Accounting Specialist at Early Learning Coalition of Polk County – Lakeland, Florida

$49,980 a year

Description: This professional position performs general accounting and bookkeeping activities for the Coalition. Work involves providing accountability of funds and expenditures, while reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, state and federal funding sources, as well as private grantors.

Work is performed under general supervision with limited latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment based on professional education and previous experience.

Coalition staff may be one on one with children in the Coalition office reception area while parents are obtaining services. Additionally, staff are expected to participate in Coalition sponsored events and may be one on one with children at activity booths.

Essential Functions: The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Performs other job-related functions and special projects as assigned.

• Coordinates the Coalition’s fiscal and accounting operations, maintains the accounting software application, posts transactions, manages accounts payables and receivables, and handles month-end and year-end closing entries.
• Performs general bookkeeping activities, including issuing checks, payment vouchers, and invoices, ensuring timely payments, and reconciling bank accounts.
• Performs other general accounting functions, including processing staff travel reimbursements, entering payroll data into the general ledger, and processing and issuing 1099’s.
• Enters and monitors data for financial tracking, reporting, and cost allocation, generates monthly fiscal reports required by various funding sources.
• Collaborates in the development of the fiscal year budget and modifications, ensuring efficient fund utilization and accurate closeout budgeting in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Assists with independent audits, state and federal fiscal monitoring, and other audit processes.
• Implements fiscal policies and revises procedures, following financial protocols for fund allocation.
• Acts as a Petty Cash Custodian, adhering to the Petty Cash Protocol, and handles other administrative processes as appropriate.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

This position must be available to work flexible schedules, including occasional weekend/evenings as required. A valid Florida driver’s license, availability of an automobile during work hours, and the ability to travel locally, regionally, or statewide for site visits, training and other job-related activities and functions are required.

Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

Additional Requirements:

Experience with payables, invoicing, and accounting software packages.

The position requires advanced computer proficiency, particularly in accounting software and Microsoft Office, with exceptional expertise in Microsoft Excel. Ability to effectively communicate and work with diverse management levels and to prioritize tasks efficiently. Strong organizational and multitasking skills required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Non-profit, governmental, and/or fund accounting experience

Physical, Environmental, and Sensory Requirements:

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and periods of time standing and/or walking.

Tasks are regularly performed inside without exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes).

Some tasks require ability to operate, activate, use, prepare, inspect, detect, and/or position objects. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate between cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate effectively.