Staff Accountant

Sonoma Land Trust•Santa Rosa, CA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sonoma Land Trust (SLT) is seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join their Finance team. This role is crucial for managing a variety of financial, administrative, and operational duties, with a specific focus on accounting, payroll, and grants processes. SLT is a conservation organization dedicated to protecting local communities from climate change impacts and is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates who reflect the diverse audiences they serve.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in accounting, finance or related field.
2-3 years of accounting experience with a focus on general ledger.
Experience with payroll processing.
Proficiency in GAAP.
Proficiency with accounting and payroll software systems and MS Excel.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and issues.
Proficiency with computer applications and office equipment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
High levels of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment are expected when handling sensitive information.
Ability to foster collaborative relationships with co-workers, teams, grantors, vendors, and other partners.

Nice To Haves

A combination of experience and education may be acceptable.
Experience in nonprofit accounting is strongly preferred.
A passion for conservation and environmental issues.

Responsibilities

Prepare journal entries and complete accounting reconciliations.
Prepare 403b retirement plan reporting and assist in the preparation of the annual 5500 tax return.
Prepare audit worksheets for the annual independent audit, in collaboration with other Finance staff.
Assist with the preparation of IRS 990 tax return and other filings including 1099s, sales & use tax return, and census.
Assist with other outside audits.
Assist with budget preparation.
Provide support and backup for other SLT finance staff.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Maintain payroll system and ensure coordination with other SLT financial systems.
Review employee timesheets to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws, and compliance with SLT policies and procedures.
Ensure employee time is applied to grants, programs, and funds in compliance with grant terms and SLT policies.
Serve as primary payroll processor and ensure timely payment of all SLT employees.
Record all payroll-related entries in SLT financial systems and ensure appropriate payroll information is shared with SLT finance and management staff.
Coordinate with third-party payroll provider to ensure payroll taxes are filed and paid on a timely basis, including employees’ year-end W2 forms.
Assist employees with payroll-related questions and concerns.
Assist program staff in completing grant budgets and ensure grants fall within budget guidelines.
Coordinate the setup of all awarded grants in SLT financial systems.
Monitor grant expenditures to evaluate whether they are allowable within the terms of the grant and ensure grant funds are not over/under-spent.
Maintain SLT grant calendar to ensure all grant billing and reporting occur in a timely manner and within the deadlines established for each grant.
Reconcile grant accounting within SLT fund accounting system.