Accountant

Partners for Rural Impact’s (PRI) ultimate goal is for an America where all kids are successful, regardless of zip code, income, background, or ability. At PRI, our focus is on ensuring that all children in rural places achieve success. Partners for Rural Impact was born out of our place-based partnership in Appalachia, where we’ve worked for 25 years to create student opportunity and success.

Position Summary

The Accountant will work closely with the Senior Accounting Manager, Controller and Finance staff in one or more of the following areas: overseeing and reconciling the general ledger, managing vendor payments, overseeing financial systems, managing purchasing cards, completing monthly financial reports, supporting monthly and annual closing, and preparing and submitting required tax forms. The position leads and operates with the goal that All Rural Students Succeed.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements of the position are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with regular and predictable attendance essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collaborate with the Controller and Senior Accounting Manager to complete monthly general ledger, adjusting entries, and closing processes, including preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Assist with the preparation of IRS Form 990 and other year-end financial reporting requirements
• Prepare year-end audit workpapers in partnership with the Controller, external accounting firm, and Senior Accounting manager, and assist in appropriate areas relating to external audit and financial reporting
• Enter approved journal entries into the general ledger
• Verify accuracy of reconciliations of payroll benefits to billing statements and general ledger postings
• Complete monthly bank reconciliations and tie transactions to the general ledger
• Review occupational tax and other tax returns, and financial reports to identify potential inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the information and make recommendations for corrections.
• Oversee organizational purchasing card system to include card issuance, reviewing card limits, managing vendor relationship, and assessing purchasing card policies
• Ensure invoices are paid accurately on a timely basis and in accordance with vendor terms
• Monitor financial payment systems for expense reports, check requests and purchase orders.
• Coordinate and set up accounts payable and receivable processes to include researching and correcting technical issues related to financial systems and assessing, implementing, and administering software related to the position
• Manage vendor W9 process; check required sites to confirm vendor is eligible for payment
• Create and maintain policies and procedures related to accounts payable, accounts receivable, monthly and year end closing, cash management, and financial reporting to ensure strong internal controls are established and maintained and make recommendations for improvement
• Resolve all payments or billing issues with vendors and communicate timely, accurately with vendors to resolve questions related to invoicing
• Complete annual tax reporting requirements for issuing end of year 1099s for vendors
• Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist and support in the attainment of our mission, All Rural Students Succeed

Position Location & Schedule

The position will be considered for remote work with local, state, and sometimes national travel required.

Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET with in-office, hybrid and/or remote work a possibility. Because of the nature of the responsibility to schools, partners, funders, and to the service region, individual offices or departments may have operating hours that extend beyond this period and may include evening and/or weekend hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Education required to ensure success in this position:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance or bachelor’s degree in relevant field with accounting certificate, required
• CPA highly desirable

Experience required to ensure success in this position:

• At least 3 years of experience preparing for profit or nonprofit financial statements
• At least 3 years of experience reviewing and submitting for profit or nonprofit tax returns
• At least 3 years of experience reconciling organizational bank accounts to the general ledger
• At least 2 years of experience performing the monthly general ledger closing process for a for profit or nonprofit organization

Special skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Interact with integrated computerized financial system, work independently and collaboratively, establish priorities, work under pressure of deadlines, and excellent follow-up skills
• Superior interpersonal and organizational skills
• Collaborative and collegial leadership style
• Demonstrated ability to cross boundaries of race, class, ethnic origin and personal philosophy; capacity to work effectively with a broad range of constituencies
• Knowledge of general office procedures, knowledge of computer systems operations including word processing, data entry, and database management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to establish priorities, ability to deal with pressure of deadlines, ability to handle unpleasant situations with diplomacy and tact and ability to do tasks without constant direct supervision
• Ability to read, understand and analyze written and electronic instructions related to financial management, general ledger and reporting

License, certification, or registration necessary:

• Valid driver’s license
• Successfully complete pre-employment background check

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work in a high-energy office
• Ability to accurately communicate and exchange information with partners, stakeholders, and/or meeting participants
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs
• Ability to travel independently by car and plane regionally and nationally
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer software programs
• Ability to operate motor vehicle

Environmental conditions:

• Work in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions and shifting priorities

Additional Company Information

PRI offers a wide array of benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, and health needs of you and your family.

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts, plus an employee assistance program.
• Life and long-term disability insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, and annual holidays, in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition assistance and professional development for employees.

Partners for Rural Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.