Senior Staff Accountant

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of Just A Start’s financial operations. This position is responsible for maintaining sound accounting practices, supporting audits, assisting in financial reporting, and contributing to the fiscal management of real estate and programmatic initiatives. The Senior Accountant will collaborate across departments to ensure timely, accurate financial data and help uphold the organization's financial health and accountability to internal and external stakeholders.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare asset, liability and capital account entries, reconcile ledger accounts, and prepare accounting schedules.
• Substantiate financial transactions in preparation for the financial year end audit 
• Assist with internal and external audits to ensure compliance
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes
• Assist in the preparation of the financial statements according to schedule
• Prepare Home Improvement Program Monthly Report sent to City of Cambridge
• Prepare Home Improvement Program schedules
• Assist with accounting for Condo buyback program
• Provide accounting reports to the Real Estate Accounting Manager for predevelopment and development deals as needed
• Assist the Real Estate Accounting Manager in preparing requisitions for construction loan funding as needed
• Assist the Real Estate Accounting Manager with preparing workpapers for real estate development projects and Cost Certifications as needed
• Work on special projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting; 5+ years’ accounting experience, non-profit experience preferred
• Strong analytic and accounting skills with solid understanding of GAAP
• High level of proficiency in MS Excel 
• Accounting software experience (e.g., Sage Intacct, Bill.com, Nexonia etc.) strongly preferred
• Very high degree of attention to detail
• Highly organized with excellent time management skills  
• Integrity and an appreciation for confidentiality
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Flexibility, sense of humor and team-oriented, customer-service mindset
• Positive, professional demeanor and ability to work in a fast-paced environment 
• LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, or those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to consider how they may have developed the skills needed for success in ways other than via the means listed above

WORK REQUIREMENTS:

• This position reports to the Controller.
• This is a 37.5 hour per week position that is required to be in person at least 2 days per week at 430 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge.
• This position helps create and maintain a welcoming, caring, and learning culture.  There will be opportunities to lead and/or participate in community-building efforts across the organization and contribute to dialogues about and across differences in identity, and regarding cultural barriers, racial bias, and workplace norms and expectations.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a 37.5-hour per week hybrid remote/in-the-office position with a salary range of $ $77,500-$87,500.

In addition to a competitive salary, Just A Start offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, short term disability insurance, long term disability insurance, life insurance, transportation benefits, early release at 2:00 pm every Friday, 20 PTO days in the first year, 13 paid holidays, volunteer time off, employee assistance program and a 401k savings plan with a 3% employer contribution.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Normal office conditions and classrooms. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

ABOUT JUST A START

Just A Start is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a better future by providing affordable housing, education, training, community engagement and supportive services. Our mission is to promote equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. For over 50 years, Just A Start has been serving residents of Cambridge and surrounding communities to empower them to meet their potential. Visit us at www.justastart.org to learn more.

Just A Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our staff represents a wide range of ages, races, sexual orientation, gender identity, interests, and backgrounds coming together to pursue  common goals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICATION PROCESS / WHAT TO EXPECT:

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the role. Qualified candidates may expect a multi-step interview process, which may include:

• Step 1: A 30-minute virtual screening interview with one or more members of the Finance leadership team (e.g., Director of Finance and Administration, Controller)
• Step 2: A follow-up virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and/or other members of the Finance team, which may include additional leadership participants depending on scheduling and focus areas
• Step 3: A 90-minute in-person interview with the broader Finance Team
• Step 4: Reference checks (3) and verification of prior employment
• Step 5: Background check (via Chekr)