General Ledger Accountant

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The GL Accountant is responsible for supporting the organization's financial operations through the accurate recording, reconciliation, analysis, and reporting of financial transactions. This position plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the general ledger, managing accounts receivable activities, supporting month-end and year-end close processes, and assisting with annual audits and financial reporting requirements.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong accounting fundamentals, attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to ensure timely and accurate financial information.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

• Process and record customer invoices, membership dues, program revenues, grants, and other receivable transactions. 
• Monitor outstanding accounts receivable balances and follow up on delinquent accounts. 
• Research and resolve billing discrepancies and payment issues. 
• Prepare and maintain aging reports and communicate collection status to management. 
• Record cash receipts and ensure proper payment application. 
• Reconcile accounts receivable subledger to the general ledger on a monthly basis. 
• Assist with revenue recognition and deferred revenue accounting as applicable. 

GENERAL LEDGER ACCOUNTING

• Prepare and post journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation. 
• Maintain the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger. 
• Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and investigate reconciling items. 
• Analyze financial activity and identify unusual fluctuations or variances. 
• Assist in maintaining the chart of accounts and accounting records. 
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational policies. 

MONTH-END CLOSE

• Participate in the monthly financial close process and meet established deadlines. 
• Prepare account reconciliations for assigned balance sheet and income statement accounts. 
• Review transactions for completeness and accuracy. 
• Analyze financial results and provide explanations for significant variances. 
• Assist in preparation of monthly financial reports and supporting schedules. 
• Collaborate with internal departments to obtain information necessary for timely financial reporting. 

YEAR-END CLOSE AND FINANCIAL REPORTING

• Assist with year-end closing activities, including preparation of schedules and supporting documentation. 
• Prepare year-end reconciliations and adjusting journal entries. 
• Support the preparation of annual financial statements and related disclosures. 
• Ensure all accounting records are complete and accurate for year-end reporting requirements. 
• Assist with regulatory filings and reporting requirements as assigned. 

AUDIT SUPPORT

• Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for external auditors. 
• Respond to auditor requests in a timely and professional manner. 
• Assist in gathering information related to internal controls, financial transactions, and accounting processes. 
• Support implementation of audit recommendations and process improvements. 
• Maintain organized accounting records to facilitate efficient audits. 

PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROLS

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, efficiency, and internal controls. 
• Assist in documenting accounting procedures and maintaining department policies. 
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, and testing as assigned. 
• Support special projects and financial analyses as needed.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of GAAP and accounting principles. 
• Knowledge of month-end and year-end close processes. 
• Ability to prepare and analyze financial reports and account reconciliations. 
• Strong analytical, sound judgement, problem-solving, and organizational skills. 
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; collaborate effectively with stakeholders and contribute to process improvements and operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial management systems. 
• Ability to work independently and take ownership while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. 
• Demonstrates business acumen by understanding the financial impact of organizational operations and priorities.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Sitting for long hours, working on a computer. May occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

EDUCATION:

Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Candidates with an Associate's degree must possess a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting or financial recordkeeping experience.
• Candidates with a Bachelor's degree must possess a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible accounting or financial recordkeeping experience.
• Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger accounting, and account reconciliations required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience utilizing accounting software and accounts payable modules (e.g., Dynamics 365, NetSuite or similar enterprise resource planning systems).