Staff Accountant

Job Description

Position Title:          Staff Accountant

Reports To:             Director of Finance

Position Type:        Full-time, non-exempt

About us

The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) is a nonprofit, public foundation with a mission of inspiring the spirit of giving and connecting people, organizations, and causes to strengthen Alaska’s communities now and forever. ACF works with donors to increase philanthropy and meet needs around the state through effective grantmaking. Managing over $290 million in assets and over 2,400 funds for the benefit of Alaskans, ACF and their 12 local community foundation Affiliates grant approximately $15 million annually to charitable projects and nonprofit organizations. This includes awarding more than 4,000 grants and scholarships annually through more than 20 competitive grant cycles and more than 60 competitive scholarship cycles. Since its inception ACF has awarded more than $250 million in grants in Alaska. To learn more please visit our website: alaskacf.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Accountant is a key member of the finance team, supporting the Director of Finance in performing the foundation’s daily accounting operations, financial reporting and fund accounting. This position will work collaboratively with one accounting technician and the Senior Staff Accountant performing some of the daily and monthly accounting and financial functions.

Your Impact

You provide financial support services, administrative support to the Finance team and other Foundation staff, and client services.

Essential Functions/Role & Responsibilities (including, but not limited to):

• Review daily input of donations input by accounting technician, and create deposits after appropriate approvals.


• Review weekly check runs with Director of Finance, and post as appropriate. Generate grant letters and distribute as appropriate.


• Make monthly recurring journal entries, and enter for approval.


• Perform monthly bank reconciliations.


• Facilitate and enter monthly corporate giving program spreadsheets and import information into accounting system after reconciling totals. Assist with monthly, quarterly reporting requirements.


• Assist with quarterly fund statements.


• Enter and/or review Pick.Click.Give deposits, and ensure checks are correct.


• Review profiles of vendors and donors to ensure accurate information and no duplication.


• Monitor automatic credit card transactions, obtain backup receipt information and reconcile 25+ corporate cards each month.


• Assist in monitoring the finance email inbox with accounting enquiries.


• Respond to client inquires as directed.


• Work collaboratively with accounting technician, Senior Staff Accountant, and Director of Finance ensuring accurate and efficient processing of daily financial transactions.


• Annual review and creation of 1099 forms and filings.


• Work with accounting technician on the quarterly stale dated check processes.


• Maintain donor confidentiality.

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personality qualities and skills:

1. Soft Skills
   
   
   
   1. Attention to detail – ensuring accuracy in financial transactions, reconciliations, and reporting is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the Foundation’s financial data.
   
   
   2. Problem solving & critical thinking – the ability to analyze financial discrepancies, troubleshoot issues and propose effective solutions is key to improving and maintaining accounting processes.
   
   
   3. Communication & collaboration – clearly explaining financial concepts to non-financial staff, leadership, and external stakeholders ensures transparency and understanding.
   
   
   4. Adaptability & flexibility – the nature of the Foundation’s work often requires adjusting to changing priorities, deadlines, processes and procedural improvements, making adaptability essential.
   
   
   5. Time management & organization – managing multiple responsibilities, meeting financial deadlines and prioritizing tasks is necessary for smooth operations.
   
   
   6. Integrity & ethical judgment – handing financial information with confidentiality, honesty and ethical decision-making is critical in the Foundation’s finance roles.
   
   
   7. Customer Service & relationship building – working with donors, grantees, and Affiliates requires a service-oriented mindset and the ability to build trust with internal and external stakeholders.
   
   
   8. Patience & emotional intelligence – understanding the needs of colleges, leadership and donors help maintain a positive, supportive work environment in a fast-paced setting.
   
   
   9. Process improvement mindset – a proactive approach to identifying inefficiencies and suggesting improvements in the financial workflows can enhance accuracy and efficiency.
   
   
   
   

1. Hard Skills
   
   
   
   1. Proficiency in entry, review, and processing of accounting information, including contributions, accounts receivable, payables, grants, and other daily processing.
   
   
   2. General ledger maintenance, journal entries and reconciliations.
   
   
   3. Experience in multiple Bank Reconciliations.
   
   
   4. Experience with managing corporate credit card programs.
   
   
   5. Experience in Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR).
   
   
   6. Knowledge of audit preparation and experience working with an external auditor.
   
   
   7. Familiarity with nonprofit financial reporting standards (FASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
   
   
   8. Experience using accounting software.
   
   
   9. Strong ability to answer questions, provide financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
   
   
   10. Clear and professional communication, both verbal and written.
   
   
   11. Ability to maintain confidentiality and ensure financial data is secure.
   
   
   
   

1. Other Qualities
   
   
   
   1. ACF is deeply rooted in community support and philanthropy, a service-driven attitude is important.
   
   
   2. Someone who enjoys helping others, whether that’s supporting team members, assisting grant recipients or working with leadership to strengthen financial operations.
   
   
   3. Someone who embraces change and seeks opportunities for process improvement.
   
   
   4. The ability to foster teamwork, support and work collaboratively with others.
   
   
   
   

Required Qualifications and Experience:

1. Associate or bachelor’s degree OR


2. Five(5) + years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in non-profit or fund accounting.


3. Proficiency in accounting software.


4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, excel, word and outlook.


5. Excellent analytical skills, with a strong attention to detail.


6. Ability to work collaboratively, provide support to accounting staff, and communicate financial information effectively.

Preferences

1. Familiarity with the non-profit sector in Alaska.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position is based in ACF’s corporate office in Anchorage, Alaska. The work schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with occasional extended hours during peak financial reporting periods (e.g. audit, year-end). A hybrid work arrangement may be available based on organizational policies and position responsibilities. This role involves routine interaction with colleagues in different departments, including development, grants and operations. This role will work closely with the finance team, leadership, external auditors, external clients and donors. This role could require periodic attendance at external or internal events, meetings and training/education sessions.

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequent use of office equipment, including computers, calculators, printers and scanners. The ability to lift and carry standard office materials, such as files, binders, and filed records (typically up to 20lbs). Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching to retrieve files, supplies, or access office equipment.

Compensation:

This is a non-exempt position with pay between $26.37-$40.00 per hour, and is commensurate with experience and expertise. Benefits include but are not limited to health, vision, dental, and a retirement plan with employer participation after one year of service. 

Alaska Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. The physical, sensory, and environmental requirements described here represent the general nature of the role and are not intended to exclude individuals who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

This role may involve a combination of desk-based and active work in a professional office or field environment. The position requires the ability to effectively engage in communication, operate standard office technology or job-related equipment, and perform the core responsibilities of the role.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.