Accounting Specialist

Job Purpose: This position is responsible for supporting (1) the accounts payable cycle which includes processing purchase orders and acting as the primary backup for cash disbursements and (2) aspects of accounting and the general ledger maintenance. The Accounting Specialist is a highly productive and functioning member of the Finance team; contributing work achievements with technical knowledge and ability.

Essential Functions

Duties related to Purchasing and Accounts Payable

1. Process and administer agency/program purchase orders.
2. Primary backup to Accounts Payable Specialist for the following duties:
3. Process and reconcile purchase orders.
4. Assist with processing of check requests as needed, ensuring all appropriate approvals have been received. Charge expenses to accounts and cost centers by analyzing invoice/expense reports and recording entries. Print and obtain signatures (as necessary) on all accounts payable checks.
5. Review all invoices for appropriate documentation prior to payment and process invoices into the computer system.
6. Pay vendors, as needed, by monitoring discount opportunities, verifying federal ID numbers, scheduling and preparing checks, resolving purchase order, contract, invoice, or payment discrepancies and documentation; ensuring credit is received for outstanding memos, requesting ‘stop-payments’ or purchase order amendments and issuing authorized “voids”.
7. Administer electronic vendor payment system utilizing banking resources, as needed.

Duties related to Corporate Accounting

1. Support the ‘monthly close’ process; prepare and enter data to the general ledger in accordance with governing professional standards; reconcile sub-ledgers and general ledger accounts as assigned.
2. Prepare and process journal entries under the guidance of senior financial staff.
3. Perform bank account reconciliations.
4. Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts (as assigned).
5. Research and resolve reconciling issues and discrepancies.
6. Input daily Cash Receipts Postings into accounting records.
7. Assist with annual audit engagement.
8. Assist other Finance personnel with ad-hoc projects on an as-needed basis.
9. This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

PQI Functions

1. Ensure the consistent, accurate collection of the data.
2. Use results of data to inform decision making.

Qualifications

1. Associate Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree in accounting is preferred.
2. Minimum of 2 to 3 years of progressively responsible, hands-on work experience in a similar role is required.
3. Thorough knowledge of GAAP.
4. Not-for-profit experience a plus.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Access).
6. Experience with and knowledge of Abila MIP accounting software a plus.
7. Professional oral and written communication skills; demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain effective working and collaborative relationships with a ‘service excellence’ approach.
8. Strong attention to detail.
9. Able to multi-task and prioritize work effectively.
10. Qualifying criminal background.

Competencies

Must be dependable and responsible for timeliness and quality of work produced.

Employee Benefits

1. Catholic Charities offers access to a comprehensive array of benefits, including: For Good Health: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance; For a Secure Future: Life, AD&D and Long-term disability insurance; For Retirement: 403(b) Plan, with employer matching contributions for eligible employees; For Career Advancement: Training and development opportunities; For Work Life Balance: Generous paid time off; including 14 paid holidays, vacation and sick time; Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free and confidential counseling for employee and immediate family.

Catholic Charities Inc., Archdiocese of Hartford is in compliance with all applicable discrimination laws. All hiring, promoting, and transferring is done on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to membership in any protected class. EEO/ AA/ M-F/ VET/ DISABLED.