Staff Accountant

 Title: Staff Accountant 

Level: Mid 

Department: Admin 

Reports to: Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO) 

Salary Range: $70K-$80K 

Location: Chantilly, VA 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

This position is in-office. Upon completion of the 90-day probationary period, it will transition to a hybrid schedule.

About Us: 

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.) 

About the Role: 

The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Shelter House, including processing transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with budget monitoring and grant reporting, and preparing documentation for audits. This position ensures financial compliance with internal policies and external funder requirements while providing analytical support to the Finance Department. The Staff Accountant takes direction from and works closely with the Controller, Accounting Manager and CFOO and collaborates with staff across the organization to support financial accuracy and accountability. 

How you will contribute: 

Duties and Responsibilities:    

• Process and record vendor invoices and payments in QuickBooks 

• Maintain accurate coding and classification of expenses 

• Prepare checks for staff reimbursements and vendor payments 

• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and grant-specific general ledger accounts 

• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals and allocations 

• Monitor program and grant spending to ensure alignment with approved budgets 

• Assist with preparing financial reports for internal stakeholders and funders 

• Support the development and maintenance of grant budgets and forecast projections 

• Provide budget and disbursement support to internal teams and program managers 

• Assist with variance analysis and reporting to the Controller, CFOO, and management 

• Prepare invoices for government and private funders in accordance with grant agreements 

• Track and reconcile grant revenue and expenditures across multiple funding streams 

• Ensure compliance with grant-specific financial and documentation requirements 

• Maintain accurate and organized physical and electronic financial records 

• Support audit preparation by gathering documentation and assisting with audit schedules 

• Assist in the preparation of workpapers for the external audit and funder reviews 

• Provide backup support for payroll processing as needed 

• Respond to staff inquiries related to budgets, disbursements, and financial procedures 

• Work collaboratively with the finance team on ongoing projects and problem-solving 

• Assist the Controller, CFOO, and management with financial data analysis and decision-making 

• Contribute to process improvements and special projects as assigned 

• Other duties as assigned 

About You: 

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 

• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on accounting experience, preferably in a multi-fund environment, or commensurate experience or education 

• At least two (2) years of nonprofit accounting experience with exposure to grant compliance and funder reporting, or commensurate experience or education 

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial standards 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel

• Experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks or comparable systems 

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly 

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously 

Preferred: 

• Experience working in a matrixed organization or multi-program nonprofit 

• Familiarity with federal and state grant requirements and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) 

• Experience preparing for and supporting external audits, including audit schedules and documentation 

• Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving 

• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with shifting priorities 

• CPA candidate or coursework toward CPA designation is a plus 

Physical Requirements: 

1. Annual TB Test is required 

1. Ability to sit or stand for long periods 

1. Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 

• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match 

• 13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off