Senior Accountant

Description

Job Summary: The Senior Accountant is essential to the financial management of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. This role encompasses responsibilities in financial reporting, grant accounting, compliance, and budget management, all aimed at maintaining the organization’s fiscal integrity and supporting its mission. The Senior Accountant should possess a strong background in nonprofit accounting, demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, and excel in collaboration across various departments. This position contributes to the overall financial health of the agency, ensuring accurate financial practices and supporting strategic decision-making.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare and analyze financial statements in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes.

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash flow management.

• Assist in the development and monitoring of organizational and program budgets.

Grant & Fund Accounting

• Track and report on restricted and unrestricted funds.

• Ensure proper allocation of grant funds and compliance with funder requirements.

• Collaborate with program managers to review budgets and financial performance.

Compliance & Audit

• Assist with annual audits, tax filings (Form 990), and other regulatory reporting.

• Maintain internal financial controls and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.

Strategic Support & Leadership

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to leadership.

• Support forecasting, risk assessment, and financial planning initiatives.

• Mentor junior accounting staff as needed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).

• Minimum 7+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit or social services agency.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit financial management, and fund accounting.

• Experience with grant accounting and compliance with government/private funding.

• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, or similar).

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a social services or nonprofit organization.

• Knowledge of federal and state grant compliance (e.g., Uniform Guidance, CFR 200).

• Familiarity with financial forecasting and strategic planning for nonprofits.

Language Ability: Must read, speak and write fluent English.

Communication: Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with clients and staff.

Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.