Junior Accountant in Cleveland, Ohio at Youth Opportunities Unlimited

Since 1982, over 160,000 youth have been helped with Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) programs. Y.O.U. helps teens and young adults, ages 14-24 living in economically distressed communities succeed by providing educational and workforce opportunities, skills development, and access to career pathways. We offer school-based and community-based programs designed to meet the needs of Northeast Ohio employers, with a focus on those industry sectors that provide the most opportunities for career success. At Y.O.U., we are dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement of the quality of our services to youth, employers, and the community.

Job Purpose

The Junior Accountant supports the Finance Department by assisting with daily accounting operations, maintaining accurate financial records, preparing account reconciliations, supporting grant billing activities, and contributing to month-end close and financial reporting processes. This role helps ensure the organization’s financial information is accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable policies and regulations while providing an opportunity to develop accounting knowledge and skills.

Essential Functions

• Assist with daily accounting transactions, including journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash receipts.
• Prepare invoices in ERP system as requested.
• Enter daily deposits and EFT Deposits into the ERP system.
• Prepare month-end journal entries.
• Prepare spreadsheets for assigned bills to code expenses accurately by department, grant, and employee.
• Credit Cards
• Review credit card entry prepared by A/P Clerk and upload credit card entry into ERP system.
• Reconcile credit card accounts to statement in ERP system.
• Attach Excel report to Credit Card bill in ERP system so approvers can review bill coding.
• Reconcile assigned general ledger accounts.
• Identify issues in accounts and prepare correcting journal entries.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure documentation is organized and complete.
• Review funder/grantor billings for LAUNCH program completeness and accuracy and submit them for final approval.
• Serve as backup for Accounts Payable Processing.
• Review invoices, expense reports, and payment requests for accuracy and proper coding.
• Respond to internal accounting questions and provide support to team members as needed.
• Serve as backup for bill preparation.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision benefits available with coverage beginning the first of the month following date of hire.
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer contributions
• Generous paid time off package including 17 paid holidays
• Professional Development Assistance Program

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Accounting, Finance, Business Administration) from an accredited college or university preferred.
• An additional 4 years of work experience as detailed below can be substituted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Requirements

• Internship, coursework, or prior experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or finance.
• Must pass a background BCI/FBI check as a condition of employment.
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial recordkeeping.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Belief and commitment to Y.O.U.’s mission, vision, and values.
• Experience with accounting software or ERP systems preferred.
• Familiarity with nonprofit, governmental, or grant accounting is a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general office etiquette and processes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of team under minimal supervision.
• Ability to carry out assigned responsibilities relating to finance operations.
• Ability to research account discrepancies, identify potential errors, prepare appropriate corrections within established procedures, and escalate complex or unusual matters to the Controller
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with colleagues, participants, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and resolve problems, and seek guidance when appropriate.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, responsibilities, and organizational needs while maintaining effectiveness and professionalism.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information and exercise discretion in carrying out job responsibilities.
• Proficiency with standard workplace technology, including Microsoft Office applications, databases, and other systems relevant to the position. Ability and willingness to learn and effectively use new software, technology, and organizational systems as required.

Work Environment

• This position is primarily based in-office.
• Work is generally fast-paced and requires extended computer use, including periods of up to two hours of sustained computer or phone work, lifting up to 25 lbs periodically and carrying office supplies, standing, and walking throughout the office buildings.
• Social interaction with team members, vendors, partners and/or participants frequently.
• The environment in which the job is performed outside a normal office space may include exposure to extreme temperature, noise, or other hazards.
• When working remotely, employees must maintain a professional, secure, and reasonably distraction-free workspace that supports confidentiality, productivity, and participation in meetings.

All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, parental status, veteran status, military service, family medical history, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.