Staff Accountant

Organizational Background

The Wildlife Conservation Network is a rapidly growing leader in wildlife conservation, working with over 125 species in more than 84 countries across the world. WCN uses its collaborative, entrepreneurial, innovative, and philanthropically generous approach to wildlife conservation to reverse crises facing threatened species. In support of WCN’s mission to protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats by supporting entrepreneurial conservationists who pursue innovative strategies for people and wildlife to coexist and thrive, WCN gives entrepreneurial leaders access to donors and a range of resources and tools they need to be successful.

WCN’s dedicated and diverse team values the people and relationships behind conservation as much as the science and strategy to save wildlife. We are looking for an experienced, collaborative professional with an accounting background who can apply their skills, creativity, and passion to wildlife conservation.

Job Responsibilities

The Staff Accountant is a member of the Finance Department at WCN and reports to the Accounting Manager. The Staff Accountant is expected to work independently and perform the following tasks:

Disbursements Management

• Invoice and Contract Review: Review contracts, invoices, and payment requests to ensure accuracy and alignment with company policies.
• Approval Verification: Confirm that all disbursements have proper approvals in line with the approval authority matrix.
• Partner Payments: Process quarterly payments to WCN partners, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Coding and Allocation: Accurately code invoices and payments according to budget and account allocations.
• Payment Initiation: Initiate ACH and wire payments through Bank of America CashPro and Ramp systems.
• Expense Reimbursements: Process employee expense reimbursements promptly through Ramp.
• Credit Cards: works with the Senior Manager to review and process monthly credit card reconciliations in Ramp
• Vendor Management: Enter new vendors in Sage Intacct, ensuring accurate setup and collecting W-9 forms as required.
• Annual 1099 Preparation: Prepare and distribute 1099 forms annually, ensuring IRS compliance.

Process & Technology

• Process Evaluation: Assess current AP processes, identifying areas for improvement.
• Automation Research: Research software solutions and third-party applications to automate manual accounts payable processes, enhancing efficiency.
• Implementation Support: Assist in the implementation of automated accounts payable systems and workflows.

Research & Relationship Management

• Payment Research: Act as the main point of contact for inquiries about payment history, status, and vendor records.
• Returned Payments: Follow up on all returned ACH and wire transfers promptly, resolving issues to prevent recurrence.
• Vendor Templates: Develop and maintain payment templates and instructions for regular vendors, ensuring accuracy and ease of processing.
• Ad Hoc Projects: Take on additional accounting projects as assigned by the Accounting Manager, contributing to department-wide improvements.

Relevant Experience and Skills

• US Citizen or Green card holder
• Fluency in English
• Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 3 years of experience in accounting
• Highly organized, with a strong attention to detail
• Experience using cloud-based collaborative software including Google Drive, e-mail, etc.
• Experience using Excel with advanced functions including pivot tables
• Familiarity with Salesforce and Sage Intacct would be a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to operate in and enjoy a collaborative, team-oriented culture
• Strong natural alignment with WCN’s Core Values.

Compensation and benefits:

The salary range is $70,000-$77,000, based on qualifications and experience. Salary may vary for applicants residing outside the San Francisco Bay Area, based on location and cost of living considerations. In addition, benefits include: medical, dental, vision insurance contributions, chiropractic/acupuncture, basic life insurance, AD&D, Health FSA and Dependent care (pre-tax payroll dollars), a retirement plan where WCN matches 100% of employee’s contribution up to 6% of employee’s salary, 11 paid holidays with 1 paid floating holiday, 15 days of paid vacation in the first year (+1 day per year worked), paid sick leave, and an employee discount program.

WCN’s Non-Discrimination Policy: WCN is committed to the principles of being an equal opportunity employer (EOE). WCN’s organizational policies, practices, programs, activities and decisions regarding employment are not based on a person’s race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, parental status, housing status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable law. Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, individuals identifying with the LGBTQIA+ community, or members of other underrepresented groups in the conservation sector are strongly encouraged to apply.