Staff Accountant

Job Description

Department: Finance

Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 2024

About Project HOPE Boston, Inc.

For over four decades, Project HOPE Boston, Inc. (PHB) has proudly championed housing stability and economic mobility for families in Roxbury and North Dorchester. From the start, PHB has distinguished itself through a legacy of innovative and meaningful programs that tackle the diverse needs of housing, workforce development, childcare, and education.

Located in Boston’s historic Dudley Street neighborhood, Project HOPE leads the city’s mission to elevate families beyond homelessness and poverty. Founded in 1981 by the Little Sisters of the Assumption, who first rooted themselves in Dudley in 1947, PHB was created in response to the rising family homelessness crisis of the 1980s. True to our name, Project HOPE—House Open People Enter—emerged as a beacon of support, offering shelter to families in need. From those beginnings as a family shelter, PHB has evolved to provide a comprehensive range of services designed to empower families, increase access, and open doors to opportunity.

Today, Project HOPE operates from our community hub at 550 Dudley Street, Boston’s first LEED Silver-certified, environmentally conscious building in Roxbury. This vibrant space serves as headquarters and a community center, offering job training, adult education, housing counseling, and community empowerment. Just a few blocks away, our original site continues to provide shelter for families, underscoring our deep commitment to this community. With an intentional focus on the Social Determinants of Health and a firm commitment to racial equity, Project HOPE Boston, Inc. remains at the forefront of advancing opportunity and driving transformative change for families across Boston.

Position Summary

The Accounting Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the Finance Department by ensuring accuracy in AP, AR, and payroll processing. This position requires proficiency in Sage Intact and other accounting software to streamline accounting operations. The Staff Accountant will collaborate closely with the Finance Director to support financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting needs. Ideal candidates will bring a near-expert knowledge of Bill.com, Sage Intact, and ADP, attention to detail for analyzing and accounting, and the flexibility to respond to the department's evolving needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Accounts Payable & Receivable
• Manage daily AP and AR processes, including processing invoices, payments, and cash receipts through Bill.com
• Ensure timely follow-up on outstanding invoices and resolve discrepancies efficiently.
• Devise a workflow of best practices to remain current and anticipate invoices to process.
• Payroll Administration
• Process payroll using ADP with precision, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Assist with payroll tax filings and regulatory compliance as needed.
• Financial Transaction Recording
• Prepare and post journal entries for cash receipts, prepayments, depreciation, and month-end adjustments through Sage Intact.
• Conduct account reconciliations for AP, AR, and payroll accounts.
• Executes daily deposits of all cash receipts and transfers funds as necessary.
• Financial Analysis & Reporting
• Assist the Finance Director with monthly financial reports, balance sheet reconciliations, and budget analysis.
• Prepare periodic cash forecasts and monitor cash flow requirements.
• Prepares monthly and quarterly billings, reconciles, and provides monthly financial reports to the Senior Leadership Team. Responds to their financial questions/concerns
• Audit Preparation & Compliance
• Support annual audits and regulatory filings, assisting with documentation and compliance checks.
• Aid in compliance testing of payroll, disbursements, and relevant third-party billing.
• Process Improvement
• Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy within accounting processes.
• Participate in initiatives to improve financial systems and reporting capabilities.
• Collaborate with the Executive Team, Program Directors, and Managers to develop grant budgets and cost-reimbursement contracts.
  

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience: 2 years in accounting, ideally within a non-profit setting
• Strong knowledge of Sage Intact and other accounting software (e.g., Bill.com)
• Experience with AP, AR, and payroll required
• Skills:
• Advanced proficiency in ADP payroll processing
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team needs as they arise
  

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• This is a remote-hybrid position (4 days remote, 1 day in office)
• Requires the ability to sit for extended periods and lift to 25 lbs. occasionally.