Staff Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

This hybrid Staff Accountant-Payroll position with a non-profit organization in South Lake Union focuses on payroll, accounts payable, and general accounting support in a mission-driven environment. You will process semi-monthly payroll, manage accounts payable, support compliance and audit activities, and ensure accurate financial reporting. The schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with initial training conducted onsite and a hybrid arrangement of Tuesday through Thursday onsite after the training period.

Responsibilities

• Process semi-monthly payroll accurately and on time, ensuring all payroll data is complete and correct.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure ongoing compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Serve as the payroll database administrator and act as the primary liaison with the external payroll service provider.
• Allocate payroll and benefits across multiple funding sources and prepare related journal entries.
• Ensure compliance with Federal salary caps and other regulatory requirements related to payroll.
• Reconcile payroll data with the accounting system (MIP), including statutory tax filings and deductions.
• Generate payroll-related reports for Accounting and Human Resources, such as hours worked, accruals, and flexible spending account (FSA) activity.
• Maintain the payroll calendar and manage direct deposit setup for employees.
• Stay current on tax laws, wage regulations, and system changes that impact payroll processing.
• Respond promptly to employee payroll inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a professional manner.
• Receive, verify, code, and process vendor invoices and employee reimbursements in accordance with policy.
• Conduct regular check runs and submit positive pay reports to the bank to support cash control and fraud prevention.
• Maintain and reconcile accounts payable aging and related general ledger balances.
• Ensure vendor records meet W-9/W-8 and 1099/1042-S requirements, and support year-end information reporting.
• Process credit card and travel reimbursements in line with organizational policies.
• Reconcile vendor statements, maintain positive vendor relationships, and resolve billing or payment discrepancies.
• Identify and record use tax liabilities accurately in the general ledger.
• Manage accounts payable documentation, including check logs, cash receipts, and filing systems.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial and audit reports as assigned.
• Document accounting and payroll processes and support internal and external audits, including financial statement, single, and retirement plan audits.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations related to accounting, payroll, and accounts payable.
• Make deposits and maintain an accurate cash receipt log.
• Monitor and track education benefit usage for employees.
• Perform other accounting duties and projects as assigned to support the finance team.

Essential Skills

• 4–6 years of experience working as a Staff Accountant within a corporate or similar professional environment.
• Proficiency with the MIP accounting system (Abila MIP), including general ledger and reporting functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of payroll administration, processes, and procedures, including applicable regulatory requirements and laws.
• Hands-on experience with general ledger accounting, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Experience with accounts payable, including invoice processing, AP aging, and vendor management.
• Working knowledge of accounts receivable and project accounting concepts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.
• Experience preparing or supporting month-end reporting and compliance-related filings such as W-9, W-8, 1099, and 1042-S.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, manage multiple deadlines, and ensure a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors, and to respond to payroll and AP inquiries.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a non-profit environment, particularly with grant or funding source allocations, is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with electronic data capture solutions and data management tools used in financial and operational environments.
• Comfort working in a mission-driven organization that supports clinical trials development and oncology-related initiatives.
• Ability to document processes clearly and support internal controls and audit requirements.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including use of education benefits and training opportunities.

Work Environment

This role is based in South Lake Union within a non-profit organization dedicated to helping conquer cancer through support of clinical trials and related research activities. The position follows a standard schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Initial training is conducted 100% onsite, after which the role transitions to a hybrid arrangement with Tuesday through Thursday onsite and the remaining days remote, subject to organizational needs. You will work in a professional office environment using the MIP (Abila MIP) accounting system, Microsoft Office applications, and other financial and data management tools. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package upon conversion to a permanent role, including 12 holidays (9 stated and 3 floating), 3 weeks of paid time off with an additional day added for each year of service, a personal day after six months of employment, and a 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary employer contributions after one year of service. Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability premiums are fully covered by the organization, with optional buy-up medical plans and additional voluntary benefits such as supplemental life, disability, flexible spending accounts, transportation fringe benefits, and pet insurance. Employees also benefit from an expense reimbursement program for ongoing education (currently up to $1,200 per year) and access to an Employee Assistance Program. The culture emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, regulatory compliance, and support for the broader mission of advancing cancer research.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Seattle, WA.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.