Senior Accountant

Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI is currently seeking a Senior Project Accountant to join our team. This is a full-time, benefit eligible, hybrid opportunity with office hours required in West Allis or Eau Claire every Thursday. (Please note: For payroll purposes, all hybrid employees must reside in Wisconsin, Upper Michigan or Minnesota.)

Under the direction of the Director of Accounting, the Senior Accountant provides excellent customer service to all those needing financial data to make decisions within the Agency. The Senior Accountant is a member of the LSS Financial Services Team and provides fiscal management services for program directors, supervisors, managers and team leaders. The Senior Accountant is responsible for assisting in the recording of accurate and timely financial information and other projects and duties as assigned. The position works in concert with Financial Services Team members.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary.

• Works in a collaborative team environment, working towards common strategic goals.
• Under general direction, apply principles of accounting to record financial information and prepare financial reports. This includes compliance with all applicable accounting standards and agencies, such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Government Auditing Standards and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Design, recommend and coordinate implementation of internal control procedures to ensure proper transaction recording.
• Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the accounting software, financial reporting and general ledger structure, including consolidated and non-consolidated entities which will involve intercompany and elimination accounting and proper mapping to financial reports and statements.
• May be responsible for multiple HUD or tax credit projects, which include all accounting processes and procedures, reporting, and leading an audit with an external firm. May also include financial statement entry into the HUD Real Estate Assessment Center system.
• Initiate and oversee various day-to-day banking transactions.
• Complete 990 (Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax) tax forms accurately and timely.
• Prepare and document general ledger entries including proper support.
• Complete and resolve assigned complex account reconciliations independently.
• Prepare monthly expense-based invoices and supporting documentation for the funders of various programs and follow through with collecting timely payments.
• Compile and prepare financial data, analysis and reports using various software and financial applications.
• May proactively assist in the preparation for the LSS consolidated annual financial and single audits, including preparation of schedules and reports.
• Assist in the creation of standardized policies and procedures to support accounting practice within the general ledger that is shared across the agency.
• Support in the preparation of annual budgets as needed.
• Initiate, establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships, including partnering with programs and project personnel by providing financial support, fluctuation analysis and responding timely to inquiries.
• Stay abreast of and be actively engaged in implementation of employee training for changing business requirements including documentation of processes and procedures.
• Be a resource to finance team members.
• Be proactive and facilitate project assignments.
• Maintain high ethical standards in financial reporting.
• Communicate concisely and effectively while also demonstrating positivity.

ADDITIONAL AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must comply with agency and departmental policies and regulations.
• Must relate to individuals and families of varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds, ages, and economic circumstances with respect and dignity.
• Must support the Mission, Vision and Values of the Agency.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position has no direct reports but will provide guidance to others as necessary.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Position requires knowledge, skills and abilities typically acquired with 3+ years of experience in financial accounting and/or auditing experience. Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting is required. CPA license is a plus.
• Strong technical skills in the areas of GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and analysis.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel specifically using v-lookups and pivot tables.
• Ability to investigate issues, apply accounting principles and use sound judgement to make recommendations for solutions.
• Ability to read, review, and understand financial statements/records and make recommendations as needed.
• Ability to break down accounting concepts and explain information to non-accounting colleagues.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including participating in discussions with upper management, executive levels of leadership and/or investors.
• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Exceptional work ethic and proper attention to detail are essential to be successful in this role.

• Ability to assist with mentoring colleagues.
• Ability to provide a high level of customer support.
• Ability to effectively collaborate amongst team members and across teams.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in job. Employee must be able to read and understand English and US Dollar currency. Employee must be able to read, analyze, and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Employee must be able to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Employee must have the ability to effectively present information to customers, vendors and other employees of the organization.

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge and proficiency in the use of software and financial applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, carrying and moving printed records and printer paper. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The incumbent of this position works in a hybrid environment. Working from home is available for a substantial portion of work time, however, there may be time when it is required to be in the office for team support and meetings and during peak work times. Includes also working in an air-conditioned, office environment. The incumbent will also be exposed to outdoor weather conditions when traveling on company business. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TRAVEL:

Position does not require regular travel but may be asked to travel on day and overnight trips as necessary.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.