Staff Accountant

Job Title:

Staff Accountant

Job Description

This hybrid Staff Accountant role with a non-profit organization in South Lake Union focuses on payroll, accounts payable, and general accounting support in a mission-driven environment. The position operates on a temp-to-hire basis and plays a key role in ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, benefits allocations, vendor payments, and regulatory compliance while supporting broader accounting and audit functions.

Responsibilities

+ Process semi-monthly payroll accurately and on time, ensuring all employees are paid correctly and in accordance with organizational policies.

+ Maintain complete and accurate payroll records, including earnings, deductions, and benefits, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

+ Serve as the payroll database administrator and act as the primary liaison with the external payroll service provider.

+ Allocate payroll and benefits across multiple funding sources and prepare related journal entries in the accounting system.

+ Ensure compliance with Federal salary caps and other funding-related compensation requirements.

+ Reconcile payroll with the accounting system (MIP), including statutory tax filings, deductions, and related entries.

+ Generate payroll-related reports for Accounting and Human Resources, such as hours worked, accruals, and flexible spending account (FSA) activity.

+ Maintain the payroll calendar, including pay dates and cut-off dates, and manage employee direct deposit setup.

+ Stay current on tax laws, wage and hour regulations, and payroll system changes, and apply updates as needed.

+ Respond to employee payroll inquiries, research issues, and resolve discrepancies promptly and professionally.

+ Receive, verify, code, and process vendor invoices and employee reimbursements in accordance with organizational policies.

+ Conduct regular check runs and submit positive pay reports to the bank to support secure disbursement processes.

+ Maintain and reconcile accounts payable aging and related general ledger balances, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

+ Ensure vendor records comply with W-9/W-8 requirements and support accurate preparation of 1099 and 1042-S forms.

+ Process credit card transactions and travel reimbursements in line with established policies and procedures.

+ Reconcile vendor statements, maintain positive vendor relationships, and resolve billing or payment discrepancies.

+ Identify and record use tax liabilities as required, ensuring proper tax compliance.

+ Manage accounts payable documentation, including check logs, cash receipt records, and filing systems, to support audit readiness.

+ Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial and audit reports as assigned.

+ Document accounting and payroll processes and support internal and external audits, including financial statement, single, and retirement plan audits.

+ Ensure compliance with internal financial policies and external regulatory requirements across payroll and accounts payable activities.

+ Make deposits and maintain an accurate cash receipt log.

+ Monitor and track employee education benefit usage in alignment with organizational policies.

+ Perform other accounting duties and projects as assigned to support the finance team.

Essential Skills

+ 4-6 years of experience working as a Staff Accountant within a corporate or similar professional environment.

+ Proficiency with the MIP (Abila MIP) accounting system, including general ledger and reporting functions.

+ Strong knowledge of payroll administration, processes, and procedures, including relevant regulatory requirements and employment laws.

+ Hands-on experience with accounts payable, including invoice processing, AP aging, and vendor maintenance.

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Experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end processes.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets and basic analysis.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Word for document preparation and reporting.

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Access or similar database tools for data management and reporting.

+ Ability to prepare and support financial, audit, and compliance reporting on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.

+ Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all payroll and accounting work.

+ Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a structured, deadline-driven environment.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience working in a non-profit accounting environment, particularly with grant or project-based funding, is highly beneficial.

+ Familiarity with project accounting and allocating payroll and benefits across multiple funding sources.

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Experience with preparation and maintenance of W-9 and W-8 forms and related vendor compliance.

+ Knowledge of 1099 and 1042-S reporting requirements and processes.

+ Experience supporting internal and external audits, including financial statement, single, and retirement plan audits.

+ Comfort with electronic data capture and reporting tools used in…