Staff Accountant – 100% Remote at Lead For America

The Staff Accountant is expected to

What You'll Do 1. Accounting Operations & Financial Transactions — 40%

• Record and maintain day-to-day financial transactions in LFA's accounting and financial systems.
• Review and accurately code financial transactions to the appropriate accounts, programs, departments, grants, and funding sources.
• Process and maintain accounts payable transactions, including vendor invoices, bills, and supporting documentation.
• Support accounts receivable activities, including recording receipts and maintaining appropriate documentation for incoming funds.
• Update financial systems and internal Finance communication channels with relevant banking and financial activity.
• Ensure financial transactions include appropriate supporting documentation and comply with LFA policies and procedures.
• Review W-9s and maintain vendor documentation to support 1099 reporting and other compliance requirements.
• Support the administration and accuracy of employee expense and reimbursement processes, including reviewing expense reports for appropriate coding, documentation, and policy compliance.
• Provide timely support to staff regarding expense submissions, corrections, missing documentation, and other routine Finance questions.
• Assist with credit card and purchasing processes, including transaction review and reconciliation.
• Work cross-functionally with staff to resolve financial discrepancies and obtain missing information.
• Complete assigned tasks in LFA's project management systems to support accounting and Finance processes.
• Reconciliations, Month-End Close & Financial Reporting Support — 25%
• Prepare routine bank, credit card, and other account reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies identified through reconciliation processes.
• Support the Controller with the monthly and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and maintain schedules and supporting documentation for balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with accruals, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, and other routine accounting entries as assigned.
• Ensure transactions are recorded in the appropriate accounting period.
• Review financial data for completeness and accuracy and flag unusual or potentially incorrect activity.
• Support the preparation of internal financial reports and analyses.
• Maintain organized and audit-ready financial records and documentation.
• Assist with financial reporting related to programs, grants, and restricted funds as directed by the Controller.
• Grants, Compliance & Audit Support — 15%
• Support the Finance team in maintaining accurate financial records related to restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Assist with tracking and documenting grant-related financial activity and expenses.
• Work with the Controller and Grants team to ensure financial information is available and properly documented for grant reporting.
• Support the preparation of schedules and documentation requested by external auditors, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain organized financial files and supporting documentation in accordance with LFA's record retention policies.
• Assist with annual audit and tax preparation activities, including gathering requested documentation and responding to routine information requests.
• Support compliance with GAAP, LFA policies, grant requirements, and applicable nonprofit financial reporting requirements.
• Identify and communicate potential compliance issues or inconsistencies to the Controller.
• Finance Administration & Organizational Support — 10%
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date Finance documentation, files, and records.
• Assist with maintaining vendor, banking, insurance, and other financial documentation.
• Support Finance-related onboarding for new staff, including expense management and financial systems.
• Help document and improve Finance processes, procedures, and internal controls.
• Participate in Finance projects that improve efficiency, accuracy, reporting, or organizational financial management.
• Provide ad hoc accounting and financial support as needed.
• Collaborate with other departments to strengthen understanding and consistent application of LFA's financial processes.
• Organizational Requirements - 10% In addition to the responsibilities unique to the Staff Accountant role, all LFA team members devote a portion of their time to supporting strategic efforts across the organization that advance our mission and organizational priorities. Activities include but are not limited to:
• Compliance for org-wide administration - expense reporting, benefits, KPI tracking
• Taking part in additional organizational initiatives, priorities, and responsibilities, as needed.
• Supporting organizational initiatives and priorities outside of an individual's primary department, as needed.
• Participating in organizational meetings, retreats, trainings, and team-building activities.
• Supporting LFA programs, events, and convenings when appropriate.
• Contributing to a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Participating in cross-functional projects and problem-solving efforts.
• Taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support LFA's evolving organizational priorities.
• What Success Looks Like
• Financial transactions are recorded accurately, timely, and consistently.
• Bank, credit card, and other reconciliations are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Monthly close activities are completed efficiently and with appropriate documentation.
• Expense and reimbursement processes are accurate, timely, and compliant with LFA policies.
• Financial records are organized, complete, and audit-ready.
• Grant and program financial information is appropriately documented and supported.
• Finance questions and issues are addressed responsively and professionally.
• The Controller has reliable support for day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Finance processes become increasingly efficient, documented, and consistent.
• Staff across LFA experience the Finance team as a responsive and trusted operational partner.

Requirements Qualifications Required Qualifications

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with GAAP and nonprofit financial reporting requirements.