Junior Accountant

About Pioneer Works

Pioneer Works (PW) is an artist and scientist-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural center in Red Hook, Brooklyn that fosters innovative thinking through the visual and performing arts, technology, music, and science.

Position Summary

Pioneer Works is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Junior Accountant to join our finance team. This position will primarily support the Controller in managing the day-to-day financial operations, focusing heavily on accounts payable and invoicing. The Junior Accountant will also assist with reconciliations, month-end and year-end closes, audits, tax deadlines, and budget preparations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit financial management and deepen their understanding of nonprofit accounting.

Pioneer Works currently offers a hybrid work schedule with the option to work from home 2 days per week, with the expectation that all employees report to the office a minimum of 3 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable (AP):
  • Process and manage all accounts payable activities, including reviewing invoices, obtaining proper approvals, coding transactions, and entering data into the accounting system.
  • Ensure timely and accurate payments to vendors and maintain a positive relationship with external partners.
  • Utilize Bill.com to manage payment workflows, set up vendor accounts, and monitor payment statuses.
• Invoicing and Receivables:
  • Prepare, issue, and track invoices for services and events, ensuring accuracy in billing.
  • Monitor accounts receivable, follow up on outstanding payments, and report discrepancies to the Controller.
  • Reconcile customer accounts and update payment statuses.
• Daily Reconciliations & Month-End Close:
  • Assist with daily bank reconciliations and ensure the accuracy of recorded transactions in QuickBooks and other financial systems.
  • Support the month-end and year-end close processes by preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and assisting in financial reporting.
• Audit and Tax Support:
  • Assist in the preparation and organization of audit documentation and provide support during the annual external audit process.
  • Help gather necessary data for tax filings and ensure all documentation is accurate and available to meet deadlines.
• Budget Assistance:
  • Collaborate with the Controller to help with budget preparation, including gathering data, entering budget figures, and monitoring variances.
  • Assist in maintaining updated and accurate budget records for internal reviews and external reporting.
• General:
  • Assist in maintaining financial records and files in compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.
  • Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all financial transactions.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of financial processes and procedures.
  • Assist with grant management by ensuring expenses align with grant agreements and reporting requirements.
• Other Tasks as Needed:
  • Participate in financial analysis and special projects as assigned by the Controller.
  • Support internal stakeholders with financial queries and reporting.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • 1-3 years of experience in accounting, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Knowledge of basic accounting principles and nonprofit financial practices.
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, with the ability to handle large data sets.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Preferred Experience:
  • Strong understanding of QuickBooks, Bill.com, and Divvy or similar expense management tools.
  • Familiarity with nonprofit financial statements, including statement of activities, cash flow, and functional expense reporting.
  • Knowledge of grant reporting and expense tracking in a nonprofit environment.
  • Knowledge of Salesforce desired but not required

Compensation

Compensation commensurate with experience. Salary range: $60,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience level and skill set, with full benefits including health insurance, flexible/unlimited PTO, and 401K with company match of up to 3%.

Policy

Pioneer Works is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve.

Pioneer Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.