Accountant I

SCLARC offers: Medical/Dental/Vision, Life Insurance, 401K match, 457 CalPERS Savings Plan, CalPERS Pension Plan, Employee Assistance Program Hotline, Parking, 11 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The position is responsible for performing day-to-day accounts payable and accounts receivable functions to ensure accurate, timely, and efficient processing of financial transactions. Key responsibilities include processing high volumes of vendor invoices, preparing payments, recording cash receipts, maintaining accurate financial records, and performing account reconciliations to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial data. The position is responsible for reconciling accounts payable, accounts receivable, vendor statements, and related general ledger accounts, as well as identifying and resolving discrepancies. Additionally, the position supports month-end and year-end closing activities, assists with financial audits, and ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, and organizational policies. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong attention to detail, analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume accounting environment. This position reports to the Controller and collaborates with internal departments and external vendors to support the organization's financial operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review, verify, and process vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy, proper coding, required approvals, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Match invoices with supporting documentation, purchase orders, and receiving records, as applicable.
• Prepare vendor payments, including checks, ACH transfers, in accordance with established payment schedules.
• Maintain accurate vendor records, including payment information, W-9 forms, and supporting documentation.
• Reconcile vendor statements, investigate discrepancies, and resolve outstanding invoices and payment issues.
• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding invoice status, payment processing, and account balances.
• Monitor outstanding payables and ensure timely processing of invoices to avoid late payments.
• Record and apply Account Receivable incoming payments, including checks, ACH deposits, and electronic receipts, to appropriate accounts.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external parties to resolve billing and collection issues.
• Prepare accounts receivable aging reports and assist management in monitoring outstanding balances.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities, including accounts receivable & accounts payable reconciliations and expense accruals.
• Assist with internal and external audits by preparing requested documentation and responding to audit inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, and applicable organizational policies.
• Perform other accounting and administrative duties as assigned by the Controller or management.

QUALIFICATIONS

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

EXPERIENCES

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in accounts payable and accounts receivable, preferably in a high-volume accounting environment.
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, preferably in a government-funded or social services environment, is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel, including data management and reconciliations.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience processing a high volume of transactions, including a minimum of 1,000 invoices per month, while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Experience with the Uniform Fiscal System (UFS) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and accounts payable and receivable procedures.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, resolve discrepancies, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the use of formulas, PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis for payroll and accounting.
• Proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems; experience with the Uniform Fiscal System (UFS) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies, investigate variances, and resolve accounting issues.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with internal departments, and vendors.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and comply with organizational policies, accounting procedures, and internal controls.

WORK SCHEDULE

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a scheduled meal break. Occasional adjustments to the work schedule may be required based on operational needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described below are representative of those required for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, and communicate verbally and audibly. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally, the employee may be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.