Regional Accounting Services Specialist (4051)

THE SALVATION ARMY•Charlotte, NC

10d•$49,000 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Responsibilities: Coordinates, monitors and evaluates the computerized accounting system with the finance staff of assigned local units; ensures the proper internal control is established, to insure accounting and finance functions are in accordance with established Salvation Army policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and current FASB standards; and to maintain the reporting system which provides up-to-date and accurate financial information for the Corps Officer and Divisional Headquarters so that the financial health and condition of the local unit can be effectively accessed at any time. Monitors, evaluates and supervises the daily accounting transactions for assigned local units; reviews and verifies local accounting records, ledgers and statements for accuracy and completeness including but not limited to the preparation of journals, various ledger activity, maintenance and supervision of the chart of accounts, required cash logs, and custodian of all financial reports; ensure the accuracy and completeness of the same. Monitors cash balances closely and diligently in order to provide for sufficient funds in upcoming payrolls and drafts; reviews payables and cash receipt edit reports for correct date information, journal information, journal description and company and bank verification before allowing local bookkeeper staff to post same to the General Ledger; maintains awareness of each units financial needs and budget constraints in order to remain sensitive and responsive to their cash needs when financial resources are strapped. Reviews batches input at the local Command and post them to the Great Plains 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 on a monthly basis; follow Divisional Headquarters instructions related to closing the books at month-end and year-end. Establishes schedules for processing transactions and running checks in order to meet the local Commands’ deadlines and financial needs; ensures bills are paid on time; issues emergency checks as necessary; posts the same to Great Plains in a timely basis so reports of cash balances and payables are up-to-date at all times. Month-End Responsibilities: Reconciles or reviews all local unit bank accounts on a monthly basis; ensures all deposits are posted in the correct month, and all drafts and electronic deposits are accounted for and posted; audits credit card transactions against bank statements; posts receivables from thrift store sales; follows up on any checks that have not cleared and any deposits unaccounted for; ensures all payroll and drafts are posted; researches and resolves discrepancies in order to balance bank accounts; studies account activity in order to detect and resolve accounting transactions that are not in compliance with policy and to develop accounting process improvements. Generates, reconciles, and reviews all ledger accounts for accuracy on a monthly basis; prepares and enters all correcting journal entries. Monitors account balances and notifies local and divisional leadership when account balances need management’s attention. Reconciles Company accounts held at DHQ & THQ to mirror and bring into balance; reconciles open receivables at DHQ & THQ to account for all expenses incurred within the month. Prepares journals for depreciation expense by way of a Vehicle Depreciation Schedule journals 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 on a monthly basis; makes adjusting journal entries for posting corrections or notifies the supervisor when a cash account needs research and correction. Reviews and verifies month-end reports for accuracy including the Financial Return Report, Statement of Activities, Balance Sheet, Support & Statewide Report; ensures the Balance Sheet balances and researches any funds that appear out-of-line; notifies officers when reports are ready and Company is ready to close. Financial Analysis Responsibilities: Provides financial analysis services to the Corps Officer; provides and interprets financial reports so that the Corps Officer has accurate and complete financial information in order to make effective financial decisions on a daily, monthly and annual basis; assists the Corps Officer in implementing needed improvements in accounting and budgeting procedures so that the financial picture of the daily operations can be closely monitored. Prepares all monthly financial information and reports to the same to the supervisor including journals, bank reconciliation, general ledger review, reporting, prepaid rent, depreciation, support & statewide (debt), state & support journals, and journal corrections. Travels to local units in order to conduct quarterly onsite visits of local units; meets w/officers to review changes needed, reports, problems, and help support officer needs. Provides onsite assistance with the Advisory Board by attending meetings and providing interpretation of reports as well as to discuss recommendations for improvements or to review policy changes. Provides analytical research for the Divisional Finance Department and local Corps Officers as needed; performs research associated with the Net Financial Positions that are reviewed to see a company’s performance over certain periods or to give a better understanding to report variances. Training & Support Responsibilities: Remains readily available and accessible to local accounting staff and Corps Officer in order to provide the highest quality of service and to be responsive to the local units needs. Provides emergency assistance outside normal business hours if warranted and approved. Establishes Great Plains accounting program for Corps in the region in a manner set out by the Division; trains local finance personnel in the daily operation of the accounting system; travels to Corps to assist, train and trouble shoot as necessary. Provides daily phone support assistance to local accounting staff by responding to their questions related to the proper processes and practices for Great Plains, postings, journals, accounts, and reports. Communicates to the local accounting staff any changes in accounting procedures, standards, policy, minutes, etc.; responds to questions regarding the same. Assumes the duties of local accounting staff when they are absent or when a position is vacant in order to keep the local unit’s accounting transactions up-to-date and reports on schedule; provides accounting services that enable the local Corps Officer to continue to have awareness of the local units financial health even during accounting staff vacancies. Travels to local units as-needed in order to conduct on-site training and to provide on-site support when needed. Seasonal Project Responsibilities: Assists the Corps Officer in the preparation of the local unit’s budget; may prepare budget workbook; reviews budget with the Corps Officer and makes adjustments as requested; prepares final budget copy; enters the approved annual budget for each assigned unit into Great Plains; ensures formulas are correct and creates improvements; reviews budget for funding and ensures that fund transfers are incompliance with standards set by Divisional Headquarters. Prepares fiscal closing statements including required reports and schedules; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same. Works closely with bookkeepers on their year-end package and reviews all reports carefully to detect errors. Provides assistance with internal and external audits of local units as needed; assists local units in ensuring they are ready for audits; assists local units in responding to auditor questions and requests for information; promotes continuous consistency in accounting procedures so that local unit audits are successful. Provides assistance in the financial consolidation process; monitors routine financial reports year-round to detect and resolve errors so that the financial consolidation process can run as smoothly as possible; provides assistance in preparing and reviewing consolidation reports for accuracy. May accompany auditors to provide assistance with annual or special audits. Other Responsibilities: Attends training classes with FRX Reporting; assists others in the Finance Dept and at DHQ in developing reports and maintaining current reports. Conducts analytical reporting and research for both the finance department and officers. Occasionally accompany auditors to assist with audits. Assists supervisors in various areas of accounting and finance as needed. Participates in continuing education opportunities, conferences, and seminars to enhance professional growth and encourages/supports continuing education of staff. Performs all duties with an understanding of the mission, ministry, philosophy, culture, and protocol of The Salvation Army and conducts all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism client care. Travels, as needed, to represent The Salvation Army as needed. Speaks at Management Conferences or at other bookkeeping conferences in areas related to position. Attends seminars and update skills and performance as approved. Performs other related work as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration or a related field, and four years progressively responsible experience performing double-entry computerized accounting work with Great Plains accounting experience preferred, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid State Driver’s License
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 as well as finance, budgeting, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Knowledge of Lotus 123, Excel, Word, 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 organizations accounting and financial functions, respond to deficiencies by identifying and implementing appropriate corrective actions, develop and administer sound policies, procedures, and budgets.
Ability to effectively monitor, assess, and evaluate the quality of work performed by local accounting staff and to provide effective and timely direction and assistance to ensure compliance with established procedures, accepted practices, and quality standards.
Ability to integrate and interpret data from various sources and to plan, develop, and implement responsible strategies for improving accounting processes and financial reporting.
Ability to audit accounting transactions and scrutinize financial reports/documents in order to ensure integrity, accuracy, and completeness.
Ability to develop reports that meet the needs of non-accounting or non-financial staff when needed.
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 in accordance with accepted accounting principles.
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.

