Staff Accountant

Community Associations Institute; West Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Associations Institute (CAI) is seeking a Staff Accountant to support accurate financial reporting across multiple entities. You will prepare journal entries, perform reconciliations, and assist in audit activities, strengthening internal controls within a growing finance function.

The role emphasizes detailed analysis, cross-department collaboration, and adherence to standardized procedures. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or related fields is required, with CPA candidacy favored

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required or equivalent accounting experience.
• CPA eligibility or coursework toward CPA license preferred.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review general ledger entries and supporting documentation for accurate records.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes including reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Prepare financial statements and supporting schedules for multiple entities and stakeholders.
• Assist in audit preparation and act as liaison for external auditors.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and internal controls across shared services.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

SOPs & internal controls

Microsoft 365 Excel

Sage Intacct proficiency

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA candidacy or coursework toward CPA license

Tools

Sage Intacct

Excel

Outlook

Teams

SharePoint

Copilot (Microsoft 365)

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.

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.

CAI is an international membership organization dedicated to advancing excellence in the governance, management, and quality of life of community associations.

With over 50,000 members, CAI has 65 chapters worldwide, including Canada, the Middle East, and South Africa, and relationships with housing leaders in countries around the world. CAI advances excellence in community association living by inspiring professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship. CAI establishes and promotes high standards, best practices, and state-of-the-art resources and education while also advocating for legislative and policy support.