Lead Accountant

Blue Mountain Action Council•Walla Walla, WA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Accountant provides comprehensive fiscal support to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and plays a key role in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the organization’s financial records. Provides lead-level oversight for accounting operations, serves as subject matter expert and supports organizational financial management of accounting functions. This position is responsible for overseeing accounts receivable operations, ensuring timely and accurate transaction processing, account reconciliation, and compliance with established accounting policies and procedures. The role requires extensive data management, financial tracking, reconciliation, reporting, and oversight of record-keeping functions to support effective financial operations. The Lead Accountant provides essential operational leadership, serving as the primary back-up to the CFO.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Four (4) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with demonstrated experience in accounts receivable, account reconciliation, financial reporting, and maintenance of accurate accounting records.
Experience working with accounting software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and advanced spreadsheet applications (e.g., Microsoft Excel).
Strong commitment to BMAC’s mission of building thriving communities and to our values: hope, integrity, compassion, collaboration and community.
Extensive knowledge of accounting principles.
Knowledge of grant accounting, compliance requirements, reporting requirements, and revenue tracking.
Strong computer knowledge, skills, and ability.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint.
Proficient with payroll software.
Excellent oral and written English language skills with good interpersonal relationship skills.
Excellent customer service orientation to promptly identify and resolve arising issues.
Able to explain financial information clearly and accurately to a wide range of audiences.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Exceptional track record of working with transparency and high standards of ethics and stewardship.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a team to achieve objectives.
Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment, managing a high call volume, with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations.
Must be bondable

Nice To Haves

Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted for either education or work history.
Preferred proficiency in Abila MIP Fund Accounting and QuickBooks program or the ability to learn it.
Preferred proficiency in property management software, including ResMan and AppFolio.
Experience working in a nonprofit, grant-funded, property management, or other regulated accounting environment preferred.
Experience with federal and state grant management and compliance requirements.
Bilingual/Bicultural – English/Spanish – is preferred.
Proficient in QuickBooks program or the ability to learn it.
Knowledge of HUD regulations and experience with the financial aspects of construction projects and property management, desirable.
Knowledge of Walla Walla, Columbia, and Garfield Counties’ needs, low-income challenges, and our nonprofit landscape, desirable.

Responsibilities

Supervise the Accounts Receivable functions, providing oversight of grant billing, invoicing, cash receipts, collections, payment application, customer account maintenance, aging reports, and account reconciliations to ensure timely and accurate revenue recognition.
Monitor accounts receivable aging and collection activities, identify delinquent accounts, resolve complex billing issues, and implement strategies to improve cash flow and reduce outstanding receivables.
Review and approve accounts receivable transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with organizational policies and internal controls.
Provide supervision, training, and performance oversight to Accounts Receivable staff, ensuring consistent application of accounting procedures and high-quality customer service.
Review and evaluate accounts receivable processes and internal controls, recommending improvements to enhance efficiency, strengthen compliance, mitigate risk, and ensure adherence to organizational policies and accounting standards.
Collaborate with program managers, grant managers, and department leaders to ensure accurate billing, timely collections, and proper recording of program revenues.
Prepare and reconcile all bank accounts on a monthly basis, researching and resolving outstanding items to ensure accurate cash balances and timely financial reporting.
Submit completed bank reconciliations and supporting documentation to the CFO for review and approval.
Oversee accurate receipting and recording of rent payments, ensuring transactions are posted timely and consistently.
Review and reconcile property management system activity with the general ledger.
Oversee the accurate receipting and recording of donation payments in Bloomerang and MIP, ensuring transactions are posted timely and consistently.
Review and reconcile donations and the general ledger.
Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to Accounts Receivable staff.
Foster a strength-based, supportive, and innovative culture among staff to provide excellent customer service to BMAC team.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team meetings to communicate job requirements, monitor workload, and address challenges.
Regularly provides feedback and conducts annual performance evaluations; takes corrective action as needed in coordination with CFO and HR.
Facilitate professional development and staff training on best practices.
Assist with recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new staff.
Assist CFO with month end closings and expenditure reports.
Assist with agency inventory.
Help monitor and administer the company business accounts.
Create reports and supply information upon request to assist staff as needed.
Assist with WBARS & WIDS reporting.
Assist with annual business reports and filing.
Attend staff meetings and training sessions as requested.
Serve as operational back-up to the CFO when needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.