Staff Accountant

Position: Staff Accountant

Location: Remote

Category: Full Time Exempt

Reports to: Controller

Direct Reports: None

About Benetech

Benetech believes that equitable access to education is a human right. Our technology and services break down systemic barriers and empower all learners regardless of ability. Around the world, we partner with local communities to expand inclusive and equitable education opportunities. To date we have delivered more than 20 million accessible books helping over 1.5 million students, jobseekers, and adults to read, learn, and pursue their dreams. People at Benetech believe strongly in the mission, and we work hard to embody our Truths each day.

Attracting candidates from all backgrounds

Our Benetech team reflects the diversity of the people we impact. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including members of historically marginalized or oppressed communities because it makes our organization stronger.

Research shows that individuals only apply to jobs if they meet all of the qualifications. We know there are great candidates who might not check all of the boxes and possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, apply and tell us about yourself.

The Opportunity 

Benetech is seeking a results-oriented, collaborative individual who is highly motivated to help us make a positive social impact and enjoys a continually evolving, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be self-starter, independent thinker, display a strong sense of urgency and demonstrate the ability to prioritize responsibilities.

The Staff Accountant will play a critical role in optimizing systems and processes that make our finance functions more efficient, nimble, and responsive to the evolving needs of the organization. This position is responsible for handling day to day accounting functions, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit card and account reconciliations, and month-end close. They will ensure accuracy in the general ledger accounts, will assist the team in providing accurate and timely financial reports and preparing budgets for grant proposals.

Key Responsibilities 

• Ensure financial information has been recorded accurately. Responsible for accounts payable, credit card/expense reimbursements, accounts receivables.
• Support and maintain all financial schedules related to cash reconciliation, accruals, fixed assets, and prepaid expenses.
• Reconcile general ledger accounts and prepare journal entries for the monthly close.
• Research unusual accounting items, solve puzzles, and recommend process improvements.
• Assist Controller with audit requests, preparation of annual audit schedules and submissions.
• Compile and submit 1099s to IRS and vendors.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and funder restrictions. Support tracking expenses against restricted grants to enable the accurate release of restricted funds.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports and grant proposal budgets.
• Perform ad hoc analysis and projects as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 3+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a non-profit setting.
• Familiarity with non-profits and how they operate and differ from other businesses.
• Experience with cloud-based accounting software.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including experience using pivot tables and vlook-up.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting standards and procedures.
• Ability to compile, analyze, evaluate and interpret data and transactions.
• Commitment to timely task completion, with ability to establish work priorities and meet deadlines are essential.
• Strong attention to detail, solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility with working in a virtual environment.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of principles and practices for contracts/grants administration and monitoring
• Familiar with Intaact accounting software, Concur, and Bill.com

Travel Obligations: one or two times per year, for any required meetings

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

The bullet points below are representative of the physical demands and working environment that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Remote office setting: proximity to office equipment that includes electronic devices
• Must remain at a workstation for at least 50% of the time; will need to use equipment that includes electronic devices
• Perceive and interact with text, media, and people
• Communicate and accurately exchange information with text, media, and people.