Staff Accountant

Location: The Watershed Institute – Pennington, NJ

Job Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (3 days in person)

Reports To: Senior Director of Finance and Operations

About The Watershed Institute

The Watershed Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping water clean, safe and healthy. We work to protect and restore our water and natural environment in central New Jersey through conservation, advocacy, science and education. Our team is passionate about the environment and committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Position Overview

The Accounting Analyst supports the financial operations of The Watershed Institute by performing day-to-day accounting functions, supporting internal controls, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit accounting standards. This role plays a critical part in the accurate tracking of funds—including donations, grants, and program income—and supports the integrity of both financial and donor records. Candidates must be prepared to work in a team environment to create and execute messages across The Watershed Institute’s programs. Multi-tasking, meeting deadlines, and prompt communications skills are essential qualities for this position. The Watershed Institute is committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from people of color.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update QuickBooks financial data and chart of accounts ensuring accuracy in the general ledger and financial records.
• Manage and process accounts payable and accounts receivable, ensuring timely payments and collections, and accurate allocations by grants and programs.
• Reconcile QuickBooks with donor database to ensure data consistency and accuracy in coordination with the development team.
• Process checks and bank deposits for the organization.
• Prepare and enter journal entries; perform monthly, year-end closing procedures and perform reconciliations for key accounts.
• Assist in preparing internal and external financial reports, including grant-specific and program-level reporting.
• Support the budgeting process by monitoring departmental budgets and preparing variance reports.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit-specific accounting standards (e.g., FASB, IRS Form 990).
• Help prepare for the annual audit, including document preparation and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Continuously assess and help improve financial systems, policies, and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 2–4 years of accounting experience; nonprofit accounting experience preferred.
• Proficiency in accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fund accounting.
• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks and Excel;
• Understanding of GAAP; knowledge of fund and grant accounting is a plus.
• Attention to detail with excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

The Watershed Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.