Staff Accountant

 Position Title: Staff Accountant

Location: Headquarters, Washington, D.C. (hybrid 2 days a week)

Department: Finance                 

Reports to: Senior Manager, Accounting

Salary Range for US Based Staff: $58,225 - $68,400

FLSA Status: Exempt

Organization Overview:

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With nearly four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in more than 170 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org. 

Position Summary:

The Staff Accountant is responsible for the preparation, review, and approval of day-to-day monthly Journal Entries, transaction processing, recording, and reporting, and oversight of SOI’s general ledger reconciliation in the accounting system and related modules.  In addition, the Staff Accountant will work with Finance management staff in the assessment and implementation of systemic business process improvements that promote greater efficiency and enhance internal controls. The position reports to the Senior Manager, Accounting.

Primary Responsibilities:

This position has responsibility for the maintenance of SOI’s general ledger, select accounts, and related activities in support of month-end close, monthly/annual adjusting entries, the production of financial statements, and management performance reports.   The Staff Accountant will proactively engage in solving problems through close collaboration with Finance and other Departments.  Key responsibilities include the following:

• Independently ensure the timely and accurate recording of all regional activity and ensure that all reconciliations are completed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.


• Support required accounting and financial management training for SOI/HQ and Regional Office staff.


• Prepare monthly account reconciliations and analyses as directed (bank, petty cash, subsidiary, general ledger, fixed assets, prepaids, specific expenses accounts, etc.) and work with staff on outstanding items.


• Reconciling subledgers modules to general ledgers as part of the month-end close.


• Prepare journal entries with proper accounting classifications in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.


• Analyze and prepare reports to be utilized in SOI’s financial statements and audit schedule preparation with other key finance staff.  


• Assist with the preparation and coordination of audit-requested schedules/samples and ensure appropriate documentation of policies and procedures


• In coordination with senior Finance staff, take an active role in supporting SOI’s monthly close process.


• Support ongoing improvements to policies, procedures, internal controls, and tools that realize greater operating efficiencies and enhanced customer service support as directed


• Support effective communication and planning systems and processes with all Departments and other SOI Finance staff.


• Assist with the facilitation of the annual Budget and review of employee expense reports, as needed.


• Responsible for the effective completion of other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience focused on GL accounting/ balance sheet reconciliations, financial statement analysis, budgeting, and client support;


• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required; Masters degree and/or active CPA license an asset; preferred.


• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and work experience listed above;


• Public accounting or audit experience preferred;


• Microsoft D365 Finance and Operations and Concur experience desired;


• Experience in key finance and accounting functions, including payments and accounts payable processing, revenue recognition, and other general ledger maintenance, cash management, budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic business decision support;   


• Superior interpersonal abilities and supervisory skills; effective  verbal and written communication skills;  strong training and overall content facilitation skills are required; 


• Ability to assess and independently resolve a wide range of issues in creative ways;


• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Other Characteristics

• Strong client service orientation;


• Ability to work with all levels of management;


• Ability to work effectively with other team members;

• Ability to concurrently advance multiple tasks and projects with limited supervision;


• Ability to provide effective business solutions and collaborate with senior management in problem resolution;


• Demonstrates respect, flexibility, initiative and tact; excellent listening, reasoning, and negotiating skills;

• The maturity, savvy, and good humor necessary to meet the challenges of a fast-paced work environment;


• Commitment to Special Olympics’ mission and goals, with an understanding for and commitment to the power and importance of persons with intellectual disabilities, the unique role and power of sports, and a vision of a more understanding, inclusive, and just world.

*For USA based staff: Special Olympics offers full-time employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package, which includes: medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life insurance, disability, retirement, legal resources, and PTO. 

Special Olympics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 

**Special Olympics is an E-Verify Employer**