Staff Accountant

Community Associations Institute; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Community Associations Institute is seeking a Staff Accountant to support accurate, timely financial reporting across multiple entities. You will prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements, and assist with audits in a growing finance function.

The role requires a strong foundation in technical accounting, attention to detail, and collaboration across departments and affiliated organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• CPA eligibility or coursework toward a CPA license preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning through education, certifications, and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review general Ledger entries and supporting docs for accurate records.
• Support month, quarter, and year-end close processes including reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Prepare financial statements and supporting schedules for review across multiple entities.
• Produce financial reports for stakeholders ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Assist in audit preparation and act as a liaison to external auditors.
• Support shared-services accounting across accounts payable/receivable, cash processing, and reporting.
• Identify process improvements and help implement standardized procedures for accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain financial documentation and support fiscal oversight with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPA eligibility or CPA coursework

Tools

Excel (Microsoft 365)

Sage Intacct

SharePoint

Job description

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant supports accurate, timely financial reporting across multiple entities by preparing journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements, reports, and audit support materials. This position supports core accounting operations, helps strengthen internal controls and regulatory compliance, and contributes to process improvements within a growing finance function. This role requires a strong foundation in technical accounting, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and affiliated organizations.

The Staff Accountant supports accurate, timely financial reporting across multiple entities by preparing journal entries, reconciliations, financial statements, reports, and audit support materials. This position supports core accounting operations, helps strengthen internal controls and regulatory compliance, and contributes to process improvements within a growing finance function. This role requires a strong foundation in technical accounting, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and affiliated organizations.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Close

• Prepare and review general ledger entries, including journal entries and supporting documentation, to support accurate financial records.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, including account reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Prepare financial statements and supporting schedules, including balance sheets, income statements, and related documentation, for review.
• Produce financial reports for multiple entities and stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Assist in audit preparation and function as a support liaison for external auditors.

Shared Services Operations & Process Excellence

• Support shared-services accounting operations across accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash processing, and reporting by applying standardized procedures and identifying opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and help implement standardized procedures that improve accuracy, consistency, and scalability.

Compliance, Governance & Fiscal Oversight

• Support compliance with financial, regulatory, and reporting requirements across subsidiary organizations.
• Maintain financial documentation and support fiscal oversight procedures in coordination with internal stakeholders, including Chapter Services and Government and Public Affairs.

Strategic Initiatives & Special Projects

• Perform additional responsibilities and other projects as assigned.

Required Background

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and directly related accounting experience may be considered.
• CPA eligibility or coursework toward a CPA license preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning through additional education, certifications, and/or professional development, as applicable.

Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex accounting and financial concepts into clear, understandable language for non-financial audiences.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and recurring operational cycles in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, including experience maintaining SOPs, checklists, reconciliations, logs, and documentation that support internal controls and process consistency.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 Excel and related applications including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and Copilot, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and technologies, including Sage Intacct.
• Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling confidential financial information, organizational data, and other sensitive matters.
• Continuous improvement mindset, with a focus on identifying efficiencies, strengthening controls, and implementing scalable business processes.

Experience:

Minimum of 3 years of progressive accounting experience; nonprofit, association, or multi-entity accounting experience preferred.