109 - Staff Accountant

Paycom - ATS; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Organization of WNY Inc. in Buffalo, NY seeks a Staff Accountant to support day-to-day accounting and financial reporting. You will handle journal entries, reconciliations, and grant accounting, ensuring GAAP compliance and timely reporting to leadership.

The role requires a 2-year accounting background, nonprofit experience preferred, and Paycom/Excel proficiency. Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for success in a fast-paced, grant-funded setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration; associate degree with related experience may be considered.
• Two years of progressive accounting experience including GL, reconciliations, payroll processing, and month-end close.
• Experience in nonprofit and/or grant accounting preferred.
• Familiarity with GAAP for not-for-profit organizations, fund accounting, and Uniform Guidance preferred.
• Experience with accounting/ERP software required, Paycom experience; Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and post journal entries, accruals, deferrals, and adjusting entries accurately and on time.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of bank accounts, general ledger accounts, Payroll reconciliation, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
• Experience in Payroll processing
• Support the month-end close process, including preparation of schedules and supporting documentation.
• Banking which includes deposits and ACH transactions.
• Record and post cash receipts, checks, and credit card transactions to the accounting system.
• Review invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports for accuracy, proper coding, documentation, and approval as needed
• Assist with grant accounting, including tracking revenue and expenses by funding source, program, and grant period.
• Prepare and support billing, drawdowns, and financial reports for funders, including Federal Financial Reports (FFR), as assigned.
• Monitor grant budgets against actual expenditures and notify the Accounting Manager of variances, overspending, or unallowable costs.
• Ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and individual grant terms.
• Assist with cost allocation, including allocation of shared and indirect costs across programs and funding sources.
• Maintain the fixed asset and equipment inventory records, including additions, transfers, and disposals.
• Assist with preparation of financial statements, budget-to-actual reports, and other management reports.
• Prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor and monitor requests, including internal, external, and funder audits.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready electronic and paper accounting records in accordance with record retention requirements.
• Follow and recommend improvements to internal controls, accounting procedures, and fiscal policies.
• Serve as a resource to program staff and managers on coding, budgets, and fiscal procedures.
• Document and update accounting procedures and desk manuals.

Skills

Payroll processing

GAAP knowledge

Not-for-profit accounting

Financial reporting

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration

Tools

Paycom

Microsoft Excel

ERP software

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Community Action Organization of WNY Inc - Buffalo, NY, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $55000.00 - $60000.00Salary/year

JOB SUMMARY

The Staff Accountant supports the day-to-day accounting and financial reporting functions of the agency. This position records and reconciles financial transactions, supports grant and program accounting, assists with month‑end close, and helps ensure compliance with GAAP, funder requirements, and agency policies. The role safeguards organizational assets and contributes accurate, timely financial information for program and executive leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepare and post journal entries, accruals, deferrals, and adjusting entries accurately and on time.


• Perform monthly reconciliations of bank accounts, general ledger accounts, Payroll reconciliation, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.


• Experience in Payroll processing


• Support the month‑and year-end close process, including preparation of schedules and supporting documentation.


• Banking which includes deposits and ACH transactions.


• Record and post cash receipts, checks, and credit card transactions to the accounting system.


• Review invoices, purchase orders, and expense reports for accuracy, proper coding, documentation, and approval as needed


• Assist with grant accounting, including tracking revenue and expenses by funding source, program, and grant period.


• Prepare and support billing, drawdowns, and financial reports for funders, including Federal Financial Reports (FFR), as assigned.


• Monitor grant budgets against actual expenditures and notify the Accounting Manager of variances, overspending, or unallowable costs.


• Ensure expenses are allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and individual grant terms.


• Assist with cost allocation, including allocation of shared and indirect costs across programs and funding sources.


• Maintain the fixed asset and equipment inventory records, including additions, transfers, and disposals.


• Assist with preparation of financial statements, budget‑to‑actual reports, and other management reports.


• Prepare audit schedules and respond to auditor and monitor requests, including internal, external, and funder audits.


• Maintain organized, audit‑ready electronic and paper accounting records in accordance with record retention requirements.


• Follow and recommend improvements to internal controls, accounting procedures, and fiscal policies.


• Serve as a resource to program staff and managers on coding, budgets, and fiscal procedures.


• Document and update accounting procedures and desk manuals.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Must present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.


• Satisfactory completion of mandatory training.


• Promote and adhere to the agency's mission, vision, values, policies, and applicable laws in a fair and equitable manner.


• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration from an accredited college or university; an associate’s degree with equivalent related experience may be considered.


• Two (2) years of progressive accounting experience, including general ledger, reconciliations, Payroll processing and month‑end close.


• Experience in nonprofit and/or grant accounting preferred.


• Familiarity with GAAP for not-for-profit organizations, fund accounting, and Uniform Guidance preferred.


• Experience with accounting/ERP software required, Paycom experience; Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, required.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.


• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.


• Working knowledge of accounting principles, chart of accounts, trial balance, and financial statements.


• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.


• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with program staff, vendors, funders, and auditors.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced , grant-funded environment.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams or Zoom.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.


• Must have hand and finger coordination for typing, writing, and using office equipment.


• Must be able to speak and hear to communicate with other staff members.


• Close vision is needed for reading documents and computer screens.


• Must be able to reach and bend, to retrieve files and supplies.


• Ability to lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Application Requirements:

• Physical examination record or pass physical examination by a CAO physician


• Completion of the following documents:
  
  
  
  • CAO Employment application
  
  
  • NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance
  
  
  • Criminal Record Certification and free of criminal convictions of crimes against children (misdemeanor or felony)
  
  
  • Fingerprinting required.
  
  
  • Release for Reference Checks
  
  
  
  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.