Staff Accountant

Position Overview

Ellis is seeking a Staff Accountant to join its Finance team. The position offers hands-on experience in general accounting, accounts payable, payroll support, grants and government programs, audit preparation, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, prepare journal entries, and support the timely and accurate monthly financial close.
• Prepare schedules and reconciliations for month-end and year-end reporting.
• Perform bank and cash reconciliations and assist with cash management activities.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, improve accuracy, and strengthen internal controls.
• Manage accounts payable activities, including vendor setup, invoice review and coding, approval workflows, payments, and vendor reconciliations.
• Support payroll accounting, including payroll, benefit, and deduction reconciliations; journal entries; and payroll processing.
• Record donations, grants, tuition payments, and other cash receipts.
• Reconcile donations and other charitable contributions with the Development team and donor records.
• Support grant accounting, reporting, restricted fund reconciliations, and financial documentation for grant and reimbursement requests.
• Prepare reconciliations and supporting schedules for government contracts, grants, and reimbursement programs.
• Collaborate with Program and Development colleagues to obtain complete and timely documentation supporting grant and government revenue.
• Prepare audit schedules, respond to auditor requests, and assist with the implementation of audit recommendations.
• Support compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, internal controls, organizational policies, and grant requirements.
• Aid in the development, documentation, and consistent application of Finance policies.
• Collaborate with Program, Enrollment, Development, Human Resources, and Operations colleagues to resolve accounting issues and provide financial information.
• Cross-train with Finance team members and provide support for essential functions as needed.
• Serve as the secondary backup for critical billing functions performed by the Senior Billing Manager, including Child Care Financial Assistance billing, assessment and reassessment billing, and family tuition billing.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Accounting experience: One to three years of relevant accounting experience required. Strong recent graduates with relevant internship, co-op, or part-time accounting experience are encouraged to apply.
• Accounting knowledge: Sound understanding of GAAP; familiarity with nonprofit accounting preferred.
• Accounting systems: Experience with accounting software; QuickBooks Online experience is preferred.
• Excel skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables and lookup functions.
• Technology orientation: Comfort learning new systems and using technology to improve accuracy and efficiency. Experience with accounts payable platforms (such as BILL, Ramp), payroll platforms (such as Paylocity), and generative AI tools is a plus.
• Analytical skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, with excellent attention to detail.
• Communication and collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across departments.
• Professional judgment: Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of accuracy, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Mission alignment: Interest in contributing to Ellis’s mission and supporting an organization serving children, families, and educators across Boston.

Work Schedule and Expectations

This position follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring regular on-site collaboration at Ellis's Boston office while allowing for remote work in accordance with organizational policies and business needs. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours; however, the position will occasionally require work outside normal business hours to support payroll, month-end and year-end close, audits, budget preparation, Board reporting, system implementations, and other time-sensitive Finance initiatives, cross-functional initiatives, and ensure timely completion of key accounting and financial operations.

Why Ellis?

At Ellis, you will join a collaborative, mission-driven organization where financial work directly supports children, families, and educators. The Staff Accountant will build broad nonprofit accounting experience, work with colleagues across Ellis, and help strengthen the financial systems of a growing organization. Ellis offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including vacation and sick time, health and dental insurance, a 403(b) plan, life insurance, and opportunities for professional growth.

How to Apply

If you are excited to grow and apply your accounting skills in support of a mission-driven organization, we would love to hear from you. Please send your resume and a brief note describing your interest and relevant experience to hr@ellisearlylearning.org.