Regional Accounting Services Specialist (8023)

The Salvation Army•Charlotte, NC

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the computerized accounting system with the finance staff of assigned local commands. It ensures proper internal controls are established in accordance with Salvation Army policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and current FASB standards. The position maintains a reporting system that provides up-to-date and accurate financial information for the Corps Officer and Divisional Headquarters, enabling effective assessment of the financial health and condition of the local command at any time. The specialist monitors daily accounting transactions, reviews ledgers and statements for accuracy and completeness, and ensures sufficient funds for upcoming payrolls and divisional drafts. They also review payables and cash receipt edit reports, maintain awareness of financial needs and budget constraints, and post batches to the accounting system. Responsibilities include approving and posting journal entries, reconciling inter-company accounts, and following month-end and year-end closing procedures. The role also involves establishing schedules for transaction processing and check runs, ensuring bills are paid on time, and issuing emergency checks as needed. The specialist reconciles bank accounts, audits credit card transactions, posts receivables, follows up on outstanding checks and deposits, and researches discrepancies. They generate and review ledger accounts, prepare correcting journal entries, and monitor account balances, notifying leadership of any attention needed. Reconciliation of accounts at DHQ & THQ, preparation of journals for depreciation, welfare orders, gifts-in-kind, and support services are also key duties. The role verifies the balance between checkbooks and the General Ledger, reviews month-end reports for accuracy, and provides financial analysis services to Corps Officers, assisting them in making effective financial decisions and implementing procedural improvements. The specialist prepares monthly financial information and reports, travels to commands to review procedures and records, provides remote assistance for Advisory Board reporting, and performs analytical research for the Divisional Finance Department. They remain accessible to local accounting staff and Corps Officers, providing emergency assistance when warranted, and train local personnel in the accounting system. Communication of changes in procedures, standards, and policies is essential, as is assuming the duties of local accounting staff during absences or vacancies. On-site training and support are provided as needed. Seasonal responsibilities include budget preparation, review, and entry into the accounting system, as well as preparing fiscal closing statements and assisting with year-end packages and audits. The role also supports the financial consolidation process and attends training classes for professional development. All duties are performed in accordance with The Salvation Army's mission, ministry, philosophy, culture, and protocol, with a high level of professionalism and client care. Travel may be required to represent The Salvation Army, speak at conferences, and attend seminars.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
Four years progressively responsible experience performing double-entry computerized accounting work.
Experience in the Army’s current accounting system preferred.
Knowledge of The Salvation Army mission, philosophy, culture, protocol, and organizational structure.
Knowledge of accepted principles, methods, and practices of computerized double-entry fund accounting.
Knowledge of finance, budgeting, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office365 software programs and accounting software in general.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of general business administration.
Knowledge and skill in developing and interpreting accounting and financial reports with accuracy.
Knowledge of efficient methods of organizing, maintaining, and securing financial records.
Ability to evaluate the organization's accounting and financial functions and respond to deficiencies.
Ability to develop and administer sound policies, procedures, and budgets.
Ability to effectively monitor, assess, and evaluate the quality of work performed by local accounting staff.
Ability to provide effective and timely direction and assistance to ensure compliance.
Ability to integrate and interpret data from various sources.
Ability to plan, develop, and implement responsible strategies for improving accounting processes and financial reporting.
Ability to audit accounting transactions and scrutinize financial reports/documents for integrity, accuracy, and completeness.
Ability to develop reports that meet the needs of non-accounting or non-financial staff.
Ability to make sound, logical interpretations of established guidelines and regulations quickly.
Ability to apply discretion and independent judgment when processing, analyzing, and resolving routine accounting transactions and reporting.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in an effective and professional manner.
Ability to discharge the duties and responsibilities of this position consistent with the principles, standards, and the Orders and Regulations of The Salvation Army.
Ability to organize, lead, develop, and maintain an effective and professional working relationship with all Finance Department Personnel, Salvation Army Officers and employees, and professionals in the community.
Ability to conduct the affairs of this office responsibly, efficiently, and economically.
Ability to conduct and lead group presentations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial records.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the Army’s current accounting system.

