Nonprofit Staff Accountant - Grants & GAAP Close

Community Action Organization of Western New York; 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

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.