Position Title : Staff Accountant & Contract Billing Specialist
Company Description : NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental health conditions.
Primary Responsibilities / Function :
The Staff Accountant (with Contract Billing Responsibilities) is an integral member of the Finance Department responsible for performing advanced accounting work, preparing financial reports, and managing all grant and contract billing functions. This role supports the Controller and Chief Financial Officer by ensuring accuracy in financial data, compliance with funding requirements, and timely billing and reporting. The position requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with program and administrative teams to ensure financial compliance, efficiency, and transparency.
Duties and Responsibilities :
- Prepare, verify, allocate, and post journal entries in accordance with GAAP standards.
- Monitor, analyze, and balance accounting ledgers, sub-ledgers, and schedules for accuracy and completeness.
- Perform reconciliations, including complex fixed asset and balance sheet accounts, ensuring proper documentation and audit readiness.
- Assist in compiling schedules, workpapers, and documentation for audits, reviews, and grant monitoring visits.
- Support month-end and year-end close processes, including adjusting entries, accruals, and financial statement preparation.
- Maintain a solid understanding of the accounting system structure, including the chart of accounts, departments, and cost centers tied to funding sources.
- Ensure consistent and accurate coding of expenses to appropriate funding sources, programs, and contracts.
Grant and Contract Billing :
Prepare, submit, and reconcile monthly grant and contract billings, reimbursement requests, and supporting documentation in accordance with funder requirements.Track expenditures against approved budgets and ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable per contract and grant terms.Review expense detail reports and general ledger activity monthly to ensure expenditures align with approved budgets and reporting requirements.Maintain organized billing schedules, tracking invoices, payment requests, due dates, and reporting deadlines for all active contracts and grants.Communicate with funders regarding billing submissions, payment delays, and reconciliation questions; document all correspondence.Monitor aged receivables and follow up with funders to ensure timely reimbursement of invoices.Maintain current knowledge of funding regulations, reporting deadlines, and contractual terms, updating internal staff as needed.Collaborate with Program Directors and leadership to provide spending analytics, available balance reports, and variance explanations.Provide financial data and analysis to support grant writing, renewals, and program development activities.Assist in preparing financial reports for government, private foundation, and corporate funders to ensure compliance with reporting terms and deadlines.Perform monthly quality assurance reviews to ensure grant and contract accounting activity is reported accurately and consistently.Assist with improving internal processes for billing, documentation, and communication between Finance and Program departments.Collaboration & Compliance :
Work closely with program, administrative, and leadership staff to ensure compliance in all accounting and billing activities.Support the Controller, CFO, and Director of Contract Management & Analysis by providing financial insight and reporting on restricted funds.Stay informed of federal, state, and local funding regulations and Single Audit requirements to ensure the organization remains in compliance.Identify potential compliance risks and recommend improvements to internal processes, documentation, and controls.Maintain accurate electronic and physical records of all contract-related financial activity, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for audits.Uphold confidentiality, discretion, and integrity in all communications and financial reporting.Other duties as assigned.Accountability :
This position reports to the Controller and / or the Chief Financial Officer and may collaborate closely with the Director of Contract Management & Analysis.
Physical Demands : The physical demands 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 qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.Operate office equipment and computers with ease.Minimum Requirements :
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; degree may be substituted by an additional three or more (3+) years' direct experience in an accounting.Four or more (4+) years of accounting experience, including at least two (2) years of grant and contract billing experience in a nonprofit or government-funded environment.Strong knowledge of GAAP standards for non-profit entities, single audit requirements, and regulations related to the use and allocation of funds from federal, state, or local government.Experience preparing reimbursement requests for federal, state, or local government contracts.Proficiency in QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and other applicable systems.Experience with third-party payables platforms such as Bill, Ramp, or similar.Familiarity with cloud collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Zoom).Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills.Strong interpersonal and written communication abilities.Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Demonstrated aptitude for building and maintaining collaborative relationships with staff, directors, external stakeholders, and agencies.Proven integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to accuracy.Reliable and consistent attendance; valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.Reliable and consistent transportation.Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.Proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Office : Outlook, Word, Excel) and web navigation.Values continuous learning and a company culture that appreciates diversity in the workplace.Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.Due to our work with vulnerable populations and county contractor requirements, applicants will be required to undergo a background check following a contingent offer of employment and must receive satisfactory results prior to a final offer of employment. If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please feel free to reach out to .