Staff Accountant

Background

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings.

Our vision: We are the preeminent advocate and resource for professional counselors and their clients in a world where everyone has access to mental health services.

Our mission: Advancing mental health and well-being through advocacy, community, inclusion and research.

Our values: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Proactive Leadership, Professional Community & Relationships, Scientific Practice & Knowledge, Social Justice & Empowerment.

All American Counseling Association team members are encouraged, supported, and expected to demonstrate The Way We Work Values: Be Flexible, Be Creative, Be Empowered, Be Inquisitive, Be Collaborative and Be Respectful.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Controller, the Staff Accountant is responsible for managing the day-to-day finance and accounting operations, including entering journals, managing accounts payable, using financial technology systems, and other select finance-related administration for ACA, the parent organization and the Divisions it supports. The Staff Accountant ensures timely reconciliation and reporting of all general ledger accounts and prepares financial analyses for the Controller and other key stakeholders as requested; and maintains fiscal records. The Staff Accountant serves as the primary contact for internal staff on bill payments and serves as the primary trainer for staff to use software that pertains to their functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring day-to-day transactions such as accounts payable, and credit card transactions are recorded properly for ACA and its Divisions.
• Performing timely and accurate month-end journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations (e.g., fixed assets, prepaid, accounts payable, etc.), ensuring that accounting schedules are updated and accurate.
• Manage internal and external inquiries around accounts payable are answered in a timely and proactive way
• Ensure that all account payable functions are performed in accordance with the organization’s internal control procedures and policies
• Ensure that all fully executed vendor contracts are received by Finance before payments are made and that these contracts are filed in an organized manner
• Research and resolve payment issues with vendors
• Ensuring proper expense recognition.
• Assist with training new and existing staff on existing accounts payable systems
• Monitoring cash balances weekly.
• Ensuring all finance and accounting operations comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and federal and state laws and regulations.
• Assisting the Controller with monthly financial reporting needs.
• Performing fiscal year-end close activities and assisting with activities and requirements of external auditors.
• Proactively communicating regularly with the Controller.
• Continually seeking and implementing opportunities to streamline and improve finance and accounting operations through technology, including training staff to better utilize financial and accounting software.
• Participate in other projects, assignments, and administrative tasks, as needed.

Requirements

Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree required, degree in finance, accounting, or relevant field a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience, particularly with non-profits and a focus on accounts payable management.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent organizational and time management skills - must be able to work effectively under pressure, handle multiple tasks/demands simultaneously, and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
• Sound knowledge of US GAAP, and non-profit financial accounting principles.
• Proficiency and hands-on experience with Sage Intacct required. Experience with expense reimbursement software like Ramp or Bill.com preferred.
• Demonstrated data management and data analysis skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) with expertise in Excel required.
• Detail-oriented with a passion for accuracy.
• Experience assisting with the annual audit.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, to work independently and within strict time constraints.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-entity environment, diverse, and dynamic team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to explain financial terms in simple language.
• Experience working in a multi-entity environment is a strong plus.

Location and Flexibility #LI-Hybrid

Must reside within the Washington, DC Metro area. Minimum two (2) days in office. Some evenings and weekends may be required.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran EmployerAt ACA, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law.