Staff Accountant

SpectrumCareers; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

SpectrumCareers is seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant for a mission-driven nonprofit in Washington, DC. This role supports day-to-day accounting, monthly close, and financial reporting, collaborating with a finance team to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of general ledger experience, strong Excel skills, and nonprofit exposure is a plus. You will contribute to audits, internal controls, and timely financial reporting in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 2–3 years of progressive accounting experience; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.
• Familiarity with accounting software or ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform general ledger activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes.
• Manage accounts payable and support accounts receivable activities, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and balance sheet accounts; research and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist in preparing financial statements, internal reports, and supporting schedules for management review.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Support annual audits and tax filings by preparing schedules and responding to auditor requests.
• Assist with budget monitoring, expense analysis, and reporting on departmental or program-related expenditures.
• Review invoices, expense reports, and payment requests for accuracy and proper coding.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to address financial questions and ensure timely processing of transactions.

Skills

General ledger

Journal entries

Account reconciliations

Month-end close

Excel

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Aptify AMS

Job description

Staff Accountant

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant with 2-3 years of accounting experience to join a mission-driven nonprofit organization. This individual will support day-to-day accounting operations, maintain accurate financial records, assist with monthly financial close activities, and contribute to financial reporting and audit preparation. The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in general accounting principles, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform general ledger activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.

• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes.

• Manage accounts payable and support accounts receivable activities, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and timely.

• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and balance sheet accounts; research and resolve discrepancies.

• Assist in preparing financial statements, internal reports, and supporting schedules for management review.

• Maintain accurate financial documentation and ensure compliance with internal policies and accounting procedures.

• Support annual audits and tax filings by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, and responding to auditor requests.

• Assist with budget monitoring, expense analysis, and reporting on departmental or program-related expenditures.

• Review invoices, expense reports, and payment requests for accuracy, appropriate approvals, and proper account coding.

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, documentation, and internal controls.

• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to address financial questions and ensure timely processing of transactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• 2-3 years of progressive accounting experience; nonprofit experience is preferred.

• Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.

• Familiarity with accounting software or ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and organizational abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively within a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nonprofit accounting, grants, restricted funds, or program-related financial reporting.

• Familiarity with audit preparation and internal control procedures.

• Exposure to accounting system implementations or process improvement initiatives.

Opportunity

This role offers an opportunity to build on core accounting skills while gaining exposure to financial reporting, audit support, and broader nonprofit finance operations within a collaborative, mission-focused environment.

software and Aptify AMS is a plus.