Accountant

BACKGROUND

Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) is a not-for-profit organization that serves small and mid-sized manufacturers throughout northwest and north central Pennsylvania. Through a private and public partnership business model, NWIRC is driven by the impact our consulting and customized training solutions have on our client’s business, the manufacturing industry, and our regional economy. We help manufacturers achieve and sustain top and bottom-line growth through the implementation of next generation manufacturing strategies, world-class improvement methodologies and best practices, advanced manufacturing technologies, and customized workforce training and skill development programs. NWIRC, created in 1988 as part of a state-wide initiative, is one of seven centers that serve manufacturers throughout Pennsylvania as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP).

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Accountant to support our organization. The Accountant inspects, reviews, and creates financial transactions for various departments and funding streams. He/she also handles tasks and recordkeeping, including payroll preparation, payables, receivables, reconciliations. etc. and assists in the human resource functions. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, proficiency in accounting software, and exceptional attention to detail.

WORK LOCATION & HOURS

The Accountant will work in-person from NWIRC’s main office, which is located in Erie, PA. Thirty seven and a half (37.5) hours/week is required with flexibility allowed with regard to daily start time. All staff can schedule their own working hours and may begin their day as early as 7:00am but not later than 9:00am each day however, consistency in the work schedule is encouraged. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Processing semi-monthly payroll and review direct deposit pay; reconcile annual W-2s and prepare 1099s with reconciliation reports.
• Processing expense reimbursement checks, retirement plan payments, and employee insurance pay-out checks.
• Collecting Hours Report, maintaining sick/vacation/holiday employee balances
• Handling accounts receivable, including invoicing, file maintenance, collection calls, bank deposits, online payments and ACH/EFT’s, and maintenance of online accounts.
• Handling accounts payable, including coding, data entry, purchase orders, file maintenance; monitor usage of cell phones and copiers.
• Maintaining General Journal, including posting depreciation and expense distribution for funding source shares.
• Managing Chart of Accounts changes and Financial Statements as necessary.
• Reconciling bank accounts, monitoring cash balances, preparing special funding reports, job cost, and participating in the annual audit.
• Reconciling staff usage of the corporate credit card accounts and ensuring proper documentation.
• Coordinating with Project Coordinator and Strategic Program and Training Coordinator for invoicing, collections, and other client related requests. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Five or more years’ experience in these related areas will also be considered.
• Not-for-profit, grant accounting experience a plus.
• Experience in Internal Auditing a plus.
• Understanding of and ability to adhere to generally accepted accounting principles.
• Proficient with accounting software.
• Must possess or be able to obtain background clearances.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to interact and communicate clearly and concisely on a professional level with co-workers, manufacturing clients, regional partners, and general public.
• Self-motivated, detail oriented, and highly organized.
• Problem-solving skills, providing alternative solutions to challenges.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Email, virtual meeting platforms (Zoom or Teams), and online search engine research.
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM a plus.  

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

• Exceptional comprehensive benefits package including 403(b) retirement plan.
• Participation in a performance-based incentive plan.
• Opportunity for professional growth.  

You will work within a dynamic team that is mission driven and passionate about providing high-value impact results for a diverse manufacturing client base representing medical device, plastics, automotive, industrial machining, food & beverage, electronics and computer components, and consumer goods industries.

CONTACT

Qualified candidates are to send their resume and an introductory email highlighting relevant coursework and experience for the position by April 11^th, 2025 to:  

Kim Stebick, CFO, at kstebick@nwirc.org. Please direct all inquiries about this opportunity, including requesting further detailed description of essential job function, to the same.

EEO Statement: NWIRC is committed to and affirms a policy of equal employment opportunity to all applicants, employees, and students without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, genetic information, and gender identification.