Staff Accountant

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Staff Accountant to help produce timely financial statements and maintain internal controls under the CFO. You will manage ledgers, journals, payroll, accounts payable, and grant tracking while coordinating year‑end closes and audits.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and at least three years of relevant experience, with preference for candidates who are bondable and highly organized.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with a computerized accounting system (preference for Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT).
• Excellent knowledge of Excel and databases; ability to manage multiple ledgers and reports.
• Detail oriented with ability to prioritize and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Maintain general ledgers, journals, payroll records, AP, and contract files for permanent records.
• Prepare monthly reports including expenses, depreciation, journal entries, and grant tracking.
• Coordinate audits of financial statements and ensure GAAP compliance with external accountants.
• Assist in preparing reports for Finance Committee and Board; monitor cash flow and reserves.

Skills

Accounting software

Microsoft Excel

Databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Staff Accountant is responsible for creating timely and accurate financial statements, and monitoring internal financial controls, as well as overseeing maintenance of Phipps’ accounting and financial records.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide for the maintenance of the general ledgers, general journals, payroll records, accounts payable function, cash receipts and maintenance of various contract and document files related to permanent records of Phipps.
• Prepare monthly reports: accrued expenses, insurance prepaid, depreciation, capital worksheets, monthly journal entries, unearned rent, steam heat, interest receivable, capital pledge tracking, reconcile bank statements. Prepare report for shows by spare code.
• Audit all accounts for accuracy and appropriate entries. Manage month-end and year-end close processes.
• Assist in preparing daily, monthly, quarterly and annual reports for Finance Committee, Board and other department heads.
• Coordinate the auditing of financial statements and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles with the Conservatory’s independent public accountants.
• Prepare and file in a timely manner required tax returns, observing all relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
• Monitor total revenues and expenditures on an ongoing basis to ensure effective cash management.
• Maintain existing computer systems chart of accounts, subfunds, project codes,, and update when necessary.
• Responsible for tracking of grants for compliance and recordkeeping.
• Annually: Oversee workers’ compensation audit; close Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT accounting system.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong experience with a computerized accounting system (preference for Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT experience).
• Considerable knowledge of computers, databases and Microsoft Office products, specifically Excel.
• Accurate and detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and work independently.
• Ability to handle confidential material, exercise initiative and display sound judgment.
• Employee must be bondable.
• Must be extremely well-organized.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

• Physical mobility: sitting, standing, walking, lifting/carrying objects up to 30 pounds; manual dexterity to operate keyboard.
• Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing.
• Ability to work under deadlines and stress.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• May require evening and weekend work.
• Will have occasion to work in or pass through any area of the Conservatory or growing houses.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES (Education, Experience and Certification)

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field.
• Three years’ relevant experience.
• Licensed PA driver insurable by the Conservatory.
• Must have a personal vehicle to travel between Conservatory and Garden Center if requested.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.