, preparing financial reports, maintaining grant documentation, and ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
EDUCATION | EXPERIENCE | SPECIAL SKILLS
- Bachelor's degree in accounting.
- Experience with month-end close, financial statement prep, and basic payroll knowledge.
- 2 to 5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience including hands-on responsibility for reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close.
- Proficiency with accounting software QuickBooks, and strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel. Advanced Excel (PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIFS), Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, Outlook
- Strong working knowledge of general financial accounting functions, with the judgment to apply them independently. Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and at all levels of the organization.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to research and resolve general ledger issues with limited supervision.
- High attention to detail and excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Self-directed critical thinker capable of working independently while exercising sound professional judgment.
- Professional experience handling confidential and sensitive financial information.
- Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles.
- Understanding of fund accounting.
MEASURABLE DELIVERABLES
Ensure month-end close tasks are completed on a timely basis and provide support and guidance to team members.
Resolve open issues.
Respond to 100% of inquiries from internal management or external vendors within 2 business days.
Investigate and resolve 95% of purchase, contract, invoice, or payment discrepancies within 7 business days of identification.
Complete ad-hod projects as assigned by management.
Meet all annually established performance benchmarks.
Complete assigned month-end close tasks within established close calendar deadlines.
Maintain account reconciliations with no material unreconciled balances.
Prepare journal entries with a high level of accuracy and minimal corrections.
Respond to internal requests within two business days.
Assist with successful completion of annual audits with no material findings related to assigned responsibilities.