Junior Accountant

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

Junior Accountant

Annualized Salary: $66,119–$71,996 DOE (Non‑Exempt)

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County is one of California’s oldest and nation’s second food bank. We provide around 10 million pounds of food annually to over 65,000 people each month through a network of 150 member agencies and programs. Our mission is to support community health by ensuring access to nutritious food for all.

The Junior Accountant prepares and reconciles day‑to‑day financial data and maintains accurate records by processing transactions, reconciling accounts, and supporting financial reporting.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Prepare reconciliations of bank and GL accounts, including month and year end journal entries.
• Record journal entries and maintain the general ledger.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliations.
• Review and post AP/AR, payroll entries, and expense allocations.
• Ensure successful completion of weekly Accounts Payable processing, including data entry and ACH payments.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and journal entries to ensure compliance with US GAAP and internal controls.
• Assist with month‑end and year‑end close.
• Prepare basic financial reports and schedules.
• Support audits by providing documentation.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.
• Interact with multiple software applications to transfer data into the accounting system.
• Post Cash Receipts Logs and verify transactions in the general ledger.
• Reconcile cash deposits, bank, and credit card accounts monthly.
• Perform periodic review of payroll processing.
• Cross‑train and act as Primary Backup for the Accounts Payable & Payroll Specialist.

• Prepare monthly and quarterly invoices for specific contracts and grants.
• Respond to partners’ inquiries regarding invoice details and make adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain billing and invoicing digital and paper files.
• Monitor program expenditures versus budgets and report issues promptly.
• Allocate costs across funding sources and expense categories.
• Prepare payroll and benefits summaries, and support final invoice packages for funders.
• Manage collections of agency payments and resolve billing issues with Agency Relations.
• Reconcile grants receivable subsidiary ledgers and maintain grant tracking worksheets.
• Coordinate with Development and Programs departments to monitor grant budgets.

Education, Training & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field, and 3–4 years of accounting experience, or a combination of education and experience.

• Strong understanding of GAAP and hands‑on technical accounting skills.
• Experience documenting accounting processes and best practices.
• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) and spreadsheet design.
• Competency in accounting software systems;
  Microsoft Dynamics experience preferred.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to multi‑task and reprioritize projects.
• Effective communication across diverse cultural backgrounds.
• General knowledge of non‑profit governing laws and contractual requirements.

• Participate in Food Safety/Food Defense programs.
• Demonstrate ethical business practices, complying with all state and federal laws.
• Commit to serving vulnerable populations and ending hunger in Santa Cruz County.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and compliance procedures.
• Follow federal and state laws on confidentiality, privacy, billing, and documentation.
• Meet physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Able to hear and communicate with external vendors.
  • Capable of sitting at a desk for extended periods.
  • Read, write, and interpret written reports.
  • Lift or carry up to 15 pounds.
  • Bi‑manual dexterity for computer use.
  • Ability to sit or stand throughout the day.
  • Manipulate office equipment such as desktop computers and filing cabinets.
• Work a flexible schedule when needed to meet community demands.
• Respond to emergencies per state or local declarations as an essential service.

This is a full‑time,…