STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Staff Accountant

Join us in making a difference at Home of Guiding Hands as we improve the quality of life for people with special needs. The Staff Accountant role is more than a back-office function. Our general ledger is the financial infrastructure behind the meaningful work our team provides. Your ability to maintain it with accuracy, close the books on time, and keep the organization audit-ready is what gives leadership the confidence to act.

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant is responsible for general ledger entries, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and supporting financial compliance. This role includes preparing reconciliations, assisting with financial statements, and maintaining accounting accuracy across a large, multi-program nonprofit organization.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the organization's financial records, minimizing risk, and supporting operational continuity across the organization.

The accuracy of our financials determines how confidently the organization can operate and make decisions. This role ensures reliability.

Who We're Looking For

This role is about more than month-end close. It's about belonging to a team committed to making an impact on our community. The right person understands that sound financial management is what allows us to serve our clients and support our team. Our balance sheet is strong. They're here to keep it that way.

That standard comes from who they are, not from oversight.

They bring discipline and precision to every reconciliation, hold a high standard across everything they own, and when something doesn't balance, they don't escalate and move on. They own it through to resolution. They communicate clearly, manage competing deadlines without dropping detail, and stay calm under pressure.

If you hold yourself to a standard that's intolerant of errors and can back that up with consistent execution, this is your role.

What You'll Be Doing: Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities

Core Accountabilities

• The general ledger is maintained accurately and closed on time each period
• Bank and balance sheet reconciliations are completed, reviewed, and current
• Financial statements and reports are prepared accurately and on schedule
• Audit work papers are complete, organized, and available upon request
• Governmental financial reporting requirements are met on time
• Compliance with accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements is consistently maintained
• Month end close tasks are completed on time in alignment with the close calendar
• Assigned balance sheet accounts are fully reconciled with no unresolved variances
• Variances are identified, explained, and resolved prior to close completion

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and record general ledger entries, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards
• Support and execute the monthly close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis
• Maintain ownership of assigned balance sheet accounts through full reconciliation and issue resolution
• Partner with Controller and Assistant Controller to meet close timelines and reporting deadlines
• Assist in preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for internal and external stakeholders
• Perform bank and balance sheet account reconciliations
• Assist in the preparation of audit work papers and provide necessary documentation to external auditors
• Monitor and analyze financial transactions, resolving discrepancies and ensuring data integrity
• Prepare and submit required governmental financial reports
• Support payroll processing and employee benefit reconciliations as needed
• Oversee credit card program for 100+ cardholders order and close cards, lead monthly trainings, and work with cardholders to troubleshoot issues
• Manage monthly Verizon invoice reporting
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities
• Assist in improving accounting processes and financial reporting procedures

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure financial transactions and reporting comply with GAAP, internal policies, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Support external audits by maintaining complete, accurate, and accessible documentation at all times
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all financial and consumer data
• Proactively identify and escalate discrepancies, errors, or potential compliance risks

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 3+ years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofit or government-funded organizations
• Experience with payroll and benefits reconciliation is a plus
• Audit and compliance experience preferred
• Proficiency in accounting principles and financial reporting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial software (e.g., Great Plains, QuickBooks, or similar)
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Work Environment & Expectations

• This is an onsite position based in San Diego County (El Cajon office). This position must be in office.
• Standard business hours apply, with the expectation of increased workload and schedule adherence during close and audit periods
• Regular use of a computer and standard office equipment is required

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol test and health screening
• Must successfully complete background clearance (Live Scan fingerprinting)
• Must possess a valid California driver's license with a clean driving record
• Must complete required training and maintain confidentiality of financial and consumer data

Our Values

Innovation We encourage creativity and innovation because we believe that by striving for more efficient and effective ways of doing things, we can achieve exceptional results. Our organization focuses on solutions and refuses to maintain the status quo.

Collaboration We believe that working together collaboratively is the foundation of a culture that values teamwork, communication, and cooperation. This belief is central to every part of our business and strengthens our community.

Accountability We take responsibility for our actions and for delivering on our commitments. By being transparent and accountable, we build trust and maintain the respect of our stakeholders.

Respect We treat everyone with respect and dignity. We value inclusivity and believe that by upholding a culture of respect, we can foster a positive and supportive work environment.

Empathy We value empathy and understanding in all our interactions. We seek to understand the perspectives and needs of our colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to meet them with kindness and compassion.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Home of Guiding Hands is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

About HGH

For nearly 60 years, Home of Guiding Hands has been one of San Diego's most essential nonprofits. Today, nearly 1,200 employees support close to 5,000 children and adults across San Diego and Imperial Counties living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Chances are, someone in your neighborhood has been touched by our work. That doesn't happen by accident. It takes a dedicated team of professionals who show up with purpose. We're looking for a Staff Accountant to join us.