Senior Accountant

The YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering survivors. The YW provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our programs and services include crisis shelter and transitional housing for survivors and their families, counseling, SAFEPLAN court advocacy, community education, supervised visitation, and vocational training for youth. The YWCA provides services at multiple locations, including Holyoke, Northampton, Belchertown, Westfield and our primary Springfield campus. 

Summary:

The Senior Accountant is a multifaceted position encompassing a diverse cross section of Business Office functions including financial accounting, analysis, reconciliation, compliance, and back office support for grant funding. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized self-starter with a strong background in accounting, strong attention to detail, exceptional analytical and problem solving, deadline driven and will have an advanced knowledge of excel. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the daily operations of the Finance department.
• Account analysis and reconciliation on all balance sheets accounts for all entities.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing process.
• General Ledger Oversight: Support activities affecting the general ledger, including reconciliations, adjustments, and error resolution.
• Inputs journal entries, reconciles general ledger accounts, and subsidiary ledgers to maintain accurate financial records.
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements and reports in accordance with GAAP.
• Maintain fixed asset ledgers.
• Prepare and review accruals and adjustments as necessary.
• Analysis of monthly financial results and preparation of reports for Senior Management.
• Coordinate and assist with the external audit process, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Year-End Processes: Collaborate on year-end financial activities, including assisting with preparation of financial statements and schedules as well as coordinating with external auditors and addressing their requests.
• Assist with the fiscal year end activities and closing processes in addition to fulfilling various audit requests.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and internal policies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support financial planning and budgeting processes.
• Assist in the development and implementation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Ad-hoc reporting and duties as needed.
• Contract and Grant Management: Review and monitor contracts and grants, ensuring compliance with terms and effective financial reporting.
• Financial Systems Support: Assist with maintaining and enhancing financial systems, resolving technical issues, and testing system updates.
• Ensure bank statements are reconciled to the GL and variances are resolved timely.
• Other relevant duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting.
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, with a focus on general accounting.  
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to discuss complex financial information clearly.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, timeliness and completion.
• Flexible, team player, self-starter with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Willingness to embrace change in a growing, evolving environment.
• Flexible and able to adapt quickly to shifting priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2 years of experience in a non-profit organization.
• Prior experience with grant accounting.
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge, NXT, Raiser’s Edge.

Expectations of all employees

In the performance of essential and general job responsibilities, all YWCA employees are expected to: 

• Demonstrate commitment to the YWCA’s mission and principles of trauma-informed work.
• Represent the YWCA in a professional and competent manner to participants, community members, organizational partners and other stakeholders. 
• Support policies, practices, and decisions that demonstrate our shared accountability for racial equity.
• Foster a positive working environment.
• Coordinate efforts across teams, programs and partner organizations.
• Maintain professional behavior and strict confidentiality. 

EEO STATEMENT

It is the policy of YWCA of Western Massachusetts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the YWCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

The YWCA is an “at-will” equal opportunity employer. While the YWCA will continue to operate with care regarding employment decisions, the YWCA and its employees may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, with or without cause, and without advance notice. Exceptions include select, non-exempt positions covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

The YWCA, in our effort to provide safety to those we serve, and to protect our agency, performs criminal offender record information (CORI) checks on all prospective employees. Final offers of employment are contingent upon receipt of an acceptable CORI report as solely determined by the YWCA.  In addition, the YWCA will perform credit background checks at least biennially.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD

All employment at the YWCA begins with a 150-day introductory period.