Senior Accountant

ABOUT CARPENTER’S SHELTER:

Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelter, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions to support sustainable independence for approximately 1000 individuals and families each year. 

TITLE: Senior Accountant (part-time/onsite)

REPORTS TO: Finance Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Accountant will be responsible for supporting the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of Carpenter’s Shelter. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of the organization’s general ledger, supports monthly and year-end close processes, and assists in maintaining strong internal controls and compliance with GAAP and non-profit fiscal standards.

The Senior Accountant works closely with the Finance Director, program leadership, and external partners to ensure that Carpenter’s Shelter maintains strong internal controls, produces reliable financial information, and remains fully prepared for audits, funder reviews, and regulatory compliance. This role provides critical operational and analytical support for the financial management of an approximately $5 million annual operating budget, including programs that support homelessness prevention, rental assistance, and housing stability initiatives.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Maintain the organization’s financial accounts, ledgers, and supporting schedules to ensure that all financial schedules are accurate, complete, and compliant with GAAP and non-profit accounting standards. The Senior Accountant records, reviews, and reconciles financial transactions, including journal entries, bank accounts, credit cards, and balance sheet accounts, and ensures that discrepancies are identified and resolved in a timely manner.
• The Senior Accountant supports the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes by preparing reconciliations, financial schedules, and supporting documentation, and by assisting in the production of internal financial statements and reports for senior leadership. In collaboration with the Finance Director, the Senior Accountant assists in analyzing budget-to-actual variances and identifying trends, risks, and areas requiring management attention.
• The Senior Accountant provides oversight and quality control for accounts payable and accounts receivable activity, ensuring that invoices, payments, deposits, and receivables are properly coded, recorded, and documented. This role supports the maintenance of strong internal controls and segregation of duties across all accounting processes.
• The Senior Accountant assists with cash management and cash flow monitoring by maintaining accurate records of cash balances and supporting short-term and long-term cash flow projections. The position also maintains fixed assets schedules and depreciation records in accordance with accounting standards.
• The Senior Accountant plays a key role in preparing the organization for annual financial audits and funder reviews by assembling schedules, responding to auditor requests, and maintaining organized financial documentation. This position also provides backup support for payroll, grants accounting, and other finance functions as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
• The Senior Accountant collaborates with program staff to ensure that financial transactions are coded correctly, that documentation is complete, and that spending aligns with approved budgets and funding requirements, particularly for programs supporting homelessness prevention and rental subsidy activities. The Senior Accountant adheres to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required, along with a minimum of five years of professional accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience maintaining a general ledger, performing reconciliations, and supporting month-end and year-end close processes.
• The candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles and must be able to work collaboratively with non-financial staff while clearly explaining financial information.
• Strong technical skills, including experience with accounting and financial reporting software, are required.
• The successful candidate will demonstrate strong time management, organizational, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required, along with a high level of integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy.
• A multi-tasker with the ability to complete multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to Carpenter’s Shelter’s mission.

PREFERRED:

• Experience working in nonprofit organizations with government or foundation funding is preferred.
• Experience supporting financial audits, funder reporting and compliance requirements is highly desirable, as is familiarity with Uniform Guidance (2CFR Part 200).
• Experience working with homeless prevention programs, rental assistance, rapid rehousing, or other rental subsidy programs is strongly preferred.
• Lived experience or direct personal connection to homelessness is also preferred.

SALARY: $39–$43 per hour

NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Only qualified candidates will be contacted

ADA STATEMENT:  Carpenter’s Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Carpenter’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.

Paid time off, paid sick leave, 403(b)

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