Staff Accountant

We are a high-impact nonprofit research organization seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized individual to help with our day-to-day finance operations on either a full-time or part-time basis. Ideally, the candidate will have a strong foundation in accounting principles and be motivated to learn. This position will report to the Senior Accountant.

This is an opportunity to gain experience in nonprofit grant accounting while playing a critical role within a vibrant team that is addressing the health risks from toxic chemicals in our environment.

Organization Overview:

Founded in 1994, Silent Spring Institute (www.silentspring.org) is a scientific research organization and one of the nation’s leading authorities on cancer-causing chemicals in our everyday environments, with a particular focus on breast cancer prevention. We are a collaborative, high-energy staff of 30. Our scientists lead nationally-recognized research studies in collaboration with partners at UC Berkeley, Harvard, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others. As a high-impact nonprofit, Silent Spring partners with community organizations and advocacy groups to support communities impacted by toxic chemicals, educate policymakers and the public, and translate our science into health-protective policies that tackle the environmental causes of breast cancer and other diseases. Our research has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, CNN, NPR, The Guardian, Newsweek, and hundreds of other media outlets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process accounts payable using Bill.com; communicate with vendors; maintain invoices inbox
• Enter deposits
• Perform bank reconciliations and credit card reconciliations
• Prepare and maintain supporting schedules for balance sheet accounts
• Review timesheets prior to importing into QuickBooks
• Post monthly closing entries
• Prepare outgoing invoices after monthly close
• Record accounts receivable and follow up on outstanding invoices
• Assist with year-end audit and tax preparation by providing documents as requested by external auditors
• Support the Senior Accountant as needed with the annual budget, forecasting, Board reports, indirect rate negotiation, System for Award Management (SAM) renewal, 1099 filings, and other ad-hoc tasks
• Support Silent Spring’s admin team with miscellaneous administrative and grants management tasks, time allowing

Minimum Qualifications:

• Either: a Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, or an accounting certificate
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including a strong proficiency working with Excel spreadsheets (experience with Excel macros a plus)
• Superb attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated skill in managing multiple concurrent workflows and timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team

Additional Desired Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of financial software – QuickBooks Desktop preferred
• At least one year of work experience, preferably in a nonprofit, academic, or health/research-related entity
• Knowledge of and experience in applying U.S. GAAP
• Familiarity with Bill.com

Schedule:

This position requires at least 20 hours per week and can either be full-time or part-time. We are currently working in a hybrid mode with an expectation of two days per week in our Newton, MA office.

Benefits:

The annual salary for a full-time hire, and the full-time equivalent annual salary for a part-time hire, ranges from $60,000 to $75,000, commensurate with experience. This position is exempt.

Silent Spring offers generous benefits including health and dental insurance, four weeks of vacation, 12 sick days, two personal days, and 12 holidays per year. Paid time off is pro-rated for part-time employees. Join an engaging, multi-disciplinary, and highly experienced team of professionals that values and respects your contributions to our success!

How to apply:

Send a resume and a cover letter describing your interests and experience related to this job via email to careers@silentspring.org with “Staff Accountant” in the subject line.

Please note that applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor an employment visa at this time.

Silent Spring Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

For more information, visit our website at www.silentspring.org.