Associate Accountant

This position supports accurate financial recordkeeping, compliance with federal and state regulations, month-end and year-end closing processes, audits, and Finance Committee reporting. The Associate Accountant is responsible for maintaining confidential financial and employee information while providing excellent customer service to internal staff and external partners.

• Administer the Museum's payroll and HR platform (Gusto), including system updates, testing, and communication with the software and HR providers.
• Process bi-weekly payroll accurately and timely, including timesheet review, PTO, employee awards, stipends, benefit deductions, and employee status changes.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including compensation, benefits, PTO balances, holiday schedules, deductions, direct deposits, and onboarding/offboarding documentation.
• Prepare payroll journal entries and reconcile payroll activity to the general ledger.
• Process payroll-related tax filings and reconciliations, including Forms W-2s, ACA reporting, Workers' Compensation, and Unemployment Insurance.
• Administer employee benefit programs, including Med Flex, daycare reimbursement, and other employee benefits.
• Reconcile payroll liability accounts and ensure compliance with applicable payroll laws and regulations.

• Record and reconcile earned revenue, including admissions, retail sales, facility rentals, educational programs, and special events.
• Audit daily point-of-sale activity, verify deposits, prepare bank deposits, and investigate discrepancies with appropriate departments.
• Record and reconcile memberships, contributions, sponsor ships, grants, and other revenue sources.
• Reconcile the development system activity and the accounting records on a monthly basis with the Advancement Department.
• Maintain accurate receivable records and assist with collection efforts as needed.

• Process vendor invoices, verify coding and approvals, and prepare payments through check and ACH.
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9 documentation and annual 1099 reporting.
• Reconcile accounts payable balances and resolve outstanding discrepancies.
• Reconcile corporate credit card activity and prepare accounting entries.
• Calculate, reconcile, and remit monthly sales tax.

• Monitor restricted and board-designated cash activity and maintain supporting schedules.
• Perform daily cash management activities, including bank transfers and cash flow monitoring.
• Prepare and post journal entries and perform general ledger reconciliations.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.

• Record fixed asset acquisitions and disposals.
• Maintain the fixed asset register.
• Calculate and record annual depreciation.
• Participate in government capital asset reporting when required.

• Assist with annual budget preparation and budget uploads into the accounting system.
• Prepare departmental budget reports upon request.
• Support monthly forecasting and financial reporting.
• Assist in preparing Finance Committee materials.

• Prepare documentation requested by external auditors.
• Upload audit documentation to secure portals.
• Assist with annual financial audits and other compliance reporting.
• Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and GaAAP nonprofit reporting requirements.

• Coordinate Finance Committee meetings, prepare meeting materials, record minutes, and maintain committee records.
• Maintain departmental filing systems and archival records in accordance with audit and document retention policies.
• Order finance department supplies.
• Assist with annual Museum events, fundraising events, and other special projects.
• Attend department and all-staff meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Mission:
Impart knowledge and generate wonder through art and education.

Vision:
Inspire connections with wildlife and nature.

Values:
Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Transparency, Accountability, Financial Responsibility

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two to four years of accounting experience; nonprofit accounting experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of payroll processing and employee benefits administration.
• Experience with general ledger accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of GAAP; nonprofit accounting knowledge preferred.
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT and Gusto preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing…