Staff Accountant

The American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, and today, the oldest and most distinguished learned society in the United States, seeks a detail-oriented and organized Staff Accountant to support the daily accounting operations of the Society.

The Staff Accountant is responsible for a broad range of accounting and financial operations functions, including payroll processing and reconciliation, bank reconciliations, accounts payable oversight, gift and donation reconciliations, and general ledger accounting. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the compliance with internal controls, nonprofit accounting standards, and organizational policies. The Staff Accountant oversees the Accounts Payable and reports directly to the Controller.

• Process and review bi-weekly payroll to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
• Reconcile payroll records to the general ledger.
• Maintain payroll-related records and prepare payroll reports as required.
• Coordinate payroll tax filings and benefit deductions with payroll service providers.

• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Reconcile payroll, benefits, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Prepare journal entries and supporting schedules.

• Review and process vendor invoices and employee reimbursements.
• Ensure timely payment of obligations and proper coding of expenditures.
• Maintain vendor records and file the 1099 forms.

• Reconcile gifts and contributions between the accounting system and donor database.
• Work collaboratively with development staff to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure proper recording and classification of restricted and unrestricted gifts.

• Maintain the general ledger and supporting documentation.
• Assist in preparing financial reports and schedules.
• Support annual audits by preparing work papers and responding to auditor requests.
• Assist with budget preparation and financial analysis as assigned.
• Maintain strong internal controls and compliance with organizational policies.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit, higher education, museum, or cultural institution environment.
• Experience processing payroll and performing payroll reconciliations required.
• Strong understanding of general ledger accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience with accounts payable, bank reconciliations, and month-end close procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with nonprofit fund accounting.
• Familiarity with donor management or fundraising databases.
• Knowledge of payroll regulations, employee benefits accounting, and audit procedures.
• Experience with Sage Intacct, Blackbaud Financial Edge, ADP, Paychex, or similar financial systems.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, life insurance, and professional development opportunities.

Institutional requirements: Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Any background check will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the applicant or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This position operates in a professional office environment within the organization. The role frequently interacts with Members and grant and…