Staff Accountant - Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program

Reports To:            Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Department:           Finance

FLSA Status:          Exempt

Job Status:            Full-Time

Job Type:               Hybrid

Salary Range:        $70,000- $78,000

Benefits:                Medical, Dental, Vision, and Paid time-off

BACKGROUND

We believe in the Power of Art. LEAP partners with school communities to offer creative arts programs that encourage New York City youth to pursue their passions, develop their strengths and amplify their voices. We envision a city where education is equitable, and the arts are accessible for youth in communities that are rich in culture and capability and have been intentionally and unintentionally excluded and under-resourced. Youth in our communities will be the next generation of lifelong learners, creative problem solvers, and collaborative leaders. 

LEAP started as a grassroots movement with just four schools and, today, our programs serve 15,000 youth across the city in over 100 New York City public schools.

Culture Statement: LEAP is a group of diverse and passionate individuals working together to prioritize youth and pursue our mission.

Our Goals

We collaborate to accomplish goals and are accountable to ourselves and others. 

We strive for excellence, reflect on results, and celebrate success. 

Our Peers

We foster relationships through intentional communication and attentive listening. 

We welcome feedback with a growth mindset and offer feedback with empathy. 

Our Space

We build trust through transparency, honesty, and humility. 

We respect and attempt to meet each other’s needs at work.

Our Community

We are inclusive and value the differences among us. 

We listen to and acknowledge the voices of those we serve. 

 
JOB SUMMARY

The Staff Accountant will have a range of accounting responsibilities with a primary focus on payroll support, timely and accurate accounts payable coordination, and accounts receivable invoice preparation and collection of certain revenue sources. The position will be the only full time employed member of the finance department in the near term and will report directly to the Chief Financial & Operations Officer while taking direction and support from consulting financial management professionals. The position may provide the right candidate the opportunity to learn and grow within the organization as the internal finance functions continue to develop over time. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

(40%) Accounts Payable

• Manage workflow of invoices - enter all payables and other expenses into accounting system with proper classification
• Coordinate vendor and other invoice payments, and employee reimbursements
• General Ledger reconciliation of all expenses and support the review and payment of corporate credit cards, in accordance with the organization’s policy
• Review accounts payable aging with finance team and/or Chief Financial and Operations Officer

(40%) Payroll Support

• Prepare reimbursements and coordinate with HR for inclusion in payroll processing
• Process bi-weekly payroll for all employees, including but not limited to ensuring all hours and adjustments are entered, and proactively running reports to capture any potential errors before transmitting
• Coordinate changes for payroll (e.g., terminations, new hires, etc.) and data with salary or wage adjustments, compensation changes or deductions (e.g., annual bonuses, severance pay, taxes, worker’s compensation, garnishments)
• Ensure accurate pay rates, adherence to multi-state tax laws; as well as accurate and timely tax rates
• Ensure accurate processing of benefit expenses, garnishments, and other adjustments
• Assist in generating and reconciling the bi-weekly payroll. Process tax payments and other adjustments. Generate system reports and troubleshoot payroll issues.
• Create and maintain payroll journals and prepare payroll journal entries
• Manage timecard approvals with supervisors
• Answer employee questions related to payroll
• Assist the Finance team, Chief Financial Operations Officer, Senior Finance Manager, Chief People and Culture Officer and Director of People & Culture with the registration of new State, local, and unemployment withholding taxes with the appropriate agencies, as necessary
• Review periodic tax updates for relevance, accuracy and timeliness
• Work with the team on benefits, and Workers’ Compensation audits by gathering all the requested information as well as corresponding with the auditors
• Other assignments as delegated by supervisor

(10%) Bank and Cash Receipts reconciliation

• Collaborate with advancement, administration, and program staff to reconcile cash receipts from multiple sources 
• Complete bank reconciliations on a monthly basis

(5%) Invoicing and Accounts Receivable 

• Create invoices for program services to multiple public and private sources and submit to agencies with proper supporting documentation.  
• Conduct follow up on invoices for confirmation of requirements and cash collections
• Collaborate and support public funding invoice processes to ensure timely submission and collection. Keep a schedule and manage the process.
• Review accounts receivable aging with Finance Team and Chief Financial and Operations Officer

(5%) Other

• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Preparing Monthly and Quarterly Financial Reports for management review.
• Compile documentation to support organization and funder audits
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree, in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field preferred.
• Two years of relevant accounting experience.
• Payroll experience 
• Experience with data analytics and/or advanced Excel skills a huge plus
• Experience working in a non-profit environment.
• Must have broad working knowledge of accounting and finance processes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to build rapport with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to conceive new approaches, streamline processes, and to recognize and solve problems without direct supervision.
• Exceptional communication, time management, and people-solving skills.
• Absolute discretion concerning sensitive issues and confidential matters.
• Proficient experience with various software applications including MS Office and Google Suite.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. Management may at its discretion assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description does not change the at-will employment relationship existing between the organization and its employees. 

EEO STATEMENT

LEAP provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, protected veteran status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Please note:  In accordance with organizational policy, LEAP does not sponsor individuals on O-1 visas.