Financial Accountant

Description

Financial Accountant

Department: Administration

Supervisor: Vice President of Finance and Operations

Supervises: N/A

FLSA Salary Classification: Full-time, Exempt 

Revision Date: August 2024

Availability: Primary schedule of standard business hours with occasional evening and weekend availability required to support the department and organizational needs.

General Summary:

The Accountant will play a vital role in the finance department, reporting directly to the Vice President of Finance and Operations. The Accountant is responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records to track the organization’s assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liabilities and other related financial activities. The Accountant will perform financial reconciliations, general ledger adjusting entries, external funding compliance reporting, and participate in audit support. The Accountant will analyze financial data, support budgeting and forecasting processes, and prepare reports for management.

Overall, the Accountant will support the VP of Finance and Operations in achieving the organization's financial objectives and promoting a culture of accountability and transparency.

Essential Duties:

• Maintaining and reconciling financial records and ledgers.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to provide insights and data-driven recommendations.
• Preparing and analyzing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Assisting with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Review and approve cash disbursements to ensure proper authorization and posting.
• Perform bank statement and general ledger reconciliations on a timely and effective basis. Identify and execute on opportunities for improvements in internal processes, working effectively to reduce or eliminate recurring issues. 
• Maintains the general ledger.
• Codes invoices, sets up new accounts, reconciles accounts, and closes the monthly books.
• Support month-end and year-end close process. 
• Reconciles bank accounts, verifies deposits.
• Reconciles cash disbursement accounts, payroll, sales accounts and other financial accounts.
• Verifies payment of invoices associated with accounts payable and ensures payments are charged to the appropriate accounts.
• Supports audit by communicating with Auditor, gathering necessary information and documents, and managing deadlines.
• Maintains knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, communicate changes and monitor organizational compliance. 
• Monitor compliance with policies, procedures, and standards of GAAP, working collaboratively to identify and implement improvement opportunities. Report any discrepancies to VP of Finance in a timely and effective manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting and a minimum of 2 years of professional accounting experience is required. Understanding of and the ability to adhere to generally accepted accounting principles. Technology savvy with high comfort level utilizing the Microsoft Office suite of products, particularly Excel and accounting software. 

Success Factors:

• Attention to Detail: Accountants must ensure accuracy in financial statements and reports, aligning with the organization's core value of exemplifying expertise.
• Analytical Skills: Highly analytical and organized, accountants should be adept at problem-solving, enabling sound decision-making and supporting both strategic and tactical planning.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, or Excel) and a strong understanding of accounting principles (GAAP or IFRS) are essential.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities are needed to manage multiple accounts and deadlines effectively.
• Communication Skills: Accountants must convey financial information clearly to auditor, vendors, stakeholders, or team members, fostering collaboration with compassion.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify issues within financial documents and find effective solutions is crucial, thriving on converting data to actionable information.
• Ethical Judgment and Integrity: Adhering to ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information is essential.
• Mathematical Skill: A solid foundation in mathematics is necessary for performing calculations accurately.
• Knowledge of Tax Regulations and Grant Reporting requirements: Understanding tax codes and regulations is critical for ensuring compliance and optimizing tax liabilities.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new regulations, technologies, and practices within the evolving accounting field.
• Self-Motivated Team Player: Accountants should be self-motivated and capable of providing leadership through initiative and by example, demonstrating a commitment to the organization's mission.
• Goal-Oriented: A demonstrated ability to set and achieve personal goals while supporting the success of their team is essential.
• Alignment with Organizational Values: Possessing an interest and appreciation for the mission of the Huntsville Botanical Garden, accountants should embrace curiosity, look forward, and take time to celebrate achievements.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous professional work in a non-profit environment. Experience with grant expense management and reporting. Prior use of QuickBooks. CPA certification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical Demands: This position is required to frequently communicate with people internal and external to the Garden with frequent periods of sedentary work in the office. Occasionally requires the ability to lift up to 15 lbs., and traverse the Garden over uneven terrain.
• Work Environment: Frequently, works in office. Occasionally required to work in an outdoor environment subject to all weather conditions and must traverse varied and uneven terrain.
• Equipment: Continuous use of a computer, occasional use of projection or AV equipment for presentations/training.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize essential functions and responsibilities of a job and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden job descriptions are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually. 

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. 

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.