Junior Accountant

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED • Cleveland, OH

7d • $50,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) helps teens and young adults ages 14–24 in economically distressed communities succeed through educational and workforce opportunities, skills development, and access to career pathways. The organization offers school-based and community-based programs that address the needs of Northeast Ohio employers and is dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.

The Junior Accountant supports the Finance Department’s daily accounting operations, financial recordkeeping, account reconciliations, grant billing, month-end close, and financial reporting. The role helps ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable policies and regulations, while offering an opportunity to develop accounting knowledge and skills.

The position is primarily based in-office. Work is generally fast-paced and involves extended computer use, frequent interaction with team members, vendors, partners, and/or participants, and occasional lifting and movement around office buildings. When working remotely, employees must maintain a professional, secure, reasonably distraction-free workspace that supports confidentiality, productivity, and meeting participation. The work environment outside a normal office space may include exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, or other hazards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Accounting or Finance, from an accredited college or university is preferred; an additional two years of relevant work experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree, but an associate’s degree is required.
• Internship, coursework, or prior experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or finance.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial recordkeeping.
• Proficiency with standard workplace technology, including Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, databases, and other systems relevant to the position; ability and willingness to learn and use new software, technology, and organizational systems.
• Must pass a background BCI/FBI check as a condition of employment.
• Belief in and commitment to Y.O.U.’s mission, vision, and values.
• Knowledge of general office etiquette and processes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under minimal supervision.
• Ability to carry out assigned finance operations responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with colleagues, participants, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and resolve problems, and seek guidance when appropriate.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, responsibilities, and organizational needs while maintaining effectiveness and professionalism.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information and exercise discretion.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with accounting software or ERP systems.
• Familiarity with nonprofit, governmental, or grant accounting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily accounting transactions, including journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash receipts.
• Prepare invoices in the ERP system as requested.
• Enter daily deposits and EFT deposits into the ERP system.
• Prepare month-end journal entries.
• Prepare spreadsheets for assigned bills to code expenses accurately by department, grant, and employee.
• Review credit card entries prepared by the Accounts Payable Clerk and upload them into the ERP system.
• Reconcile credit card accounts to statements in the ERP system.
• Attach Excel reports to credit card bills in the ERP system so approvers can review bill coding.
• Reconcile assigned general ledger accounts.
• Identify account issues and prepare correcting journal entries.
• Maintain accurate financial records and organized, complete documentation.
• Review LAUNCH program funder/grantor billings for completeness and accuracy and submit them for final approval.
• Serve as backup for accounts payable processing.
• Review invoices, expense reports, and payment requests for accuracy and proper coding.
• Respond to internal accounting questions and support team members as needed.
• Serve as backup for bill preparation.
• Research account discrepancies, identify potential errors, prepare appropriate corrections within established procedures, and escalate complex or unusual matters to the Controller.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with coverage beginning the first of the month following the date of hire.
• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, short-term disability, parental leave, Employee Assistance Program, and long-term disability.
• Retirement plan with generous employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off package, including 19 paid holidays.
• Professional Development Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree