Staff Accountant

Title:  Staff Accountant Level: Mid Department: Admin Reports to: Controller Salary Range: $70K-$80K Location: Fairfax, VA FLSA Status: Exempt   About Us: Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County.  Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence.  In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)   About the Role: The Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Shelter House, including processing transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with budget monitoring and grant reporting, and preparing documentation for audits. This position ensures financial compliance with internal policies and external funder requirements while providing analytical support to the Finance Department. The Accountant works closely with the Controller and collaborates with staff across the organization to support financial accuracy and accountability. Requirements How you will contribute:  Process and record vendor invoices and payments in QuickBooks Maintain accurate coding and classification of expenses Prepare checks for staff reimbursements and vendor payments Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and grant-specific general ledger accounts Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals and allocations Monitor program and grant spending to ensure alignment with approved budgets Assist with preparing financial reports for internal stakeholders and funders Support the development and maintenance of grant budgets and forecast projections Provide budget and disbursement support to internal teams and program managers Assist with variance analysis and reporting to the Controller and management Prepare invoices for government and private funders in accordance with grant agreements Track and reconcile grant revenue and expenditures across multiple funding streams Ensure compliance with grant-specific financial and documentation requirements Maintain accurate and organized physical and electronic financial records Support audit preparation by gathering documentation and assisting with audit schedules Assist in the preparation of workpapers for the external audit and funder reviews Provide backup support for payroll processing as needed Respond to staff inquiries related to budgets, disbursements, and financial procedures Work collaboratively with the finance team on ongoing projects and problem-solving Assist the Controller and management with financial data analysis and decision-making Contribute to process improvements and special projects as assigned Other duties as assigned About You:   Required:  Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on accounting experience, preferably in a multi-fund environment At least two (2) years of nonprofit accounting experience with exposure to grant compliance and funder reporting Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial standards Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas) Experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks or comparable systems Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously   Preferred:  Experience working in a matrixed organization or multi-program nonprofit Familiarity with federal and state grant requirements and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) Experience preparing for and supporting external audits, including audit schedules and documentation Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with shifting priorities CPA candidate or coursework toward CPA designation is a plus   Physical Requirements:  Annual TB Test is required  Ability to sit or stand for long periods  Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds Benefits Benefits:  Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance  401K contributions with a 4% employer match  13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off  Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events    Equal Employment Opportunity:  Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.    Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:   Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.