Staff Accountant

Center for Community Alternatives • Syracuse, NY

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

About theOrganization Centerfor Community Alternatives (CCA) supports and builds power with peopleacross New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration,criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network ofdirect services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership ofdirectly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all NewYorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need tothrive. WhyJoin the Team? At CCA,we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitivemarket-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determinedby the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, andgeography. Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the mostdesirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize theimportance of work-life balance. Job Summary Under the general supervision of the Accounting and Revenue Manager, the Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting general accounting functions in accordance with GAAP and organizational policy. This role prepares and posts journal entries, maintains cash receipts and bank reconciliations, and processes complex accounts payable activity, including Amazon invoices and credit card statements across approximately 75 cost centers. The Staff Accountant assists with month-end close activities and supports the Accounting and Revenue Manager and Finance team in carrying out core departmental responsibilities. This position works cross-functionally to expense and track program-related supplies and stipends, including bus passes, petty cash, gift cards, and stipends. Serving as a liaison between Finance and program staff, this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication. This is a hybrid position (2 days in office / 3 days remote).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related/equivalent field
• Minimum of 2 years of general ledger accounting experience or related experience aligned with assigned duties
• Proficiency with accounting and finance software such as Sage Intacct, Bill.com, and Rippling
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, SUM formulas, and structured tables
• Working knowledge of accounting standards and regulations (GAAP)
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong time-management and organizational skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities
• Ability to work independently while aligning with departmental and organizational goals
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively with Finance and program teams across the agency
• ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in finance within a nonprofit, grant-funded organization strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, including the preparation, verification, and posting of journal entries (petty cash, bus pass, stipend-related, month-end, and other adjusting entries as needed); prepare account analyses upon request
• Support efficient financial management by ensuring accurate grant allocations and minimizing overhead costs
• Enter and process accounts payable invoices in a timely manner, including Amazon invoices, ensuring accurate grant coding, GL accounts, cost centers, and amounts
• Manage and monitor the purchasing inbox, responding to inquiries and ensuring timely processing of requests
• Import and record project- and program-related expenses in the general ledger
• Maintain stipend logs, fund stipends, and ensure proper documentation and reconciliation
• Enter and reconcile cash receipts, including bank deposits, in accordance with internal controls
• Oversee the distribution, inventory tracking, and reconciliation of petty cash, bus passes/metro cards, and gift cards, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance with internal controls, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and oversee the clearing of stale checks
• Oversee and support the company credit card process, including reviewing transactions, following up with cardholders, ensuring timely documentation, and coordinating reviews with budget analysts to maintain audit compliance
• Interface with Resource Development to support accurate tracking and administration of donations
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including audit preparation and support
• Consult with the Accounting and Revenue Manager and Finance team regarding policy decisions, significant expenditures, and unusual transactions; identify and recommend process and operational improvements
• Perform other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with the ability to use it after 90-days of employment. Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree