Regional Accounting Services Specialist (8023)

Job DetailsJob Location: NSC-Divisional HQ - Charlotte, NC 28217Position Type: Full Time RegularEducation Level: Associate DegreeSalary Range: $51,000.00 - $58,000.00 SalaryJob Category: Finance

Account Management Responsibilities:

Coordinates, monitors and evaluates the computerized accounting system with the finance staff of assigned local commands; ensures the proper internal controls are established to insure accounting and finance functions are in accordance with established Salvation Army policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and current FASB standards; and to maintain the reporting system which provides up-to-date and accurate financial information for the Corps Officer and Divisional Headquarters so that the financial health and condition of the local command can be effectively accessed at any time.

Monitors, evaluates and supervises the daily accounting transactions for assigned local commands; reviews and verifies local accounting records, ledgers and statements for accuracy and completeness including but not limited to the preparation of journals, various ledger activity, maintenance and supervision of the chart of accounts, required cash logs, and custodian of all financial reports; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.

Monitors cash balances closely and diligently in order to provide for sufficient funds for upcoming payrolls and other divisional drafts; reviews payables and cash receipt edit reports for correct date information, journal information, journal description, and company and bank verification before posting to the General Ledger; maintains awareness of each command’s financial needs and budget constraints in order to remain sensitive and responsive to their cash needs when financial resources are limited.

Reviews batches input at the local command and post them to The Salvation Army’s computerized accounting system; approves and posts all journal entries (including booking of assets, depreciation, and adjustments); reconciles inter-company receivables, payables, and balances in reserve accounts on a monthly basis; follow Divisional Headquarters instructions related to closing the books at month-end and year-end.

Establishes schedules for processing transactions and running checks to meet the local command’s deadlines and financial needs; ensures bills are paid on time; issues emergency checks as necessary; posts the same to the accounting system on a timely basis so reports of cash balances and payables are up-to-date at all times.

Month-End Responsibilities:

Reconciles or reviews all local unit bank accounts on a monthly basis; ensures all deposits are posted in the correct month and all drafts and electronic deposits are accounted for and posted; audits credit card transactions against bank statements; posts receivables from thrift store sales; follows up on any checks that have not cleared and any deposits unaccounted for; ensures all payroll and other divisional drafts are posted; researches and resolves discrepancies in order to balance bank accounts; studies account activity in order to detect and resolve accounting transactions that are not in compliance with policy and to develop accounting process improvements.

Generates, reconciles, and reviews all ledger accounts for accuracy on a monthly basis; prepares and enters all correcting journal entries. Monitors account balances and notifies local and divisional leadership when account balances need management’s attention. Reconciles accounts held at DHQ & THQ to mirror and bring into balance; reconciles open receivables at DHQ & THQ to account for all expenses incurred within the month.

Prepares journals for depreciation expense by way of a Vehicle Depreciation Schedule; journals welfare orders and gifts-in-kind; calculates and journals support and statewide services incurred; reviews exchange accounts to ensure legitimacy of balances.

Verifies that the checkbook and General Ledger are in balance on a monthly basis and makes adjusting journal entries for posting corrections or notifies the supervisor when a cash account needs research and correction.

Reviews and verifies month-end reports for accuracy including the Financial Return Report, Statement of Activities, Balance Sheet, Support & Statewide Report; ensures the Balance Sheet balances and researches any funds that appear out-of-line, notifies officers when reports are ready and the entity is ready to close in the accounting system.

Financial Analysis Responsibilities:

Provides financial analysis services to the Corps Officer; provides and interprets financial reports so that the Corps Officer has accurate and complete financial information in order to make effective financial decisions on a daily, monthly and annual basis; assists the Corps Officer in implementing needed improvements in accounting and budgeting procedures so that the financial picture of the daily operations can be closely monitored.

Prepares all monthly financial information and reports to the supervisor including journals, bank reconciliation, general ledger review, reporting, prepaid rent, depreciation, support & statewide outstanding, state & support journals, and journal corrections.

Travels to commands as needed to meet with local Corps Officers and staff to review accounting procedures and records management and to determine any improvements needed.

Provides remote assistance to Corps Officers with reporting financial information to the Advisory Board.

Provides analytical research for the Divisional Finance Department and local Corps Officers as needed; performs research associated with the Net Financial Positions that are reviewed to see a command’s performance over certain periods or to give a better understanding to report variances.

