Accountant

Aston Carter•Washington, DC

8d•$29 - $33•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Accountant prepares, reviews, and approves day-to-day and monthly journal entries, transaction processing, recording, and reporting. The position oversees general ledger reconciliations in the accounting system and related modules and collaborates with finance leadership on business process improvements that increase efficiency and strengthen internal controls. The Staff Accountant supports the monthly close and audit preparation and provides training and guidance to finance and regional staff. This is a contract-to-hire position based in Washington, DC, with a hybrid workplace. The stated pay range is $28.85–$32.69 per hour. Individual compensation depends on factors including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, and internal equity. Benefits for eligible employees in this temporary role may include medical, dental and vision coverage; critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; a health spending account; transportation benefits; an employee assistance program; and paid time off, vacation, or sick leave. Eligibility and benefit terms may vary.

Requirements

The posting lists both “34 years” of accounting experience focused on reconciliations, debits and credits, and month-end processes, and “4+ years” focused on accounting and balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement analysis, budgeting, and client support.
Hands-on experience with general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations.
Experience across finance and accounting functions such as payment and accounts payable processing, revenue recognition, general ledger maintenance, cash management, budgeting, financial analysis, and support for strategic business decisions.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
Strong knowledge of GAAP and its application to journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables, and strong skills in other Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint.
Ability to assess and independently resolve a wide range of accounting and financial issues in practical and creative ways.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal and supervisory abilities, including the capacity to train and support staff.
Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a deadline-driven environment, particularly during month-end close and audit cycles.

Nice To Haves

Experience in nonprofit accounting environments.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) Finance and Operations.
Experience with Concur or similar expense management systems.
Exposure to or experience with audit processes and preparation of audit schedules.
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license considered an asset.
Strong training and content facilitation skills for financial management training.
High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining strong internal controls.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and regional offices.
Comfort with continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization.

Responsibilities

Ensure timely and accurate recording of regional financial activity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Complete and review required reconciliations, including balance sheet and other key accounts, in accordance with GAAP.
Prepare monthly account reconciliations and analyses for bank accounts, petty cash, subsidiary ledgers, general ledger accounts, fixed assets, prepaid expenses, and specified expense accounts; work with staff to resolve outstanding items.
Reconcile subledger modules to the general ledger during month-end close.
Prepare journal entries with appropriate accounting classifications in compliance with GAAP.
Analyze financial data and prepare reports used in financial statements and audit schedules in collaboration with finance team members.
Assist with the preparation and coordination of audit-requested schedules and samples, ensuring appropriate documentation of policies and procedures.
Support the monthly close in coordination with senior finance staff to help ensure an accurate and timely close.
Support improvements to policies, procedures, internal controls, and tools to increase operating efficiency and improve service to internal stakeholders.
Support communication and planning with other departments and finance staff across the organization.
Assist with the annual budget process and review employee expense reports as needed.
Provide or support accounting and financial management training for headquarters and regional office staff.
Complete other accounting and finance duties as assigned.