Senior Staff Accountant

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM IN PHILA•Philadelphia, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Staff Accountant leads and oversees the management of the organization’s General Ledger accounts and business transactions, applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with a high level of analytical judgment and review. This position serves as a supervisory role responsible for reviewing and guiding the work of the Staff Accountant and partners closely with the Vice President of Finance on monthly, year-end, and audit-related activities. The Senior Staff Accountant reports to the Vice President of Finance.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, or a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in accounting, is required
A minimum of five years’ progressive accounting experience, including experience in non-profit and/or fund accounting
Demonstrated integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Nice To Haves

Prior experience reviewing or supervising accounting staff preferred
Advanced experience with accounting software and financial reporting systems

Responsibilities

Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day, monthly, and year-end operations of the Finance department accounting functions
Review, approve, and provide guidance on work prepared by the Staff Accountant to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with GAAP
Maintain and review the Fixed Asset and associated depreciation schedules; prepare and approve General Journal entries related to asset activity
Lead the preparation and filing of 1099 reports, reviewing supporting documentation prepared by accounting staff
Serve as the primary accounting liaison by attending departmental meetings and advising leadership on funding, expense trends, and budget-to-actual variances
Oversee petty cash and expense reporting processes, ensuring adherence to internal controls and policies
Supervise and review invoice coding, expense reports, and check requests prepared by the Staff Accountant
Ensure proper account classification by reviewing expense allocations across accounts and departments
Oversee vendor payment processes, including verification of documentation, resolution of discrepancies, and compliance with payment terms
Review vendor reconciliations and monthly statements for accuracy and completeness
Monitor and approve petty cash disbursements and documentation
Review sales tax calculations and filings related to paid invoices
Ensure completeness of supporting documentation for purchase orders and invoices
Investigate and resolve complex accounting issues related to invoices, purchase orders, and account discrepancies
Lead the monthly close process, including reviewing reconciliations and journal entries
Perform and review balance sheet and general ledger reconciliations, identifying and correcting errors or omissions
Serve as an escalation point for internal and external inquiries regarding account status and discrepancies
Provide day-to-day supervision, training, and mentoring to the Staff Accountant
Review and streamline accounting procedures to improve efficiency and strengthen internal controls
Prepare and review correspondence, reports, and documentation for the Finance department
Oversee the maintenance of accounting files, records, and reports
Coordinate the tracking and administration of company insurance policies in collaboration with the Vice President of Finance
Play a lead role in the annual Financial Audit, including preparation, review, and coordination of audit materials
Conduct higher-level financial analysis and reporting and support special projects as assigned
Ensure and monitor department-wide compliance with GAAP
Enforce adherence to regulatory guidance and internal policies and procedures
Protect the organization’s value by maintaining strict confidentiality of financial information
Provide guidance and technical support to accounting staff on compliance and best practices
Update job knowledge through continuing professional education
Contribute to department-wide and organizational special projects as assigned