Senior Accountant

SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity); New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 77,600 - 91,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits plan

Low-cost health, vision, and dental options

Generous holiday schedule and PTO policies

Job summary

SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) is seeking a Senior Accountant in New York, NY. This full-time position involves managing financial records, overseeing reconciliations, and supporting audits. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and 5-7 years of relevant experience.

The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with responsibilities including journal entries, financial reporting, and compliance. SEO provides a competitive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of accounting or finance experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting practices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and record monthly journal entries.
• Support month‑end and year‑end close processes.
• Supervise and support the accountant.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Advanced Excel skills

Nonprofit accounting knowledge

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Sage Intacct

Job description

Title: Senior Accountant

Department: Finance

Report to: Associate Director, Finance

Compensation: $77,600 - $91,400

FLSA: Exempt

Employee Type: Full‑Time, Regular

Location: New York, NY

Work Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 days/week in the SEO office at 55 Exchange Place, New York, NY 10005

About SEO

Founded in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement, SEO closes educational and career opportunity gaps for 7,000 ambitious young people annually.

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant serves as a key member of the Finance team and is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the organization's financial records. This role oversees general ledger reconciliations, bank reconciliations, monthly journal entries, cash flow analysis, intercompany due to/from reporting, and the review of employee reimbursable expenses and corporate credit card activity. The Senior Accountant also supports revenue tracking across multiple funding sources, assists with month‑end and year‑end close processes, and plays a critical role in preparing for and supporting the annual audit.

Accounting Operations (60%)

• Prepare and record monthly journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, banking transactions, and other recurring accounting activities.
• Maintain audit‑ready documentation and supporting schedules to ensure compliance and facilitate annual audit activities.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes, including the preparation of draft financial statements and supporting analyses.
• Prepare, maintain, and reconcile key financial schedules, including pledge and grant receivables, deferred revenue, investments, balance sheet accounts, and trial balance activity.
• Conduct account reconciliations, investigate reconciling items, and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Reconcile and monitor banking activity, internal transfers, vendor accounts, corporate card transactions, employee expenses, and related accounting system activity.
• Reconcile revenue activity between Salesforce and Sage Intacct, research variances, and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare location‑based reconciliations and other recurring financial reports and analyses.
• Serve as backup support for expense management and related accounting system integrations.
• Perform other accounting and finance‑related duties as assigned.

Supervision & Oversight (20%)

• Supervise and provide ongoing support, coaching, and performance management to the accountant.
• Review and oversee the organization's fixed asset schedule, including asset additions, disposals, and depreciation calculations.
• Review and approve biweekly payroll‑related journal entries, general ledger postings, reconciliations, and other payroll accounting activities.

Auditing & Reporting (20%)

• Support all activities related to the organization’s annual financial audit and other Q/A processes as assigned, including:
• Prepare receivable year‑end schedules, including PV discount and bad debt analysis.
• Release of restricted assets and grant tagging.
• Pulling up backups for journal entries and expense.
• Running scheduled and ad‑hoc G/L reports.
• Cash projections and forecasting.
• Supporting Finance file management in Box.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 5‑7 years of accounting or finance experience, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills including the use of formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting systems and financial management software preferred.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting practices.

Competencies & Skills

• Working knowledge of nonprofit accounting systems and financial management software.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting, audited financial statements, and management reporting.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions based on accurate and timely analysis.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders across various communication channels.
• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and implement effective, results‑oriented solutions.
• Collaborative and service‑oriented approach to working with internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, discretion, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrated accountability, dependability, and ownership of individual and organizational goals.
• Commitment to SEO’s mission and a genuine passion for supporting young people from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities in achieving their academic and career aspirations.

Compensation & Benefits

SEO offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plan including low‑cost health, vision, and dental options, a generous holiday schedule and PTO policies, disability coverage, fully paid time off for new parents, and employer contributions to health reimbursement and retirement accounts. We are constantly working to improve our benefits each year based on the needs of our employees. We value wellness and strive to put people first and foremost.

The compensation listed in this posting reflects what SEO believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and SEO reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time.

EEOC Policy

At SEO we are committed to cultivating a team that embodies the backgrounds and experiences of the constituencies we serve and the communities we live in, and a workplace that reflects the impact we make in the world. Candidates from all communities – including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ Community, veterans, and people with disabilities – are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sponsors for Educational Opportunity is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/D/V. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics, or any other legally protected status.

If you need accommodation while applying for a role with SEO, due to a disability, please email SEO Talent.

The Organization

Established in 1963 by Michael Osheowitz, SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) is an educational non‑profit founded on the belief that talent is everywhere; but opportunity is not. Our programs are designed to educate, train, mentor, and amplify the voices of our participants to give them a seat at the table – every table. We propel human potential.

SEO is an innovator in education, mentorship, and creating educational career opportunities that maximize the full potential of our participants. Each year SEO serves 7,000+ participants nationally, and the organization is widely recognized for developing best‑in‑class programs with exceptional results.

Not every SEO participant is on the same journey, but all are hungry for opportunity and SEO creates an ecosystem of excellence. Learn more about SEO’s programs here: https://www.seo-usa.org/our-programs/.