Lead Senior Accountant

The Legal Aid Society, the nation’s largest and oldest public defense and civil legal services provider is dedicated to a simple yet powerful mission: ensuring that no individual is denied the right to equal justice.  For 148 years, we have protected, defended, and advocated for those who have struggled in silence for far too long – working on the front lines and behind the scenes to offer the people we serve the exceptional legal services they deserve. Through our Civil, Criminal Defense, and Juvenile Rights Practices, we offer an unmatched depth and breadth of legal expertise to vulnerable New Yorkers every year in over 200,000 individual legal matters while also impacting millions with effective advocacy, impact litigation and legislative agenda. We are dedicated to blunting the impact of poverty on individuals, families, and communities. 

 

The Lead Senior Accountant reports to and works closely with the Accounting Manager in overseeing and performing day-to-day accounting functions. The Lead Senior Accountant supports the accounting team comprised of four staff accountants by ensuring adherence to internal control policies and procedures as well as accounting best practices. This position will also work closely with other Finance Department teams including Accounts Payable, Payroll, Grants and Contracts and Financial Planning and Analysis. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

 

General Ledger Accounting and Related Duties 

• Assist the Accounting Manager in reviewing and analyzing general ledger accounts and proactively resolving inconsistencies under minimal supervision 

• Assist the Accounting Manager in preparing the monthly GAAP financial statements and supporting schedules 

• Responsible for performing a portfolio of monthly balance sheet reconciliations and preparing quarterly balance sheet binder for assigned reconciliations 

• Take part in the month end close and associated tasks 

• Manage accounting for the endowment and investment accounts 

• Participate in preparing monthly, quarterly, and year-end journal entries 

• Participate in preparing 90-day and weekly cash flow analysis 

• Assist in updating task procedures and documentation and in identifying process improvements 

 

 

Audit, Form 990 and Ad-Hoc Projects 

• Prepare various schedules and analyses for the annual fiscal audit 

• Prepare various schedules and analyses for the annual completion of the IRS Form 990 

• Assist with individual program audit requests 

Professional Development and Other Duties as Assigned  

• Participate in continuous professional development  

• Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment 

• Other duties as assigned 

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required qualifications: 

• BA/BS degree required, with a focus in Finance, Accounting, or related field. 

• 5+ years of related experience   

• Experience with Financial Edge, Vena and/or Oracle NetSuite preferred 

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