Senior Accountant at City First – Washington, District of Columbia

ABOUT CITY FIRST ENTERPRISES

City First Enterprises (CFE) is a non-profit financial institution specializing in flexible lending for affordable housing, commercial real estate, small businesses, non-profits, and clean energy projects. With a mission to create equitable financial solutions to support people and communities in achieving their economic aspirations, we envision a future where all individuals and communities thrive through equitable access to capital. CFE is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a designation given by the United States Treasury to organizations expanding economic opportunity in low-income communities by providing access to financial products and services for residents and businesses.

CFE, headquartered in Washington, DC, serves the DMV and Maryland metro regions and partners nationwide to deliver tailored financial solutions that advance economic opportunity.

To learn more about our organization, please visit our site at City First Enterprises.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Senior Accountant is responsible for day-to-day accounting operations, including processing accounts payable and preparing and posting journal entries. The role supports month-end and year-end close, financial reporting, audits, and compliance, and works collaboratively across teams to improve accounting systems and processes. The Senior Accountant will also assist the Director of Finance with additional projects as needed. This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of two (2) days per week in the office. Work-from-home arrangements are available on the remaining days; however, this role is not eligible for fully remote work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Maintain systems of accounts and records; prepare and enter journal entries to ensure accurate and timely monthly financial reporting
• Assist in the preparation of annual accounting budgets and support financial presentations for committees and the Board
• Facilitate annual audit and tax return reporting, including preparation of supporting schedules and reconciliations, and support compliance requirements
• Lead projects to enhance accounting systems and reporting capabilities (Sage Intacct), including improvements to journal entry workflows and close processes
• Develop new reports and improve organization within accounting systems to support management, lender, and auditor reporting

Accounting Operations

• Process and code accounts payable transactions, ensuring proper documentation, approvals, and accurate expense classification
• Prepare and process payments (ACH/checks/wires) in accordance with internal controls
• Record and monitor daily cash transactions, accounts payable, grant activity, and other routine accounting entries
• Prepare and post recurring and non-recurring journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, amortization, and reclassifications
• Support loan portfolio accounting entries and reconciliations, including interest income, fees, and related journal entries
• Ensure timely completion of bank and balance sheet reconciliations with clear, audit-ready support
• Accurately record complex transactions and maintain detailed supporting documentation
• Maintain orderly accounting filing systems, and controls over transactions
• Support accounts receivable monitoring and debt payment schedules

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Assist with audit preparation and compliance reporting to creditors, funders, and partners
• Maintain effective internal controls and support fraud prevention initiatives
• Support segregation of duties by preparing transactions subject to supervisory review and approval
• Ensure adherence to GAAP, nonprofit, and federal grant compliance requirements

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, and EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field
• 3–6 years of progressive accounting experience (nonprofit/CDFI experience preferred)
• Work experience including Accounts Payable, general ledger, and bank reconciliation
• Solid bookkeeping skills; exposure to financial statements and tax compliance
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Experience with accounting systems such as Sage Intacct or similar ERP platforms
• Public accounting experience is a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• CPA or pursuit of CPA certification is preferred

This is a hands-on accounting role responsible for transaction processing and journal entry preparation, subject to supervisory review and approval. We recognize that no candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are excited about this role and believe your experience and skills align with many of the responsibilities, we encourage you to apply.

COMPENSATION

In addition to a competitive salary, CFE offers a generous benefits package that includes employee-sponsored health and dental insurance, life insurance, a health savings account with annual employer contributions, a retirement plan with employer matching, paid parental leave, and a generous paid time-off program. Please see our careers site for more details.

WORKING AT CFE

CFE offers a unique start-up-like work environment that is open, innovative, and collaborative. We are committed to serving the communities in which we work and live by leveraging financial tools, creativity, and technology. CFE is the right fit for intellectually ambitious individuals who are willing to work hard and consistently hold themselves accountable to a high standard of performance.

The City First family of organizations is dedicated to promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion in our work and hiring practices. City First Enterprises is entirely focused on equality and economic inclusion, believing that diversity in opinion and background only helps further its mission.

CFE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We provide equal employment opportunities to all people regardless of ethnicity, age, religion (and lack thereof), disability that can reasonably be accommodated, marital status (including domestic partner status), ancestry, nationality, national origin, family status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), other medical condition (physical or mental), AIDS/HIV status, genetic information, sexual identity, gender identification (including transgender status), sexual orientation, and veteran status.

TO APPLY

Please submit, along with your resume, a cover letter explaining why you want to work at CFE, what attracts you to the Senior Accountant role, and the strengths and experience you would bring. Include one or two key accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to succeed in this position. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

For Questions, may be directed to jobs@cfenterprises.org. No phone calls, please.