What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accounting Specialist position at CHP 11-99 Foundation?
Company Description
The CHP 11-99 Foundation, established in 1982 by philanthropist Bob Weinberg, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting California Highway Patrol (CHP) employees and their families. The name “11-99” is derived from the CHP radio code meaning “officer needs assistance.” The Foundation provides vital aid through emergency financial support, a scholarship program for children of CHP employees, and assistance to families caring for loved ones with injuries or disabilities. To date, the Foundation has provided over $56 million in support to CHP families, including $48 million in scholarships. This mission is supported by generous donors, members, and fundraising initiatives.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Accounting Specialist plays an essential role in supporting the financial operations of a mission-driven nonprofit organization. This position assists with day-to-day accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and donor-related financial tracking. The Accounting Specialist works closely with the Director of Finance to ensure financial data integrity, compliance with nonprofit accounting standards, and timely reporting.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, and passionate about contributing their accounting skills to support the organization’s mission and programs.
QUALIFICATION
- Education:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred (equivalent experience considered).
- Experience:
- 2–4 years of hands-on accounting or bookkeeping experience, ideally within a nonprofit environment.
- Familiarity with fund accounting and donor management systems preferred.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables and VLOOKUPs).
- Experience with Financial Edge NXT and Raiser’s Edge is preferred but not required.
- Strong data entry accuracy and attention to detail.
- Core Competencies:
- High level of organization, reliability, and accountability.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Excellent communication and time management skills.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Accounts Payable (A/P):
- Enter invoices in a timely and accurate manner, preparing necessary backup if needed.
- Process payments via check, ACH, or other methods while maintaining supporting documentation and confidentiallity.
- Maintain accurate vendor files and respond to inquiries promptly.
Accounts Receivable (A/R) and Donations:
- Record and reconcile incoming contributions, grants, and program-related or event revenue.
- Prepare and distribute invoices, receipts, and acknowledgments as appropriate.
- Support donor record management and integration between Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge NXT (FENXT).
- Monitor outstanding receivables and assist with collections follow-up when necessary.
General Accounting Support:
- Assist with journal entries, accruals, and month-end close activities.
- Maintain organized documentation in accordance with audit and grant compliance standards.
- Maintain and monitor changes in Fixed Assets within the FENXT environment, creating journal entries as needed.
- Assist with reports needed for Accounting Firm Preparation of Tax Returns.
- Assist with reports needed for Audit Firm Preparation of Annual Audit.
- Assist with the preparation of 1099s and other required annual and bi-annual filings.
Reporting and Analysis:
- Generate financial and donor reports using Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge NXT for Annual Report, Grant Requests, Philanthropy Department Requests, and others as needed.
- Prepare spreadsheets and analyses in Microsoft Excel to support budgeting grant reporting, and other reports needed or requested.
- Assist with and/or prepare reports needed for Board, Staff and Event Meetings.
- Prepare reports as needed or requested.
Administrative and Cross-Functional Support:
- Communicate effectively with internal departments, program staff, and external partners.
- Support process improvement initiatives and help maintain documentation of accounting procedures.
- Uphold confidentiality and ensure adherence to nonprofit accounting policies and GAAP standards.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Pay - $33 to $36 Per Hour
- Eligible for medical insurance, other insurances, retirement plan, and PTO.
- Opportunities for professional growth within a mission-oriented, collaborative environment.
Salary : $33 - $36