Demo

Staff Accountant

PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA
San Francisco, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 8/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/22/2026

The Staff Accountant is responsible for accounts payable and selected general accounting tasks such as journal entries and account reconciliations. The staff accountant will ensure timely and accurate payment processing of vendor invoices, generate checks on a regular basis, and assist the Finance/Accounting team in all facets of the month end close, as well as PPIC’s annual audit. The Staff Accountant will apply accounting principles and procedures to assist with the reconciliation of a variety of balance sheet (statement of financial position) and income statement (statement of activities) accounts, in addition to special projects, as assigned. This position reports to the Controller and works closely with members of the accounting team, as well as non-finance functions across the institute.

This position is based in the San Francisco office, and hybrid work is possible. 

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable (AP) & Expenses

  • Process vendor invoices, corporate credit card expenses, and staff travel reimbursements, ensuring accurate coding to specific research projects, grants, and departments while securing appropriate approvals
  • Obtain and manage W-9s
  • Process annual IRS 1099-MISC forms
  • Record standard journal entries for monthly expenses, prepayments, and accruals
  • Ensure the accuracy of accounts payable reports, maintain accurate back-up documents and guarantee that all unpaid invoices are processed for an organization

Reconciliations

  • Perform monthly reconciliations of all AP-related accounts.
  • Ensure daily and monthly processes are completed and lead to a timely and accurate month-end close
  • Assist with reconciling other general ledger accounts as needed

Clerical & Audit Support

  • Maintain organized digital financial records and pull requested transactional samples during the annual audit
  • Assist with financial and tax audits, in part by interacting with external auditors to ensure that support and explanations for all requests are provided in a timely manner
  • Keep abreast of regulatory and GAAP requirements

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience

  • Two years of accounting experience, with a track record of success, preferably with non-profit organizations.

Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information appropriately. 
  • Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Technical

  • Experience with enterprise level accounting software, with NetSuite experience a strong plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite with advanced spreadsheet/Excel skills.

Communication

  • Superior listening, written and oral communications skills.

Collaborative Style

  • Adept at building relationships with diverse groups of colleagues across the institute, including working with accounting and nonaccounting functions. Able to effectively manage key internal and external relationships.

Learning Orientation

  • Able to adapt positively to change with an orientation towards continuous improvement. Pursue new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Resourceful

  • Able to take initiative, maintain focus, and work independently to manage multiple deliverables and timelines. A problem-solver who is proactive, motivated, and well-organized with keen attention to detail.

PPIC values the wide variety of backgrounds and experiences of our staff, and key elements in the consideration of qualified candidates include excellence; diversity of talents, backgrounds, and viewpoints; and a strong fit with the institute’s mission, values, and goals. 
 
Application and Compensation Details
 
 
Applications will be considered as they are received, and the position will remain posted until filled. Please tailor your cover letter to highlight how your credentials meet the qualifications listed above. 

The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,600 - $82,000, dependent on experience. In determining an offer level for a candidate, PPIC considers a variety of factors including but not limited to the specific role and associated responsibilities; internal equity; and a candidate’s work experience, education, training, skills and other expertise.  

In addition to the salary, the role offers a generous benefit package, excellent work environment, and an exciting mission that will inspire you daily! The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents. PPIC contributes the equivalent of 9% of the salary towards the retirement plan. The organization provides 14 paid holidays and 28 days of PTO annually (PTO balance increases with tenure), and more!

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement:

PPIC celebrates diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents the backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and skills of California. No matter who you are, we invite you to apply for this role. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.

Salary : $65,600 - $82,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Staff Accountant?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Staff Accountant career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$68,734 - $85,597
Income Estimation: 
$67,182 - $95,497
Income Estimation: 
$85,464 - $107,127
Income Estimation: 
$125,305 - $173,168
Income Estimation: 
$68,734 - $85,597
Income Estimation: 
$67,182 - $95,497
Income Estimation: 
$85,464 - $107,127
Income Estimation: 
$125,305 - $173,168
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA

  • PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE OF CALIFORNIA Sac, CA
  • About the role The Public Policy Institute of California is dedicated to informing and improving public policy in the state through nonpartisan research on... more
  • 14 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Staff Accountant jobs in the San Francisco, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • TradeJobsWorkForce San Francisco, CA
  • Staff Accountant Job Duties: Prepares consolidated internal and external financial statements by gathering and analyzing information from the general ledge... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Luminasadvisors South San Francisco, CA
  • Job Description. Job Description. Join Luminas Advisors as a Staff Accountant. Are you a detail-oriented accounting professional with a passion for accurac... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!