Staff Accountant

The Friends of the Arava Institute (FAI) supports the critical work of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) through public awareness, student recruitment, and fundraising campaigns. Located in Israel, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (Institute) is a leading environmental studies and research institute in the Middle East. It houses an accredited academic program, research and development centers, and applied environmental diplomacy initiatives focusing on the region’s environmental concerns and challenges. With a student body comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals, the Institute offers students an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading professionals while forming friendships and developing skills that enable them to lead the region and the world in solving today’s most pressing environmental challenges. Friends of the Arava Institute is located in Newton Centre, MA, and supports efforts throughout North America.

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant is responsible for all general ledger functions, from recording transactions to reconciliations, and will work closely with the Director of Finance and Administration (DF&A) for financial report preparation.

Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Finance Functions

• • Prepare and process all accounting transactions, including bank transactions, accruals, prepaids, deferrals, and journal entries
  • Process Accounts Payable and credit card expense accounts
  • Complete all general ledger reconciliations and resolve variances
  • Prepare monthly bank reconciliations
  • Prepare monthly financial statements
  • Complete monthly and year-end closing process
  • Complete monthly reconciliation with the Development office, documenting, identifying and resolving variances
  • Process all accounting entries for the Israel Ride, including tracking registration deposits, prepaids, rollovers, and expenses.
• Reconcile databases (Classy/Explority/Stripe) to the general ledger
• Record investment journal entries and maintain investment schedules and roll-forwards
• Track student tuition payments, scholarship receipts, and refunds

Financial Management/Compliance

• Document and track receipt of donor-restricted funds to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations
• Collaborate with the DF&A to ensure accurate tracking and recording of funds sent to the Institute by FAI
• Complete quarterly employment tax reconciliations and address any discrepancies

Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting

• Collaborate with other team members to develop department and project budgets in collaboration with the DF&A
• With the DF&A and Israel Ride team, participate in the Israel Ride budget planning and forecasting processes
• Complete the annual Israel Ride closing process and review financial results to highlight areas where results vary from the budget

Other

• With DF&A assess and implement process changes to ensure continuous improvement
• Attend all staff, finance department, accounts payable, and other working group meetings
• Attend Annual Meeting (one weekend per year) in person
• Work on miscellaneous tasks and special projects, such as gathering and tracking annual report data, managing event logistics, and other ad hoc projects as needed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Highly detail oriented
• Analytical – Leverage data to identify and solve problems, develop opportunities, and implement solutions
• Technology –proficient with financial software, databases, and Microsoft Office tools
• Able to communicate with diverse stakeholders verbally and in writing
• 3+ years of non-profit accounting experience required, with demonstrated experience in all aspects of general ledger accounting and financial reporting
• High degree of proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and similar functions necessary to extract and analyze data
• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• High degree of integrity
• Must reside within the United States
• Available to meet virtually with staff based in Israel.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to office@friendsofarava.org. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience in nonprofit finance and your interest in the Arava Institute’s mission. No phone calls and principals only, please. Please include “[Your Name]-Staff Accountant” in the subject line.