Accounting and Finance Lead

Position Overview

The Accounting and Finance Lead plays a pivotal role in managing day-to-day accounting and financial operations to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant financial processes. This position reports to the Director of Finance and works closely with the Controller to support accounting operations, training, and internal controls.

The Accounting and Finance Lead is responsible for overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, budgeting support, staff training, and process improvements. The role ensures the finance team functions smoothly, deadlines are met, and policies and procedures are followed, enabling the Director and Controller to focus on strategic financial leadership and compliance.

This is a full-time exempt position that is expected to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. The position reports directly to the Director of Finance and is based at the St. Cloud office five days a week.

$64,000 - $72,000

• Up to 16 days of accrued Paid Time Off per year
• Up to 40 hours of accrued sick leave per year
• Up to 16 paid company holidays
• Medical and dental insurance with employee-only premiums covered 100% by CAIRO
• Vision insurance with low-cost employee premium
• 401(k) plan with up to 3% employer match

• Manage the full monthly accounting cycle, including transaction clearing, reconciliations, and month-end close support
• Clear and reconcile all bank accounts, deposits, donations, credit card activity, and funds received
• Identify and process transactions requiring allocation or splits across programs, grants, or funding sources
• Ensure accurate expense, grant, and contract coding in compliance with GAAP and funder requirements
• Maintain balance sheet schedules, including prepaid expenses, deferred revenue, restricted funds, net assets, and gift cards
• Maintain all accounting schedules
• Support preparation of monthly financial reports, including budget-to-actual analyses

• Manage and support Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions
• Oversee invoice processing, vendor payments, credit card reviews, and reconciliations
• Ensure bills and expenses are reviewed, approved, and properly coded
• Monitor accounts receivable aging and follow up as needed
• Conduct pre-invoicing reviews to ensure accuracy and allowability of expenses
• Prepare, send, and reconcile monthly and quarterly invoices for grants and contracts
• Ensure all invoicing deadlines are met

• Track grant and contract expenses monthly to ensure compliance with approved budgets
• Reconcile grant activity monthly and clear internal balances as required
• Recognize deferred revenue and release restricted revenue in accordance with grant terms
• Conduct regular financial check-ins with program managers to review grant activity
• Adjust cost allocations and remove unapproved transactions when necessary. Prepare documentation and financial schedules for grant audits and funder reviews

• Support program managers and department leads with grant, program, and sponsorship budgets
• Assist with budget development for applications and funding proposals
• Ensure internal budget tracking aligns with final submitted budgets
• Monitor budgets and support variance analysis
• Prepare and submit budget amendments to funders as required
• Coordinate with finance leadership on annual budget preparation

• Establish financial and operational setup for new grants and contracts, including: creating internal tracking files and documentation; developing internal budget worksheets; entering grants and contracts into the accounting system; creating customers, projects, or tracking structures as needed
• Coordinate determination letters and compliance documentation with leadership
• Ensure grants are integrated into timekeeping, requisition templates, and internal tracking tools

• Establish, maintain, and monitor strong internal controls, including segregation of duties, requisition and purchase approval workflows, and expense review and…