Accounting Associate

Description

SUMMARY

The Accounting Associate provides operational and transactional accounting support to ensure the accurate and timely processing of financial transactions across the organization. This position performs a variety of accounting, disbursement, reconciliation, vendor management, scholarship administration, and customer service functions while supporting the overall effectiveness of the accounting team.

The Accounting Associate serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, helping facilitate daily financial operations, maintain accurate records, and support month-end, year-end, and special project activities.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS:

Follow the principles of the Foundation’s core values:

• •Trust
• •Respect
• •Integrity
• •Commitment

• •Motivated to value-add to the success of the Foundation
• •Effective communicator
• •Collaborative
• •Dependable
• •Detail-oriented
• •Adaptable, receptive to change
• •Teach through example and service
• •Practice professional curiosity and desire to learn
• •Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse constituency
• •Maintain confidentiality
• •Work safely

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cash Disbursement Request (CDR) Processing

• •Process and review Cash Disbursement Requests (CDRs) for completeness and compliance
• •Coordinate approvals and supporting documentation
• •Process payments and monitor disbursement activity, reviewing for compliance with Foundation policy, donor intent, and all applicable laws and regulations
• •Respond to questions regarding payment requests and disbursement status
• •Ensure timely and accurate processing of daily transactions.

Scholarship Administration

• •Coordinate scholarship payment processing and related accounting activities
• •Maintain scholarship records and support documentation
• •Reconcile scholarship transactions and balances
• •Support annual scholarship reporting requirements

Vendor Management & Accounts Payable Support

• •Maintain vendor records and documentation
• •Coordinate vendor onboarding and updates and assist with vendor inquiries
• •Ensure compliance with IRS and organizational requirements
• •Support annual vendor reporting and compliance activities

Reconciliations & Financial Record Maintenance

• •Prepare assigned balance sheet reconciliations
• •Perform accounts payable check reconciliations
• •Research and resolve routine discrepancies
• •Maintain supporting documentation for reconciliations and audits
• •Assist with month-end and year-end accounting activities

Budget & Reporting Support

• •Assist with annual budget preparation activities
• •Distribute monthly budget-to-actual reports
• •Compile and organize financial information for reporting purposes
• •Support routine and ad hoc reporting requests
• •Assist accounting staff with data gathering and report preparation

LLC & Special Entity Accounting Support

• •Maintain accounting records for assigned LLCs and special entities
• •Assist with transaction review and reconciliations
• •Support preparation of financial information related to entity activity
• •Maintain supporting documentation and schedules

Compliance & Annual Reporting

• •Coordinate annual 1099 processing and reporting
• •Process IRS and state tax payment requests
• •Maintain records supporting compliance requirements
• •Assist with regulatory reporting activities as assigned
• •Support annual audit requests and documentation preparation

Customer Service & Accounting Operations

• •Monitor and respond to accounting service requests and Zendesk tickets
• •Serve as a customer service resource for internal and external stakeholders
• •Route inquiries to appropriate accounting staff when necessary
• •Assist with issue resolution and follow-up communication
• •Maintain positive and professional relationships with stakeholders

Project & Administrative Support

• •Participate in accounting projects and process improvement initiatives
• •Support department meetings, training efforts, and documentation updates
• •Cross-train with other accounting team members to provide operational coverage
• •Perform other accounting and administrative duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• •Solid knowledge of accounting principles and financial processes
• •Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• •Excellent organizational and time management skills
• •Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• •Strong customer service and communication skills
• •Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• •Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
• •Ability to learn and effectively utilize accounting and financial systems

Requirements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• •Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• •Minimum two years of relevant experience
• •Experience in nonprofit, higher education, or foundation environments preferred.
• •Experience working with accounting software and financial systems.
• •Experience in providing customer service and operational support.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• •This job is conducted in an office work environment, sitting most of the time
• •Approximately 90% of this position’s duties require use of a computer
• •Must be able to exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally
• •Some travel may be required