Staff Accountant

Public Policy Institute of California; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Public Policy Institute of California is seeking a Staff Accountant to manage accounts payable, journal entries, and reconciliations. The role supports the Finance/Accounting team through month-end close and annual audits, with a focus on accurate vendor payment processing and project-cost coding.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance and at least two years of accounting experience are preferred, especially in nonprofit settings. Hybrid work in San Francisco is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Two years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information and apply GAAP.

Responsibilities

• Process vendor invoices, corporate card expenses, and staff travel reimbursements with appropriate approvals.
• Perform monthly reconciliations and assist with month-end close and annual audit.
• Maintain organized financial records and support external auditors during audits.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

NetSuite experience

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Staff Accountant is responsible for accounts payable and selected general accounting tasks such as journal entries and account reconciliations. The staff accountant will ensure timely and accurate payment processing of vendor invoices, generate checks on a regular basis, and assist the Finance/Accounting team in all facets of the month end close, as well as PPIC’s annual audit.

The Staff Accountant will apply accounting principles and procedures to assist with the reconciliation of a variety of balance sheet (statement of financial position) and income statement (statement of activities) accounts, in addition to special projects, as assigned. This position reports to the Controller and works closely with members of the accounting team, as well as non-finance functions across the institute.

This position is based in the San Francisco office, and hybrid work is possible.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable (AP) & Expenses

• Process vendor invoices, corporate credit card expenses, and staff travel reimbursements, ensuring accurate coding to specific research projects, grants, and departments while securing appropriate approvals
• Obtain and manage W-9s
• Process annual IRS 1099-MISC forms
• Record standard journal entries for monthly expenses, prepayments, and accruals
• Ensure the accuracy of accounts payable reports, maintain accurate back-up documents and guarantee that all unpaid invoices are processed for an organization

Reconciliations

• Perform monthly reconciliations of all AP-related accounts.
• Ensure daily and monthly processes are completed and lead to a timely and accurate month-end close
• Assist with reconciling other general ledger accounts as needed

Clerical & Audit Support

• Maintain organized digital financial records and pull requested transactional samples during the annual audit
• Assist with financial and tax audits, in part by interacting with external auditors to ensure that support and explanations for all requests are provided in a timely manner
• Keep abreast of regulatory and GAAP requirements

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Two years of accounting experience, with a track record of success, preferably with non-profit organizations.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Technical

• Experience with enterprise level accounting software, with NetSuite experience a strong plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite with advanced spreadsheet/Excel skills.

Communication

• Superior listening, written and oral communications skills.
• Adept at building relationships with diverse groups of colleagues across the institute, including working with accounting and nonaccounting functions. Able to effectively manage key internal and external relationships.

Learning Orientation

• Able to adapt positively to change with an orientation towards continuous improvement. Pursue new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Resourceful

• Able to take initiative, maintain focus, and work independently to manage multiple deliverables and timelines. A problem-solver who is proactive, motivated, and well-organized with keen attention to detail.

PPIC values the wide variety of backgrounds and experiences of our staff, and key elements in the consideration of qualified candidates include excellence; diversity of talents, backgrounds, and viewpoints; and a strong fit with the institute’s mission, values, and goals.

Application and Compensation Details

Applications will be considered as they are received, and the position will remain posted until filled. Please tailor your cover letter to highlight how your credentials meet the qualifications listed above.

The budgeted salary range for this position is $65,600 - $82,000, dependent on experience. In determining an offer level for a candidate, PPIC considers a variety of factors including but not limited to the specific role and associated responsibilities; internal equity; and a candidate’s work experience, education, training, skills and other expertise.

In addition to the salary, the role offers a generous benefit package, excellent work environment, and an exciting mission that will inspire you daily! The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents. PPIC contributes the equivalent of 9% of the salary towards the retirement plan. The organization provides 14 paid holidays and 28 days of PTO annually (PTO balance increases with tenure), and more!

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement:

PPIC celebrates diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents the backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and skills of California. No matter who you are, we invite you to apply for this role.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.