Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant (Nonprofit)

The Staff Accountant is responsible for the primary day-to-day accounting operations for The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester (The CAC), reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance and Administration. This position has full ownership of accounts payable, cash management, and general ledger maintenance, and provides support for month-end close processes and accounts receivable tasks. The Staff Accountant ensures the integrity of the organization's financial data, maintains accounting systems and controls, and produces timely and accurate financial information for leadership and board reporting.

Individual subscribes to and promotes The CAC’s mission, vision, and values. Functions as an active team member to achieve agency and department goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position does not have primary responsibility for payroll processing; however, cross-training to provide occasional backup support may be requested.

Accounts Payable & Disbursements:

• Process vendor invoices and payment requests; issue checks and electronic payments
• Maintain accounts payable records, files, and aging schedules
• Maintain vendor W-9 files and prepare annual 1099 filings
• Monitor, process, and record credit card transactions

General Ledger & Financial Systems Management:

• Ensure proper classification of transactions according to the chart of accounts
• Perform monthly general ledger account reconciliations (including any payroll-related allocations)
• Support month-end close and prepare recurring financial reports for management and board review
• Prepare audit schedules and maintain documentation to support audit trails and financial statement assertions

Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Support grant financial reporting requirements as directed by VP of Finance and Administration
• Represent Finance department at special events as requested by Development

Accounts Receivable & Cash Management:

Provide backup support for Accounts Receivable tasks, when needed:

• Process daily mail and deposits; provide deposit details to Development
• Review bank activity daily and record electronic and deposit receipts
• Prepare invoices, follow up on past-due accounts, and review aging with Development and Finance leadership
• Monitor and reconcile all cash and investment accounts monthly

Strategic Support to VP of Finance and Administration:

• Provide accurate and timely financial data to support budget development and forecasting
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and internal controls
• Communicate proactively about financial issues, variances, or concerns
• Respond to ad hoc financial analysis requests
• Other finance tasks as assigned

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate proficiency in meeting competencies required for the position. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• Minimum three to five (3 - 5) years of progressive accounting experience, including full-cycle accounting responsibilities
• Not-for-profit accounting experience strongly preferred
• Experience with month-end close, financial statement preparation, and fund accounting preferred
• CPA or progress toward CPA a plus

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Solid understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles
• Proficiency with accounting software systems (FundEZ a plus) and general ledger management
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort with web-based applications and online technology
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and strong analytical/problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of accounting functions
• Ability to maintain highly confidential information with discretion
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; collaborative and able to work cross-functionally
• Respect for diversity and commitment to providing culturally competent and inclusive services
• Ability to conduct research and learn new systems efficiently

Agency Expectations of All Employees:

• Adhere to agency Policies and Procedures including dress code
• Maintain a professional, positive, and respectful attitude; support teamwork across departments
• Meet department productivity standards
• General housekeeping – maintaining a clean and efficient work area free of debris and clutter
• Report to work on time, prepared, and regularly attend required meetings
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and lift 10 lbs. occasionally

Key skills/competency

• Staff Accountant
• Nonprofit Accounting
• Accounts Payable
• General Ledger
• Month-End Close
• GAAP
• Financial Reporting
• Cash Management
• Audit Schedules
• Microsoft Excel