The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) is a bold and innovative collaborative effort to close the achievement gap in a geographic “Zone” of North Minneapolis. The purpose of our work is to end multigenerational poverty in our community, using education as a lever. We use a data-driven, evidence-based, achievement-focused model in which both children and their families move through a “cradle-to-career” ecosystem that provides comprehensive support. NAZ is a leading initiative in the national Promise Neighborhoods and cradle to college/career movement. As NAZ learns what works with families in North Minneapolis to address complex issues related to urban poverty, strategies are being set up for replication and informing the regional, state, and national field.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a variety of accounting functions including oversight of the month end close process, management and reconciliation of G/L accounts, financial reporting, journal entries (including month end closing entries), management and preparation for annual audit (including Form 990), and financial management related to grants.

As a key player within the Finance and Accounting department, you will offer senior level accounting guidance to others on the accounting team, as well as providing assistance to the VP of Finance.

The Senior Accountant plays a lead role in the overall financial efficiency of the organization including accounting, payroll, budgeting, analyzing and reporting financial data to senior management.

Primary Responsibilities

Accounting:

• Manage all accounting operations including A/R, A/P, GL entries and reconciliation
• Process payroll on a bi-weekly basis and create and enter the payroll general journal entry
• Maintain schedule of restricted funding, coordinate with Development team to reconcile deposits and grants and pledges receivable
• Track and invoice reimbursement grants
• Perform monthly bank reconciliation and credit card reconciliations
• Research technical accounting issues for compliance
• Lead month-end and year-end close process
• Ensure quality control over financial transactions, documentation and financial reporting
• Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements
• Develop and document financial processes and policies, ensure continuous improvement in internal controls
• Manage relationships and ensure service quality with financial service vendors (bank, payroll vendor, credit card vendor, etc).
• Perform year-end financial audit preparation and 990, and serve as primary contact for audit and 990 activities
• Process 1099s

Budgeting and Financial Analysis:

• Assist VP of Finance in annual organizational budget development, helping to develop effective tools to improve the budget process and providing assistance to budget managers in annual budget preparation and ongoing budget management
• In partnership with program budget managers and Development staff, assist in grant budget development, monitor grant performance and prepare grant reporting
• Monitor cash flow

Other:

• Work collaboratively with the NAZ Finance Committee
• Other duties as assigned

Supervision Responsibility

• Supervise and direct work of Accounting Associate

Education and/or Experience

• Associate's degree in accounting required, bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred
• Minimum 5 years general accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting

Required Qualifications

• Experience and proficiency with computerized accounting systems, Excel, and payroll systems
• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Strong analytical, problem solving and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse and inclusive organization (styles, cultures and perspectives)
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple deadlines and priorities
• Excellent and effective interpersonal communication skills, written and spoken
• Self-starter with ability to work independently, meeting high professional standards
• Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs
• Thorough understanding of confidentiality and data privacy, and familiarity with HIPPA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills to effectively develop relationships, interact, and collaborate professionally and positively, with a diverse group of individuals inside and outside of the organization
• Effective organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented, able to work independently
• Visually review detailed reports and information; hear and speak by telephone and online meeting platforms
• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods with efficient computer keyboarding
• Current valid driver’s license and reliable, insured vehicle as required by State law

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• This is a hybrid role, with the majority of the work taking place onsite at NAZ Main Office
• Work includes frequent walking up and down stairs, lifting, sitting, and bending
• Regular operation of normal office machines (computer, copier, and fax) is required
• Occasional evenings and weekends are required for special events
• Limited travel may be required

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive Benefits Package, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life Insurance; Health or Flexible Spending Accounts; Lifestyle Spending Account; Retirement Plan; generous Paid Time Off; Support for Professional Development, and more!

Note: NAZ is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

NAZ is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.