Staff Accountant- Hybrid

Center for Community Alternatives • Syracuse, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) is a leader in the field of community-based alternatives to incarceration. Through innovative and pioneering services, as well as the research, public advocacy, and training of its Justice Strategies division, CCA fosters individual transformation and reduced reliance on incarceration and advocates for more responsive juvenile and criminal justice policies. This position works in a complex nonprofit fund accounting environment supporting revenue and expense activity across more than 70 diverse grants and contracts in multiple program areas. Funding comes from federal, state, and local sources, with varying durations and funding years. Job Summary: Under the general supervision of the Finance Operations & Grants Manager, the Staff Accountant supports core accounting and finance operations in accordance with GAAP and organizational policy. The role prepares and posts journal entries, maintains cash receipts and bank reconciliations, processes complex accounts payable activity across approximately 75 cost centers, supports month-end and year-end close, and helps maintain accurate grant allocations and financial controls. This position also coordinates cross-functionally to track and reconcile program-related supplies and payments, including stipends, petty cash, bus passes/metro cards, gift cards, and credit-card activity. The position requires strong organization, attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective communication.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related/equivalent field.
• At least 2 years of general ledger accounting experience or comparable experience aligned with the duties of the position.
• Proficiency with accounting and finance software such as Sage Intacct, Bill.com, and Rippling.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, SUM formulas, and structured tables.
• Working knowledge of accounting standards and regulations, including GAAP.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with 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 and the ability to collaborate effectively with Finance and program teams across the agency.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, including preparation, verification, and posting of journal entries such as petty cash, bus pass, stipend-related, month-end, and adjusting entries; prepare account analyses as requested.
• Ensure accurate grant allocations, general ledger coding, cost-center assignments, and supporting documentation across financial transactions.
• Enter and process accounts payable invoices in a timely manner, including higher-volume and complex purchasing activity such as Amazon invoices.
• Manage and monitor the purchasing inbox, respond to inquiries, and support timely processing and resolution of purchasing requests.
• Import and record project- and program-related expenses in the general ledger.
• Maintain stipend logs, fund stipends, and ensure complete documentation and reconciliation.
• Enter and reconcile cash receipts and bank deposits in accordance with internal controls; prepare monthly bank reconciliations and oversee the clearing of stale checks.
• Oversee the distribution, inventory tracking, and reconciliation of petty cash, bus passes/metro cards, and gift cards, including timely investigation and resolution of discrepancies.
• Oversee and support the company credit-card process by reviewing transactions, following up with cardholders, ensuring timely documentation, and coordinating with budget staff 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, annual audit preparation, and related Finance department responsibilities.
• Consult with Finance Operations & Grants Manager and Finance team regarding significant expenditures, unusual transactions, policy considerations, 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
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

What This Job Offers

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