Staff Accountant

Akron Area YMCA in; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Area YMCA is hiring a Staff Accountant (Administrative) to maintain accurate financial records and support the association's accounting operations. The role involves cash receipting, journal entries, reconciliations, and assisting with audits to ensure compliance with GAAP and YMCA policies.

The position works with branch staff across the organization to safeguard assets and provide timely financial information, contributing to responsible stewardship of YMCA resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting preferred; Associate degree in Accounting with relevant accounting experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two years of accounting experience including general ledger, journal entries, and reconciliations.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Experience with nonprofit or fund accounting is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel advanced skills) and accounting software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Process and reconcile cash receipts and record deposits in the general ledger.
• Prepare and post journal entries with supporting documentation.
• Perform monthly bank and general ledger reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor balance sheet accounts (prepaids, accrued liabilities, fixed assets).
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing tasks and schedules.
• Prepare account analyses and financial reports for management decisions.
• Support cash management, deposits, and banking transactions.
• Assist with grant accounting and donor reporting as assigned.
• Support the annual financial audit with schedules and reconciliations.
• Maintain GAAP-compliant accounting records and internal controls.
• Provide backup for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable when needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls.
• Provide accounting support to branches and other departments.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Associate degree in Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Staff Accountant (Administrative)

OSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the Association's financial records by performing a variety of accounting functions, including cash receipting, journal entries, general ledger and bank reconciliations, month-end and year-end closing activities, and assisting with the annual financial audit. This position ensures financial transactions are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), YMCA policies, and established internal controls. The Staff Accountant partners with branch staff and departments across the Association to provide accurate financial information, safeguard organizational assets, and support the responsible stewardship of the YMCA's financial resources.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing and we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Process and reconcile cash receipts, ensuring deposits are accurately recorded in the general ledger.
• Prepare and post journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Perform monthly bank and general ledger account reconciliations, researching and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Monitor assigned balance sheet accounts, including prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, fixed assets, and other assigned accounts.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, including preparing schedules and supporting documentation.
• Prepare account analyses and financial reports to support management decision-making.
• Support cash management activities, including monitoring deposits and banking transactions.
• Assist with grant accounting, restricted funds, and other donor or program reporting as assigned.
• Assist with the annual financial audit by preparing requested schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate accounting records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), nonprofit accounting standards, YMCA policies, and established internal controls.
• Serve as backup for Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, ensuring continuity of operations during staff absences or peak workloads.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and strengthen internal controls.
• Provide accounting support to branch staff and other departments.
• Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:

Upholding the YMCA's commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Functional Expertise - Has functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. Uses best practices, guidelines, and industry standards.
• Fiscal Management - Acts responsibly with the Y's resources, following all budgeting policies and procedures and reporting irregularities immediately.
• Communication & Influence - Interprets messages and body language effectively. Responds to the individual needs of the other person.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making - Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting preferred; Associate degree in Accounting with relevant accounting experience will be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of accounting experience performing duties such as general ledger accounting, journal entries, account reconciliations, or other related accounting functions.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Interest in working in a mission-driven nonprofit organization is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, filtering, sorting, lookups, and data analysis), as well as Word, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and accounting software applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting and/or fund accounting is preferred.
• Experience with enterprise accounting software is preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to communicate verbally, and in writing, to groups and individuals.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to travel to all branch and off-site locations.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to view/enter data accurately for long periods of time.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively over the phone and email.
• Ability to think critically, identify errors, and perform math routinely.