Staff Accountant - Full Time

Community Associations Institute; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Associations Institute in Falls Church, VA seeks a Staff Accountant to deliver accurate financial reporting across multiple entities, prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and statements, and support audit materials.

The role emphasizes internal controls, regulatory compliance, and process improvements within a growing finance function, requiring attention to detail and collaborative teamwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of progressive accounting experience in US nonprofit environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance; CPA eligible preferred.
• Experience with month-end close, reconciliations, and audits.
• Strong communication and ability to explain financial concepts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare journal entries and reconciliations to support accurate reports.
• Assist month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare financial statements and schedules for stakeholders.
• Support audit coordination with external auditors.
• Promote standardized procedures to improve controls and efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Education

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

CPA eligibility or coursework toward CPA license

Tools

Sage Intacct

Excel

Outlook

Teams

SharePoint

Copilot

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 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

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.

Experience

Minimum 3 years of progressive accounting experience in a US-based, non-governmental organization required. Desired candidate should have successfully transitioned from entry-level to mid-level roles, demonstrating the ability to prepare monthly closes, financial statements and support audit relationships. Nonprofit, association, or multi-entity accounting experience preferred.

We expect the starting rate for this position to be $40/hr to $43/hr, equivalent to $78,000 to $84,000 annually, depending on experience. Position requires regular presence in our Falls Church, VA office, therefore, only local candidates within the DC Metro area will be considered.

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.