Responsibilities

Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the computerized accounting system with finance staff of assigned local commands.
Ensures proper internal controls are established in accordance with Salvation Army policies, GAAP, and FASB standards.
Maintains a reporting system for up-to-date and accurate financial information.
Monitors, evaluates, and supervises daily accounting transactions for assigned local commands.
Reviews and verifies local accounting records, ledgers, and statements for accuracy and completeness.
Monitors cash balances to ensure sufficient funds for payrolls and divisional drafts.
Reviews payables and cash receipt edit reports before posting to the General Ledger.
Maintains awareness of each command’s financial needs and budget constraints.
Reviews batches input at the local command and posts them to The Salvation Army’s computerized accounting system.
Approves and posts all journal entries, including booking of assets, depreciation, and adjustments.
Reconciles inter-company receivables, payables, and balances in reserve accounts monthly.
Follows Divisional Headquarters instructions for closing the books at month-end and year-end.
Establishes schedules for processing transactions and running checks to meet deadlines.
Ensures bills are paid on time and issues emergency checks as necessary.
Reconciles or reviews all local unit bank accounts monthly.
Audits credit card transactions against bank statements.
Posts receivables from thrift store sales.
Follows up on uncleared checks and unaccounted deposits.
Researches and resolves discrepancies to balance bank accounts.
Detects and resolves accounting transactions not in compliance with policy and develops process improvements.
Generates, reconciles, and reviews all ledger accounts for accuracy monthly.
Prepares and enters all correcting journal entries.
Monitors account balances and notifies leadership when attention is needed.
Reconciles accounts held at DHQ & THQ to mirror and bring into balance.
Reconciles open receivables at DHQ & THQ.
Prepares journals for depreciation expense, welfare orders, and gifts-in-kind.
Calculates and journals support and statewide services incurred.
Reviews exchange accounts to ensure legitimacy of balances.
Verifies that the checkbook and General Ledger are in balance monthly and makes adjusting entries.
Reviews and verifies month-end reports for accuracy, including the Financial Return Report, Statement of Activities, Balance Sheet, and Support & Statewide Report.
Provides financial analysis services to the Corps Officer.
Assists the Corps Officer in implementing needed improvements in accounting and budgeting procedures.
Prepares all monthly financial information and reports to the supervisor.
Travels to commands as needed to meet with local Corps Officers and staff.
Provides remote assistance to Corps Officers with reporting financial information to the Advisory Board.
Performs analytical research for the Divisional Finance Department and local Corps Officers.
Remains readily available and accessible to local accounting staff and Corps Officer.
Provides emergency assistance outside normal business hours if warranted and approved.
Maintains territorial accounting program for Corps in the region.
Trains local finance and other personnel in the daily operation of the accounting system.
Provides daily phone support assistance to local Corps Officer and accounting staff.
Communicates to the local Corps Officer and other staff any changes in accounting procedures, standards, policy, minutes, etc.
Assumes the duties of local accounting staff when they are absent or when a position is vacant.
Travels to local command’s as needed to conduct on-site training and provide on-site support.
Assists the Corps Officer in the preparation of the local command’s budget.
Prepares final budget copy and enters the approved annual budget into the accounting system.
Reviews budget for funding and ensures fund transfers are in compliance with standards.
Prepares fiscal closing statements including required reports and schedules.
Works closely with local accountants on their year-end package and reviews all reports.
Provides assistance to Corps Officer during internal and external audits.
Promotes continuous consistency in procedures for audit readiness.
Provides assistance in the financial consolidation process.
Monitors routine financial reports year-round to detect and resolve errors.
Attends training classes provided by THQ and DHQ related to accounting and financial systems.
Assists others in the Finance Dept and at DHQ in developing and maintaining reports.
Conducts analytical reporting and research for both the Finance Department and Officers.
Assists supervisors in various areas of accounting and finance as needed.
Participates in continuing education opportunities, conferences, and seminars.
Performs all duties with an understanding of the mission, ministry, philosophy, culture, and protocol of The Salvation Army.
Conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism and client care.
Travels, as needed, to represent The Salvation Army.
Speaks at Management Conferences or at other accounting conferences.
Attends seminars and updates skills and performance as approved.
Performs other related work as required.