Staff Accountant, Payroll Focused

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Summary

The Staff Accountant supports the day-to-day financial operations of The Kennedy Collective by performing professional accounting duties that ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the organization's financial records. Working collaboratively with Finance Department staff and organizational leadership, this position performs accounting functions including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll support, reconciliations, financial reporting, budgeting, and audit preparation. Assigned responsibilities may vary based on departmental needs and may include primary responsibility for one or more accounting functions. The Staff Accountant ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) requirements, grant and contract obligations, organizational policies, and applicable federal and state laws while promoting fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement in support of The Kennedy Collective's mission.

Core Competencies

• General Accounting: Performs professional accounting functions including general ledger maintenance, journal entries, reconciliations, account analysis, and financial recordkeeping while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with organizational policies and accounting standards.
• Compliance & Internal Controls: Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut DDS regulations, grant and contract requirements, organizational policies, and applicable federal and state laws while maintaining strong internal controls and safeguarding organizational assets.
• Financial Operations: Supports daily financial operations through accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, fixed assets, grant accounting, and other assigned accounting functions while promoting efficient and accurate financial processes.
• Collaboration & Customer Service: Builds collaborative relationships with Finance Department staff, employees, vendors, auditors, funding agencies, and other stakeholders by providing responsive customer service, effective communication, and timely resolution of accounting and financial matters.
• Financial Analysis & Reporting: Assists with financial reporting, reconciliations, account analysis, budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, and other financial activities that support organizational decision-making and financial integrity.
• Professionalism, Ethics & Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates integrity, accountability, confidentiality, sound judgment, and professionalism while supporting continuous quality improvement, organizational effectiveness, and The Kennedy Collective's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, general ledger adjustments, and supporting schedules to ensure accurate and complete financial records.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, financial reporting, account analysis, and preparation of financial statements.
• Reconcile bank accounts, balance sheet accounts, subsidiary ledgers, and other assigned financial records while researching and resolving discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), organizational policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Financial Operations

• Perform assigned accounting functions, which may include accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, billing, fixed assets, grant accounting, general ledger accounting, financial reporting, or other Finance Department responsibilities.
• Process invoices, vendor payments, employee expense reimbursements, customer invoices, cash receipts, deposits, payroll transactions, journal entries, and other financial activities as assigned.
• Review and reconcile payroll data, employee earnings, deductions, taxes, benefit withholdings, and related payroll records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor outstanding receivables, vendor balances, account activity, and other financial transactions while investigating and resolving discrepancies in collaboration with internal departments and external partners.
• Prepare and maintain accurate supporting documentation, schedules, reconciliations, and financial records to support accounting operations, audits, reporting requirements, and funding compliance.
• Assist with grant, contract, Medicaid, DDS, and other funding-related accounting activities as assigned.

Compliance & Financial Reporting

• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut DDS regulations, Medicaid requirements, grant and contract obligations, organizational policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Assist with financial audits, regulatory reviews, grant reporting, tax filings, cost reports, and other financial reporting requirements by preparing accurate records and supporting documentation.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of internal controls that safeguard organizational assets, promote financial integrity, and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards.
• Assist with budget preparation, financial forecasting, account analysis, variance reporting, and other financial analyses as assigned.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance accounting accuracy, operational efficiency, internal controls, and financial reporting.

General Duties

• Collaborate with Finance, Human Resources, Payroll, Program Services, Development, and other departments to support organizational financial operations.
• Maintain professional, respectful, and timely communication with individuals served, families, guardians, employees, funding agencies, regulatory entities, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in meetings, committees, training, special projects, and organizational initiatives as assigned.
• Maintain the confidentiality of financial, medical, and personal information in accordance with HIPAA, organizational policies, and applicable laws.
• Promote accountability, customer service, and continuous quality improvement consistent with The Kennedy Collective's mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties, assignments, and projects as assigned in support of organizational operations.

Requirements:

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and a minimum of two (2) years of accounting experience.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and financial recordkeeping.
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting practices, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel, accounting software, and other financial management systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form and collaborate with employees, vendors, auditors, funding agencies, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment, professionalism, confidentiality, and initiative.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working within nonprofit healthcare, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral health, or other human services organizations.
• Experience with Connecticut DDS-funded programs, Medicaid reimbursement, Centers for Medicare & dicaid Services (CMS) requirements, grant accounting, or government contract compliance.
• Experience using enterprise resource planning (ERP), financial management, payroll, or other accounting software systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of Medicaid, Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations, representative payee responsibilities, and other public benefit programs.
• Knowledge of client financial management, budgeting, financial recordkeeping, benefit administration, and documentation requirements.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel, electronic health record (EHR) systems, financial management software, and other technology platforms used to support benefit administration and client financial services.
• Ability to maintain accurate financial records, prepare reports, reconcile accounts, identify discrepancies, and ensure compliance with applicable funding and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships with individuals served, families, guardians, employees, funding agencies, regulatory entities, and community partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, manage multiple priorities, and work independently in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
• Ability to frequently operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move up to 10 pounds.
• Requires frequent visual acuity for reviewing financial documents, spreadsheets, and computer screens.
• Ability to travel occasionally between organizational locations for meetings, audits, training, or operational support.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in an office or hybrid office environment with extensive computer use.
• Regular interaction with employees, managers, funding agencies, regulatory entities, vendors, and external partners.
• Occasional travel between organizational locations for meetings, training, or operational support.
• May work additional hours during billing cycles, audits, financial reporting deadlines, or other business needs.
• Hybrid or remote work opportunities may be available based on organizational needs and business requirements.

Success Measures

• Financial transactions, accounting records, and assigned accounting functions are completed accurately, timely, and in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Connecticut DDS regulations, organizational policies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, reconciliations, journal entries, and other assigned accounting responsibilities are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Financial records, supporting documentation, reconciliations, and reports are accurate, complete, and maintained in an audit-ready manner.
• Account discrepancies, payment issues, payroll variances, and other financial exceptions are identified, investigated, and resolved promptly to support financial accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Positive collaborative relationships are maintained with Finance Department staff, employees, vendors, auditors, funding agencies, and other internal and external stakeholders through professional and responsive customer service.
• Accounting processes, internal controls, and financial procedures are continuously evaluated and improved to enhance accuracy, efficiency, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation

• Compensation for this position is based on experience, qualifications, and applicable organizational compensation practices, where applicable.
• The salary range for this position will be provided in accordance with applicable federal and Connecticut pay transparency requirements.

Benefits

Eligible employees may participate in The Kennedy Collective's comprehensive benefits program, subject to plan eligibility requirements, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options, where applicable
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions, if eligible
• Paid time off and floating holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee discount and wellness programs
• Additional voluntary benefits offered by The Kennedy Collective

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Kennedy Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The Kennedy Collective also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.