Senior Staff Accountant in Richland, Washington at Childrens Developmental Center

JOB DESCRIPTION: SENIOR STAFF ACCOUNTANT

REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

SCHEDULE: Full-Time, Monday through Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM with occasional nights and weekends

JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Staff Accountant reports to the Executive Director and is a strategic business partner and a key member of the leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial activities to ensure the financial health and sustainability of our organization.

The Senior Staff Accountant is responsible for the Center’s daily accounting operations and managing key accounting functions including month-end close, account reconciliations, audit preparation, and maintenance of internal controls to ensure financial accuracy and regulatory compliance.

The position works closely with leadership and the external accounting firm on tax filings, regulatory reporting, audits, and financial strategy initiatives. In addition, the Senior Staff Accountant provides supervision and support to the Billing Coordinator, ensuring accurate and timely billing processes, revenue tracking, and workflow efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Not an Exhaustive List):

The Senior Staff Accountant will promote and adhere to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial regulations and is expected to maintain regular and punctual attendance in order to effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

The essential responsibilities and duties of the Senior Staff Accountant include:

SUPERVISION/LEADERSHIP (20%)

• Directly supervise the Billing Coordinator, including scheduling, day-to-day guidance, and time-off approval.
• Complete 90-Day Reviews, Mid-Year, and Year-End performance appraisals for the Billing Coordinator.
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and skill development support to the Billing Coordinator.
• Participate in supervisor and manager meetings and trainings as required.
• Promotes and adheres to CDC safety work rules and regulations.
• Regular and punctual attendance is expected to perform the essential functions of this position.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (80%)

• Maintain all accounting records and ensure financial systems are accurate, current, and supported by timely data entry.
• Coordinate with the external accounting firm to support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, including State and Federal filings and preparation of Form 990 documentation.
• Support annual audit processes, including DCYF desk reviews, Benton County monitoring, and retirement audits, by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the external accounting firm.
• Oversee grant and program accounting, including billing, expenditure tracking, reporting, and compliance with grant requirements.
• Manage insurance billing processes and maintain contract billing and collection schedules to support consistent organizational cash flow.
• Monitor and reconcile accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank statements, and general ledger accounts on a regular basis.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for review by the Executive Director and external accounting firm.
• Assist with development of the annual budget by providing financial analysis, variance reporting, forecasting, and historical financial data.
• Monitor organizational cash flow and promptly communicate financial concerns, discrepancies, or trends to the Executive Director.
• Maintain and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls while ensuring compliance with GAAP, HIPAA, grant requirements, and applicable nonprofit financial regulations.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, internal controls, and operational efficiencies.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive financial, employee, and client information.
• Monitor work areas for suspicious activity and report concerns regarding unidentified visitors or unauthorized personnel in accordance with CDC safety procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support organizational operations and financial objectives.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETIENCIES:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills that support sound financial decision-making.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication and coordination with team members and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and produce accurate, high-quality work.
• Commitment to professional development and ongoing training in accounting, finance, and nonprofit best practices.
• Personal qualities of integrity, professionalism, credibility, and dedication to the mission of the Children’s Developmental Center.
• Works effectively as a collaborative team contributor across departments and assignments.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The CDC is welcoming to individuals with diverse physical and/or mental abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The physical demands and essential functions described here are representative of those that must be met, with or without reasonable accommodation. Prolonged periods of working on a computer and the ability to lift up to 20 lbs. at a time are required. To request reasonable accommodation, employees are encouraged to contact their supervisor or the Administrative Manager.

The above statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required for this position. Flexibility and improvement of job skills are essential to all positions at the Children’s Developmental Center.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility and duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field is required. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential is preferred.

A minimum of 5 years of progressive accounting experience; experience in a nonprofit organization is strongly preferred. Experience with supervisory or lead responsibilities preferred.

Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial regulations, including HIPAA compliance. Experience with grant accounting and compliance reporting.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.

Proficient in financial and accounting software; experience with EHR software a plus. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with an external accounting firm, leadership, and staff.

Excellent communication and presentation skills. Strong relationship-builder.

Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate strong empathetic interpersonal skills.

Ability to consistently provide accurate, thorough, and quality work.

Highly responsible and accountable. Committed to protecting confidential information.

Ability to be cooperative, supportive, and adaptable to change.

Proficient in MS Office and have some knowledge of EHR software.

A commitment to the Children’s Developmental Center’s mission and values and the ability to apply those values in your work.

Must have the ability to commute locally for work events. Must maintain and provide proof of both a valid WA State Driver’s License and current vehicle insurance.

A background check and pre-employment drug screening are required and will be administered after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted.

Due to working in a building where children are present, COVID-19 vaccination and a negative Tuberculin test are required.