Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

The Staff Accountant supports the Fiscal Department in executing timely, accurate, and compliant financial processes. This role is responsible for preparing journal entries, reconciling balance sheet accounts, and maintaining organized and audit-ready financial records. The Staff Accountant also contributes to the monthly close and assists in compiling data for internal financial reports, including budget-to-actuals and grant tracking. In addition, this position will cross-train on grant accounting processes and provide backup support as needed to ensure consistent and efficient operations.

Education and Experience :

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field

Minimum 2 years of experience in a Staff Accountant Role

Strong understanding of GAAP and fund accounting principles.

Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office, with strong Excel skills (pivot tables, v-lookups, SUMIF formulas, and large data handling required).

Familiarity with accounting systems.

Compensation Package

The beginning salary for a Staff Accountant at LawNY with 2 years of experience is $38,800 and the salary for a Staff Attorney with thirty years of experience is $69,600. Salary will be based on experience. LawNY is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program(PSLF).

LawNY provides an excellent package of fringe benefits including :

• 94% Employer paid Medical Premium with 100% Employer paid in-network deductible
• 100% Employer paid Dental Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Life Insurance
• 100% Employer paid Enhanced Short-term Disability
• 100% Employer paid Long-term Disability
• Vision Insurance
• 20 Paid Vacation days per year
• 12 Sick days per year
• 5 Personal days per year
• 13.5 Holidays plus 2 floating Holidays per year
• 35-Hour Work Week
• Hybrid Work Schedule (new staff are able to work from home up to 3 days per week. After 6 months, this increases to 5 days per week with Manager approval, as workload permits)

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY) is an equal opportunity employer. LawNY strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. LawNY welcomes applications regardless of race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration protected by law.

Essential Functions :

Accurate Accounting Records and Controls

Reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly and follow up on discrepancies to maintain accurate records.

Maintain the general ledger and ensure that all transactions are accurately coded by fund, grand, and cost center.

Prepare journal entries, including accruals, allocations, and payroll entries.

Monitor and analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Ensure client trust accounts are being reconciled monthly and maintain a current listing of clients.

Grant and Fund Accounting

Cross-train with the grants team on vouchering, restricted fund tracking, and receivables monitoring

Provide support with grant compliance and reporting as needed.

Ensure proper documentation and coding of grant-related transactions.

Audit Support

Prepare audit schedules and backup documentation as needed.

Assist with 403(b), benefit plan, and other audit reconciliations.

Assist in internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and reports.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Support the development and preparation of monthly financial reports including; financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

Ensure all financial reports reflect accurate, up-to-date financial activity.

Conduct month-end and year-end closing processes to ensure timely reporting.

Assist in compiling financial data for internal leadership and board reporting.

Support management with questions and ad hoc financial analyses and projects, as required.

Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, and regulations, as applicable including following internal control procedures for approvals and required documentation.

Collaborate within department to support financial planning and control activities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines.

Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Experience in nonprofit sector fiscal department is a plus, but not required.

Familiarity with grant accounting or government funding sources (e.g., LSC, IOLA).

Ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Comfortable working in a remote or hybrid environment.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent time management skills

Organization Information

Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY) is a not-for-profit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low-income clients in a 14 county area of Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. LawNY has seven fully staffed field offices in Bath, Elmira, Geneva, Ithaca, Jamestown, Olean and Rochester, satellite offices in Lakeville and Lyons, and a business office in Rochester.

LawNY has been providing high quality legal representation for 54 years, and today has over 180 employees, including attorneys, paralegals, and a legal support team who work closely across areas of specialization to bring a holistic approach to addressing legal issues affecting our clients and community.

LawNY is committed to equitable inclusion across race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ability, sex, religion, economic circumstances, ethnicity, national origin, and culture. We are increasingly committed to creating a law firm where race equity, diversity and cultural competency are integral components of our work, from client advocacy to internal operations.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the desired competencies. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet all the desired competencies.

Application Process

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references through LawNY's BambooHR platform. When outlining work experience on a resume, candidates are requested to label each position as full-time or part-time and describe unpaid volunteer / internships as such. To promote social justice and achieve our mission, LawNY is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. In your cover letter, please also include an explanation of how you think that your lived and / or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to support a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion at LawNY.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require any accommodations to support you in your role - whether for the onboarding, or your day-to-day work, please let us know by sending an email to accommodationrequest@lawny.org. Any information shared will remain confidential and only be used to ensure the appropriate support is in place before your first day. As part of your employment, LawNY will provide the necessary hardware to support your role.