Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

Lifeline Connections is a community-based behavioral health organization that specializes in providing confidential and compassionate care to individuals who experience substance use and/or mental health conditions. Our Vision - As the premier provider of substance use and mental health services in the Pacific Northwest, we are respected and the most trusted resource for behavioral health treatment and whole-person care. We provide a comprehensive continuum of coordinated quality services, foster enduring relationships, and empower our communities to truly thrive. Our Mission - Through superior customer service, high quality programs, and well-trained and dedicated staff, we inspire hope and support lifesaving changes for people affected by substance use and mental health conditions.

The Staff Accountant supports the day-to-day accounting and financial operations of Lifeline Connections. Responsibilities include general ledger accounting, reconciliations, journal entries, grant and contract accounting, payroll accounting entries, month-end close activities, financial reporting, audit preparation, and financial system support.

The position also assists with monitoring nonprofit grants and contracts, including budget-to-actual reporting, invoicing, reconciliations, financial reporting, and grant application budget support. The Staff Accountant works closely with the Controller, Finance team, Payroll, Human Resources, and program leadership to maintain accurate financial records and support compliance with organizational, contractual, and funding requirements.

The Staff Accountant is expected to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Accounting Knowledge: Applies generally accepted accounting principles and basic nonprofit accounting practices to assigned responsibilities.
• Accuracy & Attention to Detail: Produces accurate, complete, and appropriately documented financial work.
• Grant & Contract Accounting: Understands grant budgets, restricted funding, invoicing, reconciliations, and financial reporting requirements.
• Financial Analysis: Identifies discrepancies, budget variances, and potential financial concerns and appropriately escalates issues.
• Technology: Demonstrates proficiency with accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and other required financial systems.
• Organization & Time Management: Manages multiple deadlines and maintains organized financial records.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates effectively with Finance, program leadership, Payroll, Human Resources, and other stakeholders.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Protects sensitive financial and employee information and demonstrates sound professional judgment.
• Accountability: Completes assigned work accurately and timely and follows established accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve financial processes, documentation, and efficiency.

Performance will be evaluated based on assigned responsibilities, demonstrated competencies, and measurable outcomes established by the Controller. Key measures may include:

• Contract Budget Monitoring: Timely identification and reporting of percentage underspending or overspending for assigned contracts and grants.
• Financial Reporting: Percentage of assigned grant and contract financial reports completed accurately and by established deadlines.
• Corrective Action Plans: Timely completion of assigned financial documentation or action items associated with contract-related CAPs.
• Reconciliations: Percentage of assigned accounts, grants, and contracts reconciled accurately and within established timelines.
• Month-End Close: Timely and accurate completion of assigned journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Audit Readiness: Accuracy, completeness, and accessibility of financial documentation requested for audits or monitoring reviews.
• Data Accuracy: Accuracy of information entered and maintained within assigned financial systems.

Performance related to contract variances or CAPs will consider the employee's ability to identify, report, document, and assist in addressing financial concerns within the scope of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Relevant accounting experience may substitute for education.
• Minimum of two years of accounting or directly related financial experience preferred.
• Experience with journal entries, general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and month-end close preferred.
• Experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, behavioral health, human services, or grant-funded environment preferred.
• Experience with grant or contract accounting and financial reporting preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Experience with Acumatica, Divvy, or comparable financial systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze financial information, identify discrepancies, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Organizational Expectations:

Employees are expected to perform their responsibilities in accordance with Lifeline Connections' mission, values, policies, confidentiality requirements, applicable laws and regulations, funding requirements, and accreditation standards. Employees are responsible for completing required training and maintaining the competencies necessary to successfully perform their assigned responsibilities.

Other Duties:

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may be modified based on organizational, regulatory, funding, or operational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.