Junior Accountant

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance

401(b) Retirement Plan

Tuition reimbursement program

Three weeks of vacation

Job summary

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County is hiring a Junior Accountant in Watsonville, California. This full-time position involves preparing and reconciling financial data, maintaining accurate records, and supporting financial reporting. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and 3–4 years of relevant experience.

The salary for this position ranges from $66,119 to $71,996 depending on experience, with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field and 3–4 years of accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and hands-on technical accounting skills.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, PivotTables) and spreadsheet design.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reconciliations of bank and GL accounts including month and year end journal entries.
• Record journal entries and maintain the general ledger.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly invoices for specific contracts and grants.

Skills

Understanding of GAAP

Advanced Excel skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

3–4 years of accounting experience

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

Junior Accountant

Annualized Salary: $66,119–$71,996 DOE (Non‑Exempt)

About Us

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County is one of California’s oldest and nation’s second food bank. We provide around 10 million pounds of food annually to over 65,000 people each month through a network of 150 member agencies and programs. Our mission is to support community health by ensuring access to nutritious food for all.

About the Position

The Junior Accountant prepares and reconciles day‑to‑day financial data and maintains accurate records by processing transactions, reconciling accounts, and supporting financial reporting.

Reports To

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Responsibilities

Daily Accounting and Bookkeeping (60%)

• Prepare reconciliations of bank and GL accounts, including month and year end journal entries.
• Record journal entries and maintain the general ledger.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations.
• Review and post AP/AR, payroll entries, and expense allocations.
• Ensure successful completion of weekly Accounts Payable processing, including data entry and ACH payments.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and journal entries to ensure compliance with US GAAP and internal controls.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end close.
• Prepare basic financial reports and schedules.
• Support audits by providing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Interact with multiple software applications to transfer data into the accounting system.
• Post Cash Receipts Logs and verify transactions in the general ledger.
• Reconcile cash deposits, bank, and credit card accounts monthly.
• Perform periodic review of payroll processing.
• Cross‑train and act as Primary Backup for the Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist.

Invoicing and Billables (40%)

• Prepare monthly and quarterly invoices for specific contracts and grants.
• Respond to partners’ inquiries regarding invoice details and make adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain billing and invoicing digital and paper files.
• Monitor program expenditures versus budgets and report issues promptly.
• Allocate costs across funding sources and expense categories.
• Prepare payroll and benefits summaries, and support final invoice packages for funders.
• Manage collections of agency payments and resolve billing issues with Agency Relations.
• Reconcile grants receivable subsidiary ledgers and maintain grant tracking worksheets.
• Coordinate with Development and Programs departments to monitor grant budgets.

Qualifications

Education, Training & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field, and 3–4 years of accounting experience, or a combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of GAAP and hands‑on technical accounting skills.
• Experience documenting accounting processes and best practices.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, PivotTables) and spreadsheet design.
• Competency in accounting software systems; Microsoft Dynamics experience preferred.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to multi‑task and reprioritize projects.
• Effective communication across diverse cultural backgrounds.
• General knowledge of non‑profit governing laws and contractual requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Participate in Food Safety/Food Defense programs.
• Demonstrate ethical business practices, complying with all state and federal laws.
• Commit to serving vulnerable populations and ending hunger in Santa Cruz County.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and compliance procedures.
• Follow federal and state laws on confidentiality, privacy, billing, and documentation.
• Meet physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation:
  
  • Able to hear and communicate with external vendors.
  • Capable of sitting at a desk for extended periods.
  • Read, write, and interpret written reports.
  • Lift or carry up to 15 pounds.
  • Bi‑manual dexterity for computer use.
  • Ability to sit or stand throughout the day.
  • Manipulate office equipment such as desktop computers and filing cabinets.
• Work a flexible schedule when needed to meet community demands.
• Respond to emergencies per state or local declarations as an essential service.

Job Details

This is a full‑time, regular, non‑exempt position with an hourly rate of $31.79–$34.61, depending on education and experience. Hours are typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional weekend or evening work.

Benefits

• Health, Vision, Dental, Life, Long‑Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Employee Assistance Program at 100% employer cost.
• Employer‑subsidized vision and dental for dependents.
• Gold‑rated medical plans with employer coverage 80–90%.
• Supplemental AFLAC plans.
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(b) Retirement Plan with generous employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Pet Insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 paid holidays, and 12 paid sick days.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Second Harvest is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including those with a criminal history. All requirements are subject to reasonable accommodation. This job description does not constitute an employment contract or guarantee of employment. Second Harvest considers qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. Applicants will not need to disclose their criminal history unless a conditional offer is made.