Staff Accountant at Santa Fe Institute

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Accounting and coordinating with multiple key staff in other departments, the Staff Accountant will work as part of the Finance team to organize and support payable and payroll workflows, process and record banking activity, review and reconcile accounting data, assist with the preparation of internal and external reporting, and support audit preparation.

Job Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Review and reconcile reimbursements and invoices
• Review and reconcile credit card activity
• Process A/P as needed to cover for staff absences
• Review 1099 data
• Ensure vendor data compliance, including W9 and payment information
  
  

Payroll

• Review and reconcile payroll activity
• Work with payroll provider to maintain and improve payroll processes
• Process payroll as needed to cover for staff absences
  
  

Banking

• Reconcile bank activity
• Identify and correct missing and incorrect bank transactions
• Process electronic payment submissions and assist with deposits as needed
• Work with internal Salesforce solutions coordinator to streamline and maintain payment processing solutions
  
  

Review & Validation

• Perform and support periodic data review and validation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP, grant requirements, and SFI regulations and policies with staff throughout the organization
• Work with internal Salesforce solutions coordinator to streamline and maintain financial records
• Review and propose improvements to internal accounting procedures
• Coordinate month-end close procedures within finance department
• Perform periodic review of payroll, payables and other balance sheet accounts
• Maintain organized and audit-ready digital records of financial transactions
  
  

Year-end

• Prepare timing adjustments, depreciation, present value of future receipts, and other necessary year-end adjustments
• Prepare 1099 forms for outside vendors
• Support annual audit and preparation of the Form 990 by gathering backup and preparing reporting requested by auditors
  
  

Reporting

• Assist with development and presentation of periodic departmental & board reports
• Assist with development and presentation of periodic funding source reporting
• Prepare other ad hoc reporting as needed
  
  

Skills And Experience 


• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 5-10 years of relevant professional experience
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, grant tracking requirements, and financial reporting
• Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and financial statements
• Familiarity with tax regulations and compliance reporting
• Familiarity with internal controls and processes
• Proficiency with accounting software (Blackbaud Financial Edge preferred)
• Experience with payroll software (iSolved preferred)
• Experience with online databases (Salesforce preferred)
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office products
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to lead and assist team members effectively
• Ability to share financial information effectively and address the needs of other departments