What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at YMCA?
The Staff Accountant, reporting directly to the Controller, is responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of the organization. This position performs ongoing accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, assists with month-end close activities, and provides accounting support during key financial periods including the annual audit and budget preparations process. The Staff Accountant is also responsible for cash reconciliations and bank deposits for all YMCA of Montclair locations, while maintaining effective relationships with designated vendors and ensuring accurate and timely financial recordkeeping
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in accounting, finance or related field.
- 2 - 5 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience.
- Detail oriented with strong analytical, organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Aptitude for navigating accounting systems to support month‑end close and day‑to‑day accounting activities.
- Open to change and willing to learn new skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.
- Onsite 4 days/week, 1 day remote from home (non-negotiable).
Accounts Payable and Cash Disbursements
- Process vendor invoices, check requests, credit card charges and employee reimbursements.
- Ensure proper general ledger coding, approvals and documentation as well as timely payment.
- Record all ACH and bank charges into the accounting system.
- Maintain vendor files including 1099 information, ACH instructions, tax-exempt forms and certificates of insurance.
- Review and monitor purchase orders and ensure proper reconciliation with invoices.
- Receive, research, and resolve internal and external inquiries concerning payable account status. Communicate the resolutions of discrepancies to appropriate people.
Accounts Receivable and Cash Management
- Import daily entries from point-of-sale system.
- Enter third-party payments into the point-of-sale system on a timely basis.
- Verify and reconcile end of shift cash receipts data from the point-of-sale system.
- Input contribution and miscellaneous cash and check receipts into the accounting system.
- Monitor bank activity and report electronic contribution deposits to Development on a weekly basis.
- Prepare weekly bank deposits.
Office Management and Purchasing Support
- Interface directly with key office services and supplies vendors for each YMCA of Montclair location.
Month-End Close and Financial Reporting
- Assist with monthly and year-end close processes.
- Prepare and review AP aging report.
- Prepare journal entries.
- Perform bank and credit card reconciliations
Audit and Compliance Support
- Support annual audit by preparing schedules and documentation.
- Assist with grant and donor compliance tracking as needed.
Budget and Planning Support
- Assist in budget uploads and system entry.
- Support data collection and preparation for budgeting cycles.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to support the organization.
- Provide cross-coverage for Finance team during absences.
- Assist Controller and CFO with other tasks and projects as assigned.
- Work collaboratively with HR, Development and Operations teams to move the mission forward.
- Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
- Follow employee and volunteer screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk. Provide employees and volunteers with ongoing supervision and training related to abuse risk.
- Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with consumers and require them to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
- Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using the Y’s disciplinary procedures and respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors and follow mandated reporting requirements.
- Communicate to all employees and volunteers the Y’s commitment to protect our members from abuse.
- Communication & Influence
- Philanthropy
- Program/Project Management
- Volunteerism
Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.