Accounting Specialist (7417)

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision

Telehealth

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employer paid life insurance

13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday

403(b) Retirement plan with employer 3

Job summary

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking an Accounting Specialist to provide direct financial client services for all clients. The role focuses on maintaining client asset records, processing guardianship accounts, and coordinating with case managers on benefit eligibility.

The position requires a High School Diploma and at least two years’ experience in banking or bookkeeping, with strong Excel and communication skills. This is an on-site Florida role with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree not required; High School Diploma required.
• Minimum two years’ experience in banking or bookkeeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, problem-solving and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reports detailing client asset holdings (IRAs, insurances, real estate, annuities and other assets) for Program Manager and staff.
• Prepare forms to open guardianship accounts, QITs and burial accounts.
• Coordinate with Client Accounting Manager on registration and management of client brokerage accounts and assets.
• Review and process payment of client invoices; log time for billing systems and maintain case notes.
• Coordinate with case managers for eligibility for benefits (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc.).
• Back up daily bank deposits for wards’ funds and reconcile statements.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Excel

Communication

Organization

Time management

Self-starter

Creativity

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is seeking a talented Accounting Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

The Accounting Specialist will provide direct financial client services for all clients of the program.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare reports detailing client asset holdings including but not limited to IRA’s, insurances, real estate, annuities, and all other assets to Program Manager, Client Accounting staff and local program staff for use in client related activities, reports to court and auditors review.
• Prepare forms/applications to open new guardianship accounts, QIT’s, burial accounts etc.
• Coordinate with the Client Accounting Manager for the registration of and management of client brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, life insurance etc.
• Advocacy on behalf of all clients
• Establish and maintain community relationships with attorneys, appraisers, realtors, auto personnel, insurance providers and other vendors on behalf of the agency and our clients.
• Maintain positive working relationships with the community and other LSF staff
• Represents the agency with involvement on local committees, groups and organizations with an interest in guardianship
• Assist in the screening of referrals with CM Supervisor and Program Director
• Review and process payment of client invoices.
• Back up for the Preparation of daily bank deposits for wards’ funds, reconcile statements of transactions, prepare and maintain clients’ monthly income report
• Log and record all time for entry into the client billing system and proper case notes to file
• Coordinate with case managers for first time applications and ongoing eligibility for benefit programs, including but not limited to: Medicare, Medicare D, Social Security, Veteran’s Benefits, Social Security Benefits, Waiver Programs, and Medicaid
• Prepare, monitor and maintain a listing of client real estate, taxes, listing and insurance status
• Marshaling, investigation and tracking of all liquid assets including but not limited to bank accounts, securities, etc. on behalf of new clients
• Marshaling of real estate, autos, jewelry, artwork, tangible personal property, obtain appraisal, coordinate with Director, Attorney and court for management, sale of same
• Coordination of lawn, pool, repair work, auto repairs and ongoing insurance for client assets etc.
• Prepare necessary paperwork to redirect all client income, initiate direct deposits of same, complete client representative payee reports
• Maintain recurring pay record for clients
• Preparation of Initial Inventories, assist as needed with Annual and Final Accountings to be filed with the court
• Perform periodic asset reviews, prepare statistics for audits, program staff, client accounting, and attorneys, and others as required; audit and compile client assets, income, and payables reports
• Monitor and maintain listing of client’s belongings in storage unit, safe or other storage area
• Participates in in-service training sessions and attends all mandatory training sessions

Other Functions:

• Document all client related activity.
• Maintain an accurate account of activities in the client logs and case notes for each ward.
• Assist in answering the phones when it’s needed.
• Handle all assets and financial affairs of each ward under the prudent person rule, with the primary objective being to protect and preserve the wards assets.
• Any other duties as assigned by the program administrator.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to sit and work at a desk/computer for long periods of time.
• Able to handle high stress situations.
• Light lifting and bending will be required.
• This position may be subject to unsanitary homes, physical exertion and possible physical or verbal abuse from clients.
• There may be a need to lift some heavy items at times.
• Work is performed with limited supervision.
• This position is entrusted and required to communicate confidential and/or sensitive information outside the Agency.
• Work is performed on a highly independent basis.
• Must work well independently, as well as get along well with all other staff and outside contacts.

Education:

High School Diploma required.

Experience:

Minimum two years’ experience in banking or bookkeeping.

Skills:

• Bookkeeping/accounting, excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, problem-solving and, time management skills.
• Able to follow written and verbal instructions, proficient with general office machines.
• Proficiency in excel spreadsheets.
• This individual must be a self starter and require minimum supervision with a pleasant, friendly demeanor.
• Must possess creativity in order to determine more timesaving methods in the further development of existing organizational operations.
• This individual must meet any requirements by law or local court ruling.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Administrative support to Program Manager
• Team player with co-workers.
• Organized, complete and accurate program files.
• Professionalism in all LSF matters.
• Adherence to LSF personnel and procedures.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.