Financial Accountant

Huntsville Botanical Garden•Huntsville, AL

10d

About The Position

The Financial Accountant will play a vital role in the Finance and Accounting department, reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance and Operations. The Financial Accountant is responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records to track the organization’s assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liabilities and other related financial activities. The Financial Accountant will perform financial reconciliations, general ledger adjusting entries, external funding compliance reporting, and participate in audit support. Additionally, the Financial Accountant will analyze financial data, support budgeting and forecasting processes, prepare reports for management and assist continuous improvement - related initiatives championed by Finance and Accounting. Overall, the Financial Accountant will support the VP of Finance and Operations in achieving the organization's financial objectives and promoting a culture of accountability and transparency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting and a minimum of 2 years of professional accounting experience is required.
Understanding of and the ability to adhere to generally accepted accounting principles.
Technology savvy with high comfort level utilizing the Microsoft Office suite of products, particularly Excel and accounting software.
Attention to Detail: Accountants must ensure accuracy in financial statements and reports, aligning with the organization's core value of exemplifying expertise.
Analytical Skills: Highly analytical and organized, accountants should be adept at problem-solving, enabling sound decision-making and supporting both strategic and tactical planning.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, or Excel) and a strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP or IFRS) are essential.
Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities are needed to manage multiple accounts and deadlines effectively.
Communication Skills: Accountants must convey financial information clearly to auditor, vendors, stakeholders, or team members, fostering collaboration with compassion.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify issues within financial documents and find effective solutions is crucial, thriving on converting data to actionable information.
Ethical Judgment and Integrity: Adhering to ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information is essential.
Mathematical Skill: A solid foundation in mathematics is necessary for performing calculations accurately.
Knowledge of Tax Regulations and Grant Reporting requirements: Understanding tax codes and regulations is critical for ensuring compliance and optimizing tax liabilities.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new regulations, technologies, and practices within the evolving accounting field.
Self-Motivated Team Player: Accountants should be self-motivated and capable of providing leadership through initiative and by example, demonstrating a commitment to the organization's mission.
Goal-Oriented: A demonstrated ability to set and achieve personal goals while supporting the success of their team is essential.
Alignment with Organizational Values: Possessing an interest and appreciation for the mission of the Huntsville Botanical Garden, accountants should embrace curiosity, look forward, and take time to celebrate achievements.

Nice To Haves

Previous professional work in a non-profit environment.
Experience with grant expense management and reporting.
Prior use of QuickBooks.
CPA certification.

Responsibilities

Maintaining and reconciling financial records and ledgers.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to provide insights and data-driven recommendations.
Preparing and analyzing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Review and approve cash disbursements to ensure proper authorization and posting.
Perform bank statement and general ledger reconciliations on a timely and effective basis. Identify and execute on opportunities for improvements in internal processes, working effectively to reduce or eliminate recurring issues.
Maintains the general ledger accounts hygiene for accuracy, completeness and timeliness.
Codes invoices, sets up new accounts, reconciles accounts, and closes the monthly books.
Support month-end and year-end close process.
Reconciles bank accounts, verifies deposits.
Reconciles cash disbursement accounts, payroll, sales accounts and other financial accounts.
Verifies payment of invoices associated with accounts payable and ensures payments are charged to the appropriate accounts.
Supports audit by communicating with Auditor, gathering necessary information and documents, and managing deadlines.
Maintains knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, communicate changes and monitor organizational compliance.
Monitor compliance with policies, procedures, and standards of GAAP, working collaboratively to identify and implement improvement opportunities. Report any discrepancies to VP of Finance in a timely and effective manner.
Supports technology and process improvement initiatives by providing finance and accounting subject-matter expertise across cross-functional projects and performs other duties as assigned.