Accounting Specialist

Title: Accounting Specialist

Salary: $60,000 - $75,000

ABOUT NYC OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOLS

Why can’t school be more like an Outward Bound course? NYC Outward Bound Schools believes that students benefit greatly from tapping into the world beyond their classroom and their immediate community to partake in joyful learning experiences that can prepare them to thrive in community, college, and career. In partnership with the NYC public school system, NYC Outward Bound Schools is a non-profit organization that serves over 28,000 students in almost 80 schools across the five boroughs of New York City. NYC Outward Bound Schools provides opportunities for unique, liberatory, experiential learning for students in their social, emotional, and academic development. The organization supports NYC young people both by leading students in outdoor adventure programming that pushes beyond their traditional school experiences and also by coaching and supporting educators on how to incorporate lessons from these catalytic experiences within the classroom. Ultimately, our diverse and committed staff support NYC young people in unique ways to develop the knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and curiosity, persist in the face of challenges, and live fulfilling lives.

Role Summary:

The Accounting Specialist, reporting to the Director of Finance, will be responsible for handling a broad spectrum of accounting responsibilities, such as payroll processing, accounts payable, and bank reconciliations. The Accounting Specialist assist with the day-to-day functions of the Finance department, including maintaining accurate financial records for the organization. Supporting a small Finance team, the Accounting Specialist will have the opportunity to contribute to all functions of the finance team, including payroll, reconciliations, financial analysis, month-end close, and timely financial reporting.   

Essential Functions:

Account Payable/Account Receivable

• Handle accounts payable process, including invoice coding, data entry, and ensuring timely payments to avoid late fees and maintain vendor relationships
• Review all incoming bills, credit card statements, and expense reimbursements for accuracy and ensure that they include appropriate documentation (e.g. receipts), coding information, and approvals 
• Code all bills for the appropriate accounts and cost centers and enter into accounting system within appropriate due dates
• Reconcile cash advances with receipts submitted by staff members
• Prepare and make bank deposits, as needed
• Perform monthly bank and credit card reconciliations by comparing and correcting discrepancies between the statements and accounting system
• Create invoices for schools and other clients
• Support the Director of Finance with creating fee-for service invoices to the New York City Department of Education (DOE) for payment

Payroll

• Efficiently manage the payroll processes, ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll transactions including salaries, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions
• Calculate amounts due to part-time and per diem employees for semi-monthly payroll
• Allocate part-time and full-time payroll to appropriate cost centers
• Input all timesheets into Fund EZ
• Compile employee vacation, comp, sick and personal time

Month-End/Reporting/Grants

• Assist the Director of Finance with preparing month end general ledger entries, applicable to both balance sheet accounts and income statement accounts as needed
• Reconcile donor database with accounting system to ensure grants and donations are coded correctly

• Assist with month-end and fiscal year-end close processes
• Prepare and distribute monthly reports to department heads and budget stakeholders
• Assist with budget preparation and financial planning processes, including uploading budget and forecast into the accounting system
• Prepare grant reports for foundations and corporations as needed

General

• Collaborate with the team to develop and implement financial policies and procedures
• Assists the Director of Finance in solving other issues as they arise

• Maintain compliance with GAAP regulations, policies, and best practices
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulations
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to educational equity for BIPOC youth, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates a dedication to our core values of community, courage, equity, integrity, and learning throughout all aspects of their work.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in accounting and/or related fields with a preference for experience in non-profit organizations
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, preferred
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Ability to generate innovative ideas, originate action without instruction, take initiative, and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to remain detail-oriented while also maintaining focus on the big picture.
• Skilled in working independently and following through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated flexibility, maturity, and ability to juggle competing priorities.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Unquestionable integrity and ethical standards in leadership

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• HRA/FSA/Transit accounts
• Life insurance
• 403(b) with employer match after one year
• Generous PTO

Location:

• Hybrid position: Requires multiple days per week on site in Long Island City as outlined in the organization’s remote work policy.

NYC Outward Bound Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination against, and harassment of, any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, military or veteran status, qualified individuals with a disability on the basis of the disability, or any other category which may be protected under applicable state or federal law.

Salary : $60,000 - $75,000