Responsibilities

Coordinates, monitors and evaluates the computerized accounting system with the finance staff of assigned local units
Monitors, evaluates and supervises the daily accounting transactions for assigned local units
Reviews batches input at the local Command and post them to the Great Plains computerized accounting system
Establishes schedules for processing transactions and running checks in order to meet the local Commands’ deadlines and financial needs
Reconciles or reviews all local unit bank accounts on a monthly basis
Generates, reconciles, and reviews all ledger accounts for accuracy on a monthly basis
Provides financial analysis services to the Corps Officer
Prepares all monthly financial information and reports to the same to the supervisor including journals, bank reconciliation, general ledger review, reporting, prepaid rent, depreciation, support & statewide (debt), state & support journals, and journal corrections
Remains readily available and accessible to local accounting staff and Corps Officer in order to provide the highest quality of service and to be responsive to the local units needs
Establishes Great Plains accounting program for Corps in the region in a manner set out by the Division
Assumes the duties of local accounting staff when they are absent or when a position is vacant in order to keep the local unit’s accounting transactions up-to-date and reports on schedule
Assists the Corps Officer in the preparation of the local unit’s budget
Prepares fiscal closing statements including required reports and schedules
Provides assistance with internal and external audits of local units as needed
Provides assistance in the financial consolidation process
Attends training classes with FRX Reporting
Conducts analytical reporting and research for both the finance department and officers
Assists supervisors in various areas of accounting and finance as needed
Performs all duties with an understanding of the mission, ministry, philosophy, culture, and protocol of The Salvation Army and conducts all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles
Travels, as needed, to represent The Salvation Army as needed
Speaks at Management Conferences or at other bookkeeping conferences in areas related to position
Attends seminars and update skills and performance as approved
Performs other related work as required