Staff Accountant - Compliance and Internal Control

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory seeks an experienced accounting professional to support the division's financial reporting, close processes, and compliance with GAAP and donor requirements. You will lead month-end close, review grants and funds, and collaborate with corps/units across the division.

Regular travel (20–30%) and nonprofit stewardship are core. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently are essential; knowledge of nonprofit accounting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience in internal audit, internal controls, risk assessment, or compliance desirable.
• Nonprofit or faith-based organization experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal control practices.
• Experience with accounting systems and general ledger applications.
• Ability to travel regularly and work independently with corps/units across the division.

Responsibilities

• Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities.
• Prepare and reconcile general ledger accounts, bank accounts, interdivisional balances, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, general ledger reports, budget-to-actual comparisons, and other financial analyses.
• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, payroll accounting, fixed asset accounting, and other general accounting functions as needed.
• Review financial transactions and supporting documentation for proper account coding, fund allocation, authorization, and compliance with established accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with the accounting, tracking, and reconciliation of restricted funds, designated funds, grants, donations, and other fund balances.
• Support annual budgeting, financial forecasting, external audits, and the preparation of audit schedules and other required financial documentation.

Skills

Journal entries

Reconciliations

Closing procedures

Financial reporting

GAAP

Internal controls

Risk management

Excel

Audit support

Interpreting financial data

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Accounting systems

Job description

COMPENSATION RANGE: 90000-94000

Overview

This position is responsible for supporting accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions across the division. Duties include managing month-end and year-end close activities, preparing reconciliations and financial analyses, supporting budgeting and audits, and ensuring accurate accounting for funds, grants, and donations. The role also evaluates financial controls, identifies risks, monitors compliance with internal policies and external regulations, and follows up on audit recommendations. Through financial reviews, site visits, training, and collaboration with divisional and local units, the position promotes financial accuracy, accountability, operational efficiency, and strong stewardship of organizational resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

Accounting and Financial Operations (70-80%)

• Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing activities, including journal entries, accruals, prepaid and deferred expenses, and other adjusting entries, to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and reconcile general ledger accounts, bank accounts, interdivisional balances, and other balance sheet accounts; investigate and resolve discrepancies and maintain supporting schedules and documentation.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, general ledger reports, budget-to-actual comparisons, and other financial analyses to identify unusual transactions, variances, and potential accounting issues.
• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, payroll accounting, fixed asset accounting, and other general accounting functions as needed.
• Review financial transactions and supporting documentation for proper account coding, fund allocation, authorization, and compliance with established accounting policies and procedures.
• Assist with the accounting, tracking, and reconciliation of restricted funds, designated funds, grants, donations, and other fund balances to ensure transactions are properly recorded and reported.
• Support annual budgeting, financial forecasting, external audits, and the preparation of audit schedules and other required financial documentation.

Internal Controls, Risk Management, and Compliance (20-30%)

• Collaborate with divisional headquarters and corps/units to assess and address risk areas.
• Evaluate and train in controls, and procedures to mitigate operational vulnerabilities.
• Provide financial analysis and reports to corps/units identifying areas of concern and recommendations for changes/improvement.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate current practices and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Provide hands-on training and support to corps/units on systems and procedures.
• Coordinate with corps/units receiving governmental funds on compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Follow up on internal and external audit recommendations.
• Follow up on THQ Risk Department related items with corps/units for compliance.
• Travel to corps/units as needed (estimated 30-50%).
• Other related duties as required

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Three to five years of progressive accounting experience, preferably including general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and month-end or year-end closing.
• Experience in internal audit, internal controls, risk assessment, or compliance is desirable.
• Nonprofit or faith-based organization experience is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and internal control practices.
• Experience reviewing financial records, analyzing variances, investigating discrepancies, and maintaining audit-ready supporting documentation.
• Experience with accounting systems, financial reporting tools, and general ledger applications.
• Ability to travel regularly and work independently with corps/units across the division.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong general accounting skills, including journal entries, reconciliations, closing procedures, and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies and recommend practical solutions.
• Knowledge of internal controls, risk management, and financial compliance practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications; experience with accounting systems and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain accounting requirements and control procedures to non-finance personnel.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive financial information appropriately.
• Ability to work collaboratively with divisional headquarters and corps/units while maintaining professional independence when evaluating financial controls and compliance.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly throughout the division.

Work Environment and Travel

This position supports divisional headquarters and corps/units throughout the Golden State Division. Regular travel is expected, estimated at approximately 20-30%, based on accounting support needs, site reviews, training, and compliance priorities.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. (usually file boxes)

Equipment Used:

• Modern Office Equipment and Relevant Software (everyone)

ADA Statement

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

Acknowledgment of Religious Purposes of The Salvation Army

The employee acknowledges that he/she has been informed and understands The Salvation Army's religious purpose and status as a church. The employee agrees that he/she shall do nothing to his/her relationship with The Salvation Army as an employee to undermine its religious mission. The employee agrees and understands that his/her services are a necessary part of The Army's religious purposes and his/her work-related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Army's religious purposes.

At-Will

I hereby understand and acknowledge that, unless otherwise defined by applicable law, any employment relationship with this organization is of an "at-will" nature, which means that the Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the Employee at any time with or without cause. It is further understood that this "at will" employment relationship may not be changed by any written document or by conduct unless such change is specifically acknowledged in writing by an authorized executive of this organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.