Training & Support Responsibilities:

Remains readily available and accessible to local accounting staff and Corps Officer to provide the highest quality of service and to be responsive to the local command’s needs. Provides emergency assistance outside normal business hours if warranted and approved.

Maintains territorial accounting program for Corps in the region in a manner set out by the Division; trains local finance and other personnel in the daily operation of the accounting system.

Provides daily phone support assistance to local Corps Officer and accounting staff by responding to their questions related to the proper processes and practices for working in the accounting system.

Communicates to the local Corps Officer and other staff any changes in accounting procedures, standards, policy, minutes, etc.; responds to questions regarding the same.

Assumes the duties of local accounting staff when they are absent or when a position is vacant to keep the local command’s accounting transactions up-to-date and reports on schedule; provides accounting services that enable the local Corps Officer to continue to have awareness of the local command’s financial health even during accounting staff vacancies.

Travels to local command’s as needed in order to conduct on-site training and to provide on-site support when needed such as when there is turnover in local accounting staff.

Seasonal Project Responsibilities:

Assists the Corps Officer in the preparation of the local command’s budget; may prepare budget workbook; reviews budget with the Corps Officer and makes adjustments as requested; prepares final budget copy; enters the approved annual budget for each assigned unit into the accounting system; ensures formulas are correct and creates improvements; reviews budget for funding and ensures that fund transfers are in compliance with standards set by Divisional Headquarters.

Prepares fiscal closing statements including required reports and schedules; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same. Works closely with local accountants on their year-end package and reviews all reports carefully to detect errors.

Provides assistance to Corps Officer during internal and external audits of local commands to include preparation of audit schedules, providing documentation for transactions, responding to auditor questions. Promotes continuous consistency in procedures so that accounting records are always ready for audit review.

Provides assistance in the financial consolidation process; monitors routine financial reports year-round to detect and resolve errors so that the financial consolidation process can run as smoothly as possible; helps in preparing and reviewing consolidation reports for accuracy.

Other Responsibilities:

Attends training classes provided by THQ and DHQ related to accounting and financial systems; assists others in the Finance Dept and at DHQ in developing reports and maintaining current reports.

Conducts analytical reporting and research for both the Finance Department and Officers.

Assists supervisors in various areas of accounting and finance as needed.

Participates in continuing education opportunities, conferences, and seminars to enhance professional growth and encourages/supports continuing education of staff.

Performs all duties with an understanding of the mission, ministry, philosophy, culture, and protocol of The Salvation Army and conducts all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism client care.

Travels, as needed, to represent The Salvation Army.

Speaks at Management Conferences or at other accounting conferences in areas related to position.

Attends seminars and update skills and performance as approved.

Performs other related work as required.

QualificationsEducation and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration or a related field,

and

four years progressively responsible experience performing double-entry computerized accounting work with experience in the Army’s current accounting system preferred,

or

any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of The Salvation Army mission, philosophy, culture, protocol, and organizational structure.

Knowledge of accepted principles, methods, and practices of computerized double-entry fund accounting as well as finance, budgeting, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office365 software programs and accounting software in general.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of general business administration.

Knowledge and skill in developing and interpreting accounting and financial reports with accuracy.

Knowledge of efficient methods of organizing, maintaining and securing financial records.

Ability to evaluate the organizations accounting and financial functions, respond to deficiencies by identifying and implementing appropriate corrective actions, develop and administer sound policies, procedures, and budgets.

Ability to effectively monitor, assess, and evaluate the quality of work performed by local accounting staff and to provide effective and timely direction and assistance to ensure compliance with established procedures, accepted practices, and quality standards.

Ability to integrate and interpret data from various sources and to plan, develop, and implement responsible strategies for improving accounting processes and financial reporting.

Ability to audit accounting transactions and scrutinize financial reports/documents to ensure integrity, accuracy, and completeness.

Ability to develop reports that meet the needs of non-accounting or non-financial staff when needed.

Ability to make sound, logical interpretations of established guidelines and regulations quickly.

Ability to apply discretion and independent judgment when processing, analyzing, and resolving routine accounting transactions and reporting in accordance with accepted accounting principles.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing in an effective and professional manner.

Ability to discharge the duties and responsibilities of this position consistent with the principles, standards, and the Orders and Regulations of The Salvation Army.

Ability to organize, lead, develop and maintain an effective and professional working relationship with all Finance Department Personnel, Salvation Army Officers and employees, and professionals in the community.

Ability to conduct the affairs of this office responsibly, efficiently, and economically.

Ability to conduct and lead group presentations.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of financial records.