Self-Help International (SHI) seeks a highly skilled and dedicated accountant to join our organization. SHI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working in Ghana, West Africa and Nicaragua, Central America. SHI carries out its mission to alleviate hunger by helping people help themselves by providing resources to empower families, especially women, in the areas of sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and economic development.
As SHI’s accountant / finance manager, you will play a critical role in managing our financial operations, ensuring accurate and transparent accounting practices, and supporting our mission to alleviate hunger by helping people help themselves. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit accounting, exceptional attention to detail, and a passion for working in the nonprofit sector.
Title: Accountant / Finance Manager (depending on experience)
Status: Part-time to Full-time*
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Waverly, IA or Des Moines, IA
Responsibilities:
- Financial Management:
- Manage day-to-day financial operations, including gift processing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and bank reconciliations.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records using appropriate accounting software and systems.
- Prepare and analyze financial statements, budgets, and forecasts to support decision-making processes.
- Monitor cash flow, investment activities, and financial performance to ensure compliance with organizational goals and regulations.
- Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement financial strategies to maximize organizational resources.
- Grant and Fund Accounting:
- Oversee the financial aspects of grant applications, reporting, and compliance.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of donor designations and grant requirements and restrictions to ensure proper allocation and use of funds.
- Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for grantors, demonstrating accountability and transparency.
- Provide support, information, advising and troubleshooting for nationally and internationally related financial activities.
- Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulations, and nonprofit reporting requirements.
- Prepare and file necessary tax and state regulatory forms, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Assist in the preparation of audit schedules and liaise with external auditors during the annual audit process.
- Provide accurate and timely financial reports to management, board members, and other stakeholders as required.
- Internal Controls and Processes:
- Develop and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard the organization’s assets and prevent fraudulent activities.
- Continuously review and improve accounting processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Identify areas for process improvement and implement best practices in nonprofit accounting.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA certification is a plus.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounting or finance roles, nonprofit accounting experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Hands on proficiency in accounting software, such as Financial Edge, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, or similar systems. Experience with Financial Edge preferred.
- Experience with grant accounting and compliance is highly desirable.
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal. Spanish language skills a plus.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Prior office administrative experience a plus.
- High level of integrity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
- Passion for the nonprofit sector and a strong desire to make a positive impact.
Compensation: We offer competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays, paid time off, parental leave, health, dental, and vision insurance, professional development assistance, and employee assistance program.
Work authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.
To apply: Submit a cover letter and résumé with reference details and salary requirements online at this link. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis from August 11, 2023 until the position is filled. Anticipated start date mid-September. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
*This role is anticipated to take an average of 80 hours per month.
Candidates interested in full-time opportunities who have experience with administrative support are encouraged to apply. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are seeking a part-time accounting role or full-time accounting and administrative role.
Note: The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. Responsibilities and duties may change or evolve based on the needs of the organization.
SHI does not evangelize or seek to promote any particular faith or religion. Self-Help programs are offered regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind, and are not used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.
SHI is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. SHI encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming people, people who speak a language in addition to English, and people with unique lived experience or diverse professional or personal backgrounds and perspectives.
For further information, send inquiries to jobs@selfhelpinternational.org.