Staff Accountant

Job DetailsJob Location: Providence , RI 02906Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeSalary Range: $23.50 - $26.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: AccountingPosition Title: Staff Accountant 
Department: Finance 
Reports To: Controller 
Location: Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, Providence, RI 
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt 
FLSA: Non-Exempt 

Position Summary 

The Staff Accountant executes core accounting processes—general ledger entries, account reconciliations, AP/AR, program billing, and cash/bank activities—to support accurate, timely financial reporting for a nonprofit environment. The role follows established internal controls, ensures proper fund/program coding, and provides responsive service to vendors, staff, and program managers. 

Essential Responsibilities 

General Ledger & Reconciliations 

Prepare and post journal entries (accruals, prepaids, deferrals, allocations) with supporting documentation and approvals. 

Perform monthly bank reconciliations and balance sheet account reconciliations (AR/AP, prepaid, accrued liabilities, fixed assets, deferred revenue, etc). 

Accounts Payable (AP) 

Process vendor invoices through AP automation (e.g., Bill.com) ensuring 3-way match/P.O. policy adherence, proper approvals, and restricted fund coding. 

Maintain vendor master data (W-9, 1099 classification, terms); support 1099 annual filings. 

Review expense reports via expense platform (e.g., Bill.com) for policy compliance and correct GL coding. 

Accounts Receivable (AR) & Billing 

Prepare program/service billings and customer invoices; post receipts (cash/check/ACH/credit card) to AR sub-ledger and GL. 

Monitor aging and reconcile deferred revenue to deliverables. 

Track incoming grant funding and grant specified outlays meeting grant requirements. 

Payroll Interface & Allocations 

Interface with HR (HR Information System) to import payroll files & reconcile payroll liabilities. 

Grants & Coding 

Ensure allowable costs and accurate class/dept/program coding on all transactions; maintain documentation for grant audits.  

Close Support & Reporting 

Prepare close checklists and PBC schedules; assist Controller with variance analyses and functional expense reporting. 

Maintain organized digital documentation for audit readiness and retention schedules. 

Customer Service & Continuous Improvement 

Respond promptly to vendor/staff inquiries; educate staff on coding, expense policy, and procurement basics. 

Recommend process improvements and automation opportunities to reduce risk and manual effort. 

Perform ad hoc projects as directed by the Controller and CFO. 

 
QualificationsQualifications 

Education: Bachelor’s in accounting required. 

Experience: 2–3 years accounting experience; nonprofit AP/AR and fund accounting required. 

Technical: GL systems (MIP), AP/expense automation (Bill.com), Excel proficiency. 

Knowledge: Basic U.S. GAAP, fund accounting, cost allocation, and restricted funds concepts. 

Skills: Accuracy, organization, time management, service orientation, and clear communication. 

Values & Confidentiality: High ethical standards; ability to safeguard sensitive information. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

Zero aged reconciling items >30 days on bank and key balance sheet accounts. 

AP processed on schedule with correct coding and documentation; no control exceptions. 

AR DSO within target; timely, accurate program billings. 

All close tasks and PBC schedules completed on time. 

Working Conditions 

Primarily office/hybrid; occasional extended hours during month-end/year-end. 

Light lifting of files/equipment up to 20 lbs as needed.