Overview

CNPS is seeking a highly motivated individual with excellent accounting skills as the Senior Accountant within the Operations department, reporting directly to the Senior Operations Director. This position oversees complex accounting functions, including accounting for donor restricted funds at the general ledger and project and task levels, across 10 programs, 80+ projects, and 30+ restricted funds.

The Senior Accountant will perform and coordinate accounting duties within the Sacramento central office and provide varying degrees of support and direction to 36 regional volunteer chapter treasurers. The senior accountant is responsible for: maintaining the general ledger to ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of all accounting tasks; conducting financial analyses; preparing monthly financial reports; performing monthly reconciliations; serving as lead to audit and tax return preparations; assisting in the development of a $10 million annual budget; and performing other accounting duties as assigned.

To be successful as a senior accountant, you should have an expert working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and be a skilled financial analyst. The CNPS Senior Accountant should also demonstrate expert Excel skills, be detail-oriented, be highly organized, be able to work with limited supervision, and perform under pressure.

This is an opportunity to support a great team in accomplishing an important mission.
 
What You’ll Do 

  • Manage the Microsoft (MS) Business Central (Dynamics 365) accounting platform, accounting for all financial activity
  • Provide direction and support to Senior Operations Coordinator to ensure completion of accounts receivable and payable processing, and monthly project invoicing (contract, grant, restricted funds)
  • Develop, maintain, assess, improve and document GAAP compliant accounting practices, financial workflows, and best business practices to maintain and strengthen internal controls
  • Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts and dimensions
  • Utilize technology and platform integrations to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and increase financial reporting timeliness
  • Prepare monthly financial statements and forecasts
  • Provide chapter volunteer treasurer accounting training and financial support, strengthening relationships and a culture of cooperation
  • Lead financial research, analysis, and reporting
  • Lead annual audit and tax return (Form 990) preparations; investigate and resolve audit findings, account discrepancies, and issues of non-compliance
  • Assist developing and monitoring annual budget
  • Perform other accounting duties as required

Who You Are 

  • 6-8 years of professional experience performing organizational accounting functions
  • Demonstrated experience developing and managing accounting software Expert use of MS Excel and skillful use of other MS Office programs
  • Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills
  • Skillful written and verbal communication, and analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency using hybrid/remote technologies
  • Minimum of one year of experience managing staff inclusive of performance management
  • Proven experience and/or a strong interest in crafting solutions that support and advance our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), reinforcing our organizational values and priorities

Education 
Bachelor’s degree preferred; however, relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis in lieu of a degree

Nice to Have 
While CNPS recognizes that not every individual will exhibit all these characteristics, the successful candidate will possess at least one – and ideally more than one – of the following:

  • Nonprofit and restricted fund accounting experience
  • CPA Certification
  • Bilingualism (Fluency in more than one language commonly spoken in California)
  • Sacramento based

Physical Requirements 
This job can require prolonged sitting and use of a computer and mouse. These requirements are representative, and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Additional Information  

  • This is a full-time, exempt position available as a hybrid position in Sacramento, or a remote position within California.
  • Work time is generally Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5 PM
  • A valid California driver’s license is required
  • Periodic reimbursed travel to locations within California may be required

What You’ll Get 

  • Annual starting salary between $76,877 to $82,845
  • 100% of employee premiums for health (Kaiser or Anthem), life, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% matching contributions, eligible immediately
  • Optional: flexible spending account (FSA) / health savings account (HSA), dependent care account (DCA) and/or transportation savings account (TSA)Annual paid leave benefits include 13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 15 paid vacation days
  • 16 weeks of paid parental leave
  • A CNPS-issued laptop, $750 home office stipend, and $60/month telework stipend
  • Attendance at biannual staff team building events
  • Complimentary CNPS Society membership
  • “Superhero to the planet” status (for your contributions to conservation)

About California Native Plant Society

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit conservation organization (www.cnps.org) founded in 1965, with almost 13,000 members in 35 chapters across California and Baja California Mexico. The mission of CNPS is to increase understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through scientific study, education, advocacy, horticulture, and land stewardship.