Staff Accountant

Mass Audubon; Lincoln (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass Audubon, the leading nature-based conservation org in New England, seeks a Staff Accountant to support day-to-day accounting operations in Lincoln, MA. You will assist with general ledger, month-end close, journal entries and financial reporting in a nonprofit setting.

Responsibilities include reconciling accounts, aiding in audits, processing AP/receivables, and maintaining internal controls. Collaboration with staff and volunteers is essential in this full-time role with a competitive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field; CPA track a plus.
• 2–4 years of accounting experience; nonprofit accounting a plus.
• Solid understanding of GAAP.
• Experience with general ledger accounting and reconciliations.
• Experience with accounting software and financial systems.
• Attention to detail, communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and enter journal entries and monthly close.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of balance sheet and income statement.
• Assist with accounts payable, receivable tracking and invoicing.
• Prepare audit schedules and assist with annual audits.
• Support internal controls and procedures documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and automation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer service

Cultural competence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

CPA track a plus

Tools

General ledger software

Financial systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Staff Accountant

Full-time Regular Professional Lincoln, MA, US

Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org .

About This Position

The Staff Accountant supports the day-to-day accounting operations of Mass Audubon by ensuring financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely. This position assists with accounts payable, account reconciliations, journal entries, month-end close activities, financial reporting, audit, and compliance with organizational policies and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

General Ledger and Month-End Close

• Prepare and enter journal entries in the financial system monthly.
• Perform monthly reconciliations of balance sheet and income statement accounts.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies and variances.
• Support monthly, quarterly and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Maintain supporting schedules and documentation for account balances.

Cash, Investments and Reconciliations

• Record and reconcile cash receipts and deposits.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and resolve outstanding items.
• Reconcile investment activity and prepare related journal entries.
• Assist with accounts receivable tracking and collection efforts.

Accounts Payable and Financial Operations

• Serve as back up to Accounts Receivable Clerk for review and processing of invoices, expense reimbursements and other accounting transactions.
• Ensure transactions are properly coded and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Assist staff with accounting questions, payment inquiries, and financial procedures.
• Support implementation and maintenance of accounting policies and procedures.

Audit, Compliance and Internal Controls

• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation for annual financial statement audits.
• Assist with grant, tax and regulatory reporting requirements
• Support maintenance and documentation of internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accounting standard and applicable regulations.

Process Improvement and Cross Functional Support

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and automation within accounting processes.
• Assist with implementation of new financial systems and process improvements.
• Document accounting procedures and contribute to cross-training efforts.

Other

• Support Financial Operations Manager and Senior Accountant with special projects as needed.
• Provide excellent customer service to Mass Audubon staff, volunteers and members of the public.

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field (CPA track a plus)
• 2-4 years of accounting experience (Non-profit accounting experience a plus)
• Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Account Principles (GAAP)
• Experience with general ledger accounting and account reconciliations
• Experience with accounting software and financial systems
• Excellent attention to detail, communication and customer service skills
• Ability to relate to a diverse group of people, exercising cultural competence and inclusion

Compensation, Benefits and Perks

This position’s pay range is $75,000 to $85,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule

Full time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday

Other Requirements

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.