Staff Accountant

About Lead For America

Lead For America (LFA) is dedicated to providing place-based service opportunities to local individuals to help mission-driven organizations advance solutions that are informed by place and responsive to community. The American Connection Corps (ACC), launched by LFA in 2021, is an AmeriCorps service program focused on closing the digital divide in digitally disconnected communities. Supported by a broad coalition of partners including AmeriCorps and major corporations, ACC has members serving in 30+ states across the country.

LFA is a growing, nationally distributed organization that manages multiple programs, funding sources, grants, and operational partnerships. The Finance team plays a critical role in ensuring that LFA's financial systems, records, and processes are accurate, timely, compliant, and supportive of organizational decision-making.

Department Context

The Finance team provides the financial infrastructure that enables Lead For America to advance its mission responsibly and sustainably. The team oversees accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, grants and contracts, compliance, payroll and benefits administration, and other financial operations.

The Staff Accountant is an important member of this team, supporting the day-to-day accounting functions that keep LFA's financial records accurate and current. This role works across the organization to ensure that transactions are properly documented, expenses are appropriately coded and supported, and financial information is maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), LFA policies, grant requirements, and audit standards.

Role Expectations

The Staff Accountant reports to the Controller and supports the routine accounting operations of Lead For America. This role is responsible for accurate and timely transaction processing, reconciliations, expense management, financial documentation, and other accounting activities that support the monthly close and broader Finance function.

The Staff Accountant is expected to:

• Maintain accurate and timely financial records and documentation
• Execute routine accounting processes with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Support the Controller in maintaining a timely and effective monthly close process
• Apply LFA financial policies, accounting procedures, and internal controls consistently
• Collaborate effectively with staff across Programs, Development, Operations, Community Partnerships & Talent, and other departments
• Protect the confidentiality and integrity of financial information
• Identify discrepancies, missing information, and process gaps and work proactively to resolve them

What You'll Do

1. Accounting Operations & Financial Transactions — 40%

• Record and maintain day-to-day financial transactions in LFA's accounting and financial systems.
• Review and accurately code financial transactions to the appropriate accounts, programs, departments, grants, and funding sources.
• Process and maintain accounts payable transactions, including vendor invoices, bills, and supporting documentation.
• Support accounts receivable activities, including recording receipts and maintaining appropriate documentation for incoming funds.
• Update financial systems and internal Finance communication channels with relevant banking and financial activity.
• Ensure financial transactions include appropriate supporting documentation and comply with LFA policies and procedures.
• Review W-9s and maintain vendor documentation to support 1099 reporting and other compliance requirements.
• Support the administration and accuracy of employee expense and reimbursement processes, including reviewing expense reports for appropriate coding, documentation, and policy compliance.
• Provide timely support to staff regarding expense submissions, corrections, missing documentation, and other routine Finance questions.
• Assist with credit card and purchasing processes, including transaction review and reconciliation.
• Work cross-functionally with staff to resolve financial discrepancies and obtain missing information.
• Complete assigned tasks in LFA's project management systems to support accounting and Finance processes.

2. Reconciliations, Month-End Close & Financial Reporting Support — 25%

• Prepare routine bank, credit card, and other account reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies identified through reconciliation processes.
• Support the Controller with the monthly and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and maintain schedules and supporting documentation for balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and other routine accounting entries as assigned.
• Ensure transactions are recorded in the appropriate accounting period.
• Review financial data for completeness and accuracy and flag unusual or potentially incorrect activity.
• Support the preparation of internal financial reports and analyses.
• Maintain organized and audit-ready financial records and documentation.
• Assist with financial reporting related to programs, grants, and restricted funds as directed by the Controller.

3. Grants, Compliance & Audit Support — 15%

• Support the Finance team in maintaining accurate financial records related to restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Assist with tracking and documenting grant-related financial activity and expenses.
• Work with the Controller and Grants team to ensure financial information is available and properly documented for grant reporting.
• Support the preparation of schedules and documentation requested by external auditors, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain organized financial files and supporting documentation in accordance with LFA's record retention policies.
• Assist with annual audit and tax preparation activities, including gathering requested documentation and responding to routine information requests.
• Support compliance with GAAP, LFA policies, grant requirements, and applicable nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
• Identify and communicate potential compliance issues or inconsistencies to the Controller.

4. Finance Administration & Organizational Support — 10%

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Finance documentation, files, and records.
• Assist with maintaining vendor, banking, insurance, and other financial documentation.
• Support Finance-related onboarding for new staff, including expense management and financial systems.
• Help document and improve Finance processes, procedures, and internal controls.
• Participate in Finance projects that improve efficiency, accuracy, reporting, or organizational financial management.
• Provide ad hoc accounting and financial support as needed.
• Collaborate with other departments to strengthen understanding and consistent application of LFA's financial processes.

5. Organizational Requirements - 10%

In addition to the responsibilities unique to the Staff Accountant role, all LFA team members devote a portion of their time to supporting strategic efforts across the organization that advance our mission and organizational priorities. Activities include but are not limited to:

• Compliance for org-wide administration - expense reporting, benefits, KPI tracking

• Taking part in additional organizational initiatives, priorities, and responsibilities, as needed.
• Supporting organizational initiatives and priorities outside of an individual's primary department, as needed.
• Participating in organizational meetings, retreats, trainings, and team-building activities.
• Supporting LFA programs, events, and convenings when appropriate.
• Contributing to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Participating in cross-functional projects and problem-solving efforts.
• Taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support LFA's evolving organizational priorities.

What Success Looks Like

• Financial transactions are recorded accurately, timely, and consistently.
• Bank, credit card, and other reconciliations are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Monthly close activities are completed efficiently and with appropriate documentation.
• Expense and reimbursement processes are accurate, timely, and compliant with LFA policies.
• Financial records are organized, complete, and audit-ready.
• Grant and program financial information is appropriately documented and supported.
• Finance questions and issues are addressed responsively and professionally.
• The Controller has reliable support for day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Finance processes become increasingly efficient, documented, and consistent.
• Staff across LFA experience the Finance team as a responsive and trusted operational partner.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in accounting, finance, bookkeeping, or a related field.
• Experience with general ledger accounting and routine accounting processes.
• Demonstrated experience with bank and/or account reconciliations.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage confidential financial information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage recurring deadlines and competing priorities.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, particularly Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Ability to learn and effectively use accounting, expense management, and other financial systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate financial processes clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, investigate issues, and follow through to resolution.
• Commitment to Lead For America's mission and to responsible stewardship of organizational resources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a nonprofit or 501(c)(3) organization.
• Experience with grant-funded organizations and/or fund accounting.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting and restricted funding.
• Experience supporting an annual financial audit.
• Experience with accounting platforms.
• Experience with an expense management system.
• Familiarity with AmeriCorps, government grants, or other federally funded programs.
• Familiarity with GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
• Experience documenting or improving accounting processes and internal controls.

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our team, including:

• Partially employer-covered healthcare premiums
• 401(k) matching
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
• Technology stipend
• Home office stipend

Salary Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is $60,000–$70,000, with starting compensation determined based on the scope of the role, relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

We believe in equitable and transparent compensation practices. As part of our ongoing performance management and compensation review process, salaries may increase over time based on factors such as demonstrated performance, increased experience and responsibilities, inflation, and organizational growth.

Originally posted on Himalayas