Legal Aid Society

Lead Accountant

Legal Aid Society$96K — $101K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA/BS degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
  • 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Preferred experience with Financial Edge, Vena, or Oracle NetSuite
  • Strong Excel skills for data analysis
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Deep understanding of GAAP

Responsibilities

  • Assist in reviewing and analyzing general ledger accounts
  • Support preparation of monthly GAAP financial statements
  • Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations
  • Contribute to month-end close processes
  • Manage accounting for endowment and investment accounts
  • Prepare journal entries and cash flow analysis
  • Participate in continuous improvement of accounting procedures

Benefits

  • Generous health insurance plan
  • Paid vacation time
  • Disability and life insurance coverage
  • Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Potential loan repayment assistance for New York residents
Full Job Description
The Lead Accountant reports to and works closely with the Accounting Manager in overseeing and performing day-to-day accounting functions. The Lead Senior Accountant supports the accounting team comprised of four staff accountants by ensuring adherence to internal control policies and procedures as well as accounting best practices. This position will also work closely with other Finance Department teams including Accounts Payable, Payroll, Grants and Contracts and Financial Planning and Analysis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

General Ledger Accounting and Related Duties
  • Assist the Accounting Manager in reviewing and analyzing general ledger accounts and proactively resolving inconsistencies under minimal supervision
  • Assist the Accounting Manager in preparing the monthly GAAP financial statements and supporting schedules
  • Responsible for performing a portfolio of monthly balance sheet reconciliations and preparing quarterly balance sheet binder for assigned reconciliations
  • Take part in the month end close and associated tasks
  • Manage accounting for the endowment and investment accounts
  • Participate in preparing monthly, quarterly, and year-end journal entries
  • Participate in preparing 90-day and weekly cash flow analysis
  • Assist in updating task procedures and documentation and in identifying process improvements


Audit, Form 990 and Ad-Hoc Projects
  • Prepare various schedules and analyses for the annual fiscal audit
  • Prepare various schedules and analyses for the annual completion of the IRS Form 990
  • Assist with individual program audit requests

Professional Development and Other Duties as Assigned
  • Participate in continuous professional development
  • Continuously learn about forms of bias in the workplace and demonstrate affirmative behaviors that support an inclusive work environment
  • Other duties as assigned


QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:
  • BA/BS degree required, with a focus in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
  • 5+ years of related experience
  • Experience with Financial Edge, Vena and/or Oracle NetSuite preferred
  • Strong Excel skills and ability to analyze large volumes of data
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
  • Strong understanding of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)


Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field
  • Nonprofit experience preferred
  • Experience with fiscal, compliance and program audits
  • Experience in developing and implementing financial systems, tools, structures, and processes
  • Experience with cross-departmental collaboration and internal communications
  • Demonstrated knowledge of non-profit accounting
  • Knowledge of best practices in grants and contracts strategy and process improvement
  • Experience with cross-departmental collaboration and internal communications


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Position Based Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Understand when to escalate critical time sensitive issues
  • Demonstrate a commitment to quality, accuracy, and thoroughness
  • Versatile in handling multiple tasks simultaneously in accordance with highest priority
  • Ability to meet deadlines, which may require a flexible schedule, as extended working hours may be required during month-end and year-end
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Sense of professionalism, confidentiality, and a strong work ethic
  • Strong analytical skills and strong excel skills (pivot tables etc.)
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Extremely organized and ability to respond to internal and external requests
  • Ability to work well in a team environment


Organizational Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Commitment to Legal Aid Society's mission to secure equal justice before the law for all New Yorkers
  • Interpersonal and communication skills that enable healthy and productive working relationships
  • Ability to perform duties with the highest regard for confidentiality, integrity, and respect
  • Commitment to Legal Aid Society's mission and values


Physical, environment, travel, and other duties required:
  • Mostly sedentary, significant time using a computer and monitor; communicating and meeting using video


* For positions noted as essential, this will require either remote or in-person work during times of closure or otherwise non-typical business hours which may include evenings and weekends and during unforeseen events such as inclement weather or poor air quality conditions.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range represents a good faith estimate of the range we expect to pay for this role. The actual salary offered may vary depending on many factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Salary Range: $96,000 - $101,000

The Legal Aid Society offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Click here to read more about benefits.

Higher Education and Loan Forgiveness

The Legal Aid Society is a qualified employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This position allows an employee to take advantage of PSLF and other State and Federal loan forgiveness programs. Additionally, employees who are New York residents may be eligible for assistance from New York state to assist with loan repayments, depending on years of practice. To learn more, click the links below.

studentaid.gov

hesc.ny.gov/loan-forgiveness-programs

WORK AUTHORIZATION

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas or permits. (However, for citizens of Canada and Mexico, LAS will provide a letter documenting employment status that is needed to obtain a TN visa.)

HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be completed online via the career portal. We do not accept emailed applications. Submit the following documents as a combined PDF:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume


For technical difficulties or questions regarding this posting, please email [email protected].

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About Legal Aid Society

The Legal Aid Society is a non-profit organization that provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families in New York City. The organization was founded in 1876 and has since grown to become the largest provider of legal services in the United States. The Legal Aid Society provides a wide range of legal services, including representation in criminal and civil cases, assistance with housing and immigration issues, and advocacy for children and families. The organization has more than 1,200 staff members and over 2,000 pro bono attorneys who volunteer their time to help those in need.
Learn more about Legal Aid Society

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