Staff Accountant

Type: Full-time (M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm), benefits eligible. Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 annually About HERS Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) is a leadership development organization dedicated to creating and sustaining a dynamic network of women and gender-diverse leaders in higher education. Our programs serve emerging and established leaders from all institution types and backgrounds. HERS prioritizes equity in leadership as a means of creating transformative opportunities for college and university communities. Founded in 1972, HERS serves as a trusted network for higher education leaders and continues to build a repository of leadership data, resources, and professional development opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers and leadership practice. Position Summary The HERS Staff Accountant is responsible for day-to-day accounting operations, supporting the organization’s mission of developing women and gender-diverse leaders in higher education. Reporting to the Fractional Chief Finance and Administrative Officer (Fractional CFAO), with a dotted reporting line to the Vice President of Programs, this position ensures the accurate, timely, and well-organized processing of HERS’ financial transactions and records. Core responsibilities include accounts payable and accounts receivable processing, routine payroll administration, bank and account reconciliations, revenue entry and transaction processing, maintaining accurate data in Salesforce and QuickBooks, and organizing and retaining financial records in accordance with HERS’ policies and applicable requirements. The Staff Accountant works closely with the Fractional CFAO and HERS staff to support accurate day-to-day fiscal operations, responding to routine financial questions, processing transactions that support the organization’s programs and business activities, and completing assigned financial and operational projects. This position communicates directly with HERS clients and constituents, including billing and finance contacts at higher education institutions, regarding program fees. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, accuracy, customer service, organization and communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple routine accounting tasks, meet processing deadlines, and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial information. Core Areas of Responsibility Financial Operations Process and maintain accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing and reconciliations, revenue recognition and recording, bank reconciliations, and other routine accounting activities to ensure timely and accurate financial records. Salesforce and QuickBooks data maintenance. Financial record organization and document retention. Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with HERS policies, financial controls, and applicable regulations while promoting sound business practices. Prepare and maintain financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and organizational policies. Perform monthly and year-end closing activities, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and other accounting functions necessary to ensure accurate financial reporting. Process HERS budget transactions and review financial workflow items for accuracy and compliance prior to submission for approval. Assist with annual financial audits by preparing documentation, reconciling accounts, and responding to auditor requests. Assist with comprehensive year-end budget reviews, including the reconciliation of accounts, identification and resolution of deficits or discrepancies, and preparation of financial information to support audits and organizational reporting. Budget & Financial Reporting Support Prepare routine accounting schedules and supporting financial information requested for budget development, board reporting, and audit activities. Prepare budget-to-actual reports and supporting schedules for review by the Fractional CFAO and leadership team. Compile registration, scholarship, expense, and donor data to support financial and operational reporting. Compile financial and operational data requested by the Fractional CFAO to support organizational planning and decision-making. Support the Fractional CFAO in preparing financial information for Finance & Investment Committee budget review discussions. Business Operations Provide day-to-day financial and transactional support to HERS staff. Process honoraria, expense reimbursements, invoices, and payments for program facilitators, consultants, contractors, and other vendors in coordination with the Programs Team. Process and reconcile the monthly receipt of HERS funds, including registration revenue, scholarship funds, gifts, grants, endowments, and other restricted and unrestricted funds. Monitor grant and restricted fund expenditures to ensure compliance with donor intent, grant requirements, and organizational policies. Coordinate vendor onboarding, payment processing, and contract-related financial transactions in accordance with organizational policies. Maintain accounting records for scholarship awards, restricted scholarship funds, and related disbursements in coordination with the Vice President of Programs. Monitor scholarship, gift, and endowment funds used to support participant awards and provide regular financial updates to the Programs Team. Assist with tracking technology-related expenditures and budget allocations in partnership with the Technology and CRM Manager. Serve as a professional point of contact for billing, invoicing, payment processing, scholarship transactions, and other routine financial matters involving participants, institutions, vendors, donors, and consultants. Build collaborative working relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders to support organizational priorities and exceptional customer service. Other Duties Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting practices, financial reporting, and internal controls with the ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in a nonprofit environment. Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and identify trends, discrepancies, and data points for management review. Ability to identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and operational efficiency. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with senior leaders, Board members, vendors, donors, and other external stakeholders. Strong organizational, project management, budgeting, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to create financial reports, spreadsheets, and presentations. Ability to read, interpret, and prepare financial reports, budget documents, contracts, and other business records. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to define problems, collect and evaluate data, draw sound conclusions, and implement effective solutions. Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive financial and organizational information with discretion. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across the organization and with external partners. Demonstrated customer service orientation with the ability to build productive relationships and provide responsive support to internal and external constituents. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and contribute positively in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Three (3)+ years of accounting experience. Preferred Qualifications Nonprofit accounting experience. Experience with QuickBooks Online. Experience with Salesforce. Experience working with restricted funds, grants, or scholarship programs. Experience in higher education and/or mission-driven organizations. Work Location This position is hybrid, with a preference for candidates based in the Denver metropolitan area who can work from the HERS headquarters as needed. Highly qualified candidates seeking a fully remote work arrangement will also be considered. Occasional evening or weekend work, and limited travel may be required to support organizational meetings and events. Typical office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level and the option for hybrid work. The position requires regular use of a computer and standard office equipment. HERS offers flexible work arrangements and values results-oriented leadership. Physical Activities Ability to sit in front of a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication. Ability to occasionally move throughout office and event locations. Ability to lift, carry, or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds. HERS offers a benefits package that is exceptional for an organization our size. Full-time employees (30+ hours/week) are eligible for: Medical, dental, and vision Life insurance Short-term + long-term disability flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) Flexible time + whole-person support Unlimited Flexible Time Off (FTO) 96 hours of protected sick time each year Paid national holidays Paid parental leave #J-18808-Ljbffr