Financial Accountant

The Salvation Army

About The Position

The Financial Accountant is responsible for maintaining the accuracy and validity of The Salvation Army’s general ledger and associated sub-ledgers. The role prepares and processes complex reconciliations and major one-time and recurring journal entries. The Financial Accountant takes primary responsibility for a designated group of ministry-unit and client financial statements and serves as the main contact for clients seeking to understand or resolve financial-statement issues. The position also identifies and recommends process improvements and documents processes within its area of responsibility where applicable. The role supports accurate financial reporting and decision-making through account reconciliations, financial analyses, accounting entries, monitoring ministry-unit financial performance, and supporting budgeting and forecasting. It also manages banking activities, supports month-end and year-end processes, serves as a financial contact for ministry units and external stakeholders, and administers specified regulatory reporting requirements.

Requirements

University degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
At least two years of experience in an accounting and/or finance environment.
Demonstrated experience in financial analysis, reconciliations, reporting, and general accounting functions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, INDIRECT, TRIM, LEFT, RIGHT, MID, SUBSTITUTE, and complex IF formulas.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word and other business applications.
Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills for working with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to deliver customer service, build collaborative relationships, and respond to inquiries professionally and promptly.
Integrity, confidentiality, professional ethics, fairness, and sound judgment when handling sensitive financial information.

Nice To Haves

Professional accounting designation (CPA) or progress toward completion.

Responsibilities

Maintain the integrity and accuracy of general ledger and sub-ledger accounts through reconciliations, transaction reviews, and adherence to accounting policies and controls.
Prepare financial analyses, account reconciliations, accruals, prepaids, and other accounting entries.
Review ministry-unit financial statements, cash flow, fund balances, and budgetary results; escalate risks and concerns as appropriate.
Manage banking activities, including daily bank reconciliations and timely processing of incoming and outgoing fund transfers.
Ensure financial transactions are properly authorized, adequately documented, accurately recorded, and reflected in the correct accounting period.
Coordinate accounting transactions and support month-end and year-end financial processes.
Act as the primary financial contact for ministry units and external stakeholders, providing guidance, resolving issues, and responding to accounting and financial inquiries.
Build client partnerships through proactive communication, interpretation of financial information, and support for compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
Support budgeting and forecasting by assisting with budget preparation and conducting variance analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
Administer regulatory reporting requirements, including tax rebate claims and charitable filings, in compliance with government and legislative requirements.
Identify and recommend process improvements and document processes within the area of responsibility where applicable.