Staff Accountant

Description

Ellis Early Learning (“Ellis”) is a vibrant Boston-based nonprofit founded in 1885. Ellis provides high-quality early education and care to more than 300 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers each year across three centers in the South End and Jamaica Plain. Ellis is NAEYC-accredited and operates four Universal Pre-K classrooms in partnership with Boston Public Schools. We are proud to serve one of the most socioeconomically, racially, and culturally diverse communities in Boston.

Ellis is growing and strengthening the systems and infrastructure that support its mission. The Finance team plays an important role in this work by providing reliable financial information, sound stewardship, and efficient operations. This position offers an opportunity to learn, contribute, and build broad accounting experience in a collaborative, mission-driven organization.

ELLIS VISION: Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

ELLIS MISSION: Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Learn more at www.ellisearlylearning.org.

Position Overview: 

Ellis is seeking a detail-oriented, collaborative, and mission-driven Staff Accountant to join its Finance team. The Staff Accountant will gain hands-on experience across a broad range of accounting and financial operations, including general accounting, accounts payable, payroll support, grants and government programs, audit preparation, and financial reporting. The position will play an important role in maintaining accurate and timely financial information, strengthening internal controls, and supporting the effective operation of a growing organization.

The ideal candidate will have strong accounting fundamentals, excellent attention to detail, and an interest in improving systems and processes. This role is well suited to an early-career accounting professional who wants to build broad nonprofit accounting expertise and see how their work directly supports Ellis’s mission and continued growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. General Accounting and Financial Close

· Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, prepare journal entries, and support the timely and accurate monthly financial close.

· Prepare schedules and reconciliations for month-end and year-end reporting.

· Perform bank and cash reconciliations and assist with cash management activities.

· Help identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, improve accuracy, and strengthen internal controls.

2. Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Cash Receipts

· Manage accounts payable activities, including vendor setup, invoice review and coding, approval workflows, payments, and vendor reconciliations.

· Support payroll accounting, including payroll, benefit, and deduction reconciliations; journal entries; and payroll processing.

· Coordinate the administration and accounting of employee transportation benefits.

· Record donations, grants, tuition payments, and other cash receipts.

· Reconcile donations and other charitable contributions with the Development team and donor records.

3. Grant and Government Program Accounting

· Support grant accounting, reporting, restricted fund reconciliations, and financial documentation for grant and reimbursement requests.

· Prepare reconciliations and supporting schedules for government contracts, grants, and reimbursement programs.

· Collaborate with Program and Development colleagues to obtain complete and timely documentation supporting grant and government revenue.

4. Audit, Compliance, and Internal Controls

· Prepare audit schedules, respond to auditor requests, and assist with the implementation of audit recommendations.

· Support compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, internal controls, organizational policies, and grant requirements.

· Assist with the development, documentation, and consistent application of Finance policies.

5. Collaboration and Business Continuity

· Collaborate with Program, Enrollment, Development, Human Resources, and Operations colleagues to resolve accounting issues and provide financial information.

· Cross-train with Finance team members and provide support for essential functions as needed.

· Serve as the secondary backup for critical billing functions performed by the Senior Billing Manager, including Child Care Financial Assistance billing, assessment and reassessment billing, and family tuition billing.

This job description outlines the core responsibilities of the role. As Ellis continues to grow and strengthen its financial operations, responsibilities may evolve based on the needs of the organization and the interests and capabilities of the person in the position.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Accounting experience: One to three years of relevant accounting experience required. Strong recent graduates with relevant internship, co-op, or part-time accounting experience are encouraged to apply.

Accounting knowledge: Sound understanding of GAAP; familiarity with nonprofit accounting preferred.

Accounting systems: Experience with accounting software; QuickBooks Online experience is preferred.

Excel skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables and lookup functions.

Technology orientation: Comfort learning new systems and using technology to improve accuracy and efficiency. Experience with accounts payable platforms (such as BILL, Ramp), payroll platforms (such as Paylocity), and generative AI tools is a plus.

Analytical skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, with excellent attention to detail.

Communication and collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across departments.

Professional judgment: Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Mission alignment: Interest in contributing to Ellis’s mission and supporting an organization serving children, families, and educators across Boston.

WORK SCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONS:

This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring regular on-site collaboration at Ellis's Boston office while allowing for remote work in accordance with organizational policies and business needs. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours; however, the position will occasionally require work outside normal business hours to support payroll, month-end and year-end close, audits, budget preparation, Board reporting, system implementations, and other time-sensitive Finance initiatives, cross-functional initiatives, and ensure timely completion of key accounting and financial operations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and work-life balance of our benefit eligible employees. Benefits include:

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick time, with vacation accrual prorated based on date of hire and increasing annually, up to maximum accrual at your second anniversary. Employees also receive a paid birthday holiday. 
• Health & Wellness: Medical insurance, along with dental and vision coverage options. In addition, employees benefit from a      generous Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) to help offset eligible healthcare expenses. 
• Financial Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan with employer match to support long-term financial planning. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options are also available for healthcare and dependent care expenses. 
• Employer-Paid Benefits: Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability (LTD) coverage for added financial security. 
• Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential resources for personal, family, and work-life support. 
• Childcare Benefit: Discounted childcare is available for employees with children enrolled in the program