Finance - Staff Accountant

Title:  Staff Accountant

Level: Mid

Department: Admin

Reports to: Controller

Salary Range: $70K-$80K

Location: Fairfax, VA

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Us:

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County.  Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence.  In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)

About the Role:

The Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Shelter House, including processing transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with budget monitoring and grant reporting, and preparing documentation for audits. This position ensures financial compliance with internal policies and external funder requirements while providing analytical support to the Finance Department. The Accountant works closely with the Controller and collaborates with staff across the organization to support financial accuracy and accountability.

Requirements

How you will contribute: 

• Process and record vendor invoices and payments in QuickBooks
• Maintain accurate coding and classification of expenses
• Prepare checks for staff reimbursements and vendor payments
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and grant-specific general ledger accounts
• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals and allocations
• Monitor program and grant spending to ensure alignment with approved budgets
• Assist with preparing financial reports for internal stakeholders and funders
• Support the development and maintenance of grant budgets and forecast projections
• Provide budget and disbursement support to internal teams and program managers
• Assist with variance analysis and reporting to the Controller and management
• Prepare invoices for government and private funders in accordance with grant agreements
• Track and reconcile grant revenue and expenditures across multiple funding streams
• Ensure compliance with grant-specific financial and documentation requirements
• Maintain accurate and organized physical and electronic financial records
• Support audit preparation by gathering documentation and assisting with audit schedules
• Assist in the preparation of workpapers for the external audit and funder reviews
• Provide backup support for payroll processing as needed
• Respond to staff inquiries related to budgets, disbursements, and financial procedures
• Work collaboratively with the finance team on ongoing projects and problem-solving
• Assist the Controller and management with financial data analysis and decision-making
• Contribute to process improvements and special projects as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

About You: 

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on accounting experience, preferably in a multi-fund environment
• At least two (2) years of nonprofit accounting experience with exposure to grant compliance and funder reporting
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas)
• Experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks or comparable systems
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred: 

• Experience working in a matrixed organization or multi-program nonprofit
• Familiarity with federal and state grant requirements and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
• Experience preparing for and supporting external audits, including audit