Staff Accountant I/II

Job Title: Staff Accountant I/II

Department: Finance
Reports To: Controller
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Colusa, CA

Position Overview

The Staff Accountant (I/II) supports the organization’s financial operations through progressively complex accounting, reporting, reconciliation, and analysis functions. This journey-level role is designed for experienced accounting paraprofessionals—such as Accounting Technicians, AP/AR Clerks, or Payroll Specialists—who are developing into professional accountants within a nonprofit or public-sector environment.

Under the direction of the Controller, the Staff Accountant plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting grant and contract reporting, preparing financial statements, reconciling ledgers, assisting with payroll processes, and conducting fiscal research and analysis across multiple departments and entities.

Both levels are operational and analytical in nature, working primarily behind the scenes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity. Level assignment is based on experience, demonstrated competency, and ability to perform independently.

At this time this role is anticipated to last 90 days, with the potential to be extended another 90 days.

Core Responsibilities (Both Levels)

General Ledger & Financial Accounting

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts across multiple departments and organizational entities.
• Prepare journal entries and support documentation in accordance with GAAP and internal policies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including reconciliations and schedules.
• Identify and help resolve discrepancies in financial records.

Financial Statements & Reporting

• Assist in producing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for management and board review.
• Support development of departmental and program-level financial reports.
• Assist with budget-to-actual tracking and variance analysis.

Grant & Public Funding Support

• Support grant accounting activities, including tracking restricted funds and allowable costs.
• Assist with fiscal components of grant reporting, reimbursement requests, and public agency documentation.
• Maintain organized records to support grant compliance and monitoring.

Payroll & Operational Finance Support

• Assist with payroll processing and payroll-related journal entries using ADP and Paylocity.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, accruals, and labor allocation reviews.
• Coordinate with HR and Finance staff regarding payroll data and reporting.

Fiscal Research & Analysis

• Conduct fiscal research to support budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and program planning.
• Assist with cost allocation analysis and financial modeling under the direction of the Controller.
• Support internal controls, documentation, and process improvements.

Level Distinctions

Staff Accountant I

The Staff Accountant I performs core accounting functions with guidance and review from the Controller. This level focuses on building proficiency in nonprofit accounting, grants, and multi-entity financial operations.

Additional Expectations:

• Perform assigned reconciliations and journal entries with review.
• Support preparation of financial statements and grant reports under supervision.
• Develop familiarity with organizational accounting structures, funding sources, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrate growing independence and accuracy over time.

Typical Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; or any combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the role.
• Typically 2–3 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, AP/AR, payroll, or related financial roles.
• Working knowledge of general ledger accounting and reconciliations.

Staff Accountant II

The Staff Accountant II operates with greater independence and complexity, requiring less routine oversight. This level serves as a key accounting professional supporting the Controller and broader finance function.

Additional Expectations:

• Assist the Controller with analysis, process improvements, and financial research.

Typical Qualifications:

• Same education standard as Staff Accountant I.
• Typically 3–5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Demonstrated experience producing financial statements, supporting grant accounting, and performing ledger reconciliations with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications (Both Levels)

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, public agency, or other grant-funded environment.
• Familiarity with QuickBooks accounting software.
• Experience using ADP and/or Paylocity payroll systems.
• Experience supporting audits or financial reviews in a behind-the-scenes capacity.
• Strong Excel skills, including formulas, reconciliations, and data analysis.

Professional Growth & Advancement

This is a journey-level classification. Advancement from Staff Accountant I to Staff Accountant II is based on demonstrated competency, independence, accuracy, and organizational need, rather than tenure alone. Ongoing mentorship and training are provided by the Controller to support professional growth.