Temporary Staff Accountant I​/II

Staff Accountant I/II

Department: Finance
Reports To: Controller
FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
Location: Colusa, CA

• Staff Accountant I: $24.00 – $29.00 per hour
• Staff Accountant II: $27.00 – $31.00 per hour

The Staff Accountant (I/II) supports the organization’s financial operations through progressively complex accounting, reporting, reconciliation, and analysis functions. This journey-level role is designed for experienced accounting paraprofessionals—such as Accounting Technicians, AP/AR Clerks, or Payroll Specialists—who are developing into professional accountants within a nonprofit or public‑sector environment.

Under the direction of the Controller, the Staff Accountant plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting grant and contract reporting, preparing financial statements, reconciling ledgers, assisting with payroll processes, and conducting fiscal research and analysis across multiple departments and entities.

Both levels are operational and analytical, working primarily behind the scenes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity. Level assignment is based on experience, demonstrated competency, and ability to perform independently.

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts across multiple departments and organizational entities.
• Prepare journal entries and support documentation in accordance with GAAP and internal policies.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end close processes, including reconciliations and schedules.
• Identify and help resolve discrepancies in financial records.

• Assist in producing monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for management and board review.
• Support development of departmental and program‑level financial reports.
• Assist with budget‑to‑actual tracking and variance analysis.

• Support grant accounting activities, including tracking restricted funds and allowable costs.
• Assist with fiscal components of grant reporting, reimbursement requests, and public agency documentation.
• Maintain organized records to support grant compliance and monitoring.

• Assist with payroll processing and payroll‑related journal entries using ADP and Paylocity.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, accruals, and labor allocation reviews.
• Coordinate with HR and Finance staff regarding payroll data and reporting.

• Conduct fiscal research to support budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and program planning.
• Assist with cost allocation analysis and financial modeling under the direction of the Controller.
• Support internal controls, documentation, and process improvements.

The Staff Accountant I performs core accounting functions with guidance and review from the Controller. This level focuses on building proficiency in nonprofit accounting, grants, and multi‑entity financial operations.

• Perform assigned reconciliations and journal entries with review.
• Support preparation of financial statements and grant reports under supervision.
• Develop familiarity with organizational accounting structures, funding sources, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrate growing independence and accuracy over time.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; or any combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the role.
• Typically 2–3 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, AP/AR, payroll, or related financial roles.
• Working knowledge of general ledger accounting and reconciliations.

The Staff Accountant II operates with greater independence and complexity, requiring less routine oversight. This level serves as a key accounting professional supporting the Controller and broader finance function.

• Assist the Controller with analysis, process improvements, and financial research.

• Same education…