Job Opportunity | Staff Accountant
Position: Staff Accountant
Department: Finance & Operations
Supervisor: Deputy Director of Finance & Ops
Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 annually
Benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance covered at 100%; flexible work schedule; flexible paid time off with approval from supervisor; paid holidays; phone and travel allowance; child and pet-friendly workplace.
Position & Status: Full-Time, exempt
Estimated Start Date: March 2022
Hours: 40 hours per week; occasional evenings and weekends
Location: Temporarily remote (based in Oregon) but eventually Portland, OR; ability to work from home up to 3 days/week once it’s safe to return to office May work extended hours in Salem during legislative sessions. See below for details.
Physical/Cognitive Details: Regularly required to use a computer and phone to perform work and communicate with others for several hours each day. Occasionally required to travel throughout Oregon. Noise level in the office is moderate.
ABOUT IMAGINE BLACK
Imagine Black (formerly known as PAALF Action Fund) helps our Black community imagine the alternatives we deserve and build our political participation and leadership to achieve those alternatives. Since our start in 2009, we have envisioned a world where people of African descent enjoy the rights, resources, and recognition to be a thriving, resilient, and connected community.
At Imagine Black, we have strengthened our commitment to a Black Queer Feminist (BQF) theory and practice. BQF provides a more holistic understanding of our conditions and connectedness as Black people. As a result, we understand that liberation for all Black people can only be realized by lifting up the voices, experiences, and prioritizing the issues of historically silenced and vulnerable groups within Black communities – specifically, queer, trans and GNC, femme, poor, disabled, working, and undocumented people (adapted from BYP100).
Imagine Black is a 501(c)(4) multi-issue grassroots organization in partnership with our sibling 501(c)(3) organization, Imagine Black Futures. We are a staff of six with an operating budget of around $1M. This represents a 400% budget growth in the past four years.
More information about Imagine Black can be found at imagineblack.org.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Staff Accountant is responsible for performing the general accounting functions of both Imagine Black and Imagine Black Futures. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Finance & Operations, this is a new role that will support expenses & accounts payable, revenues & accounts receivable, and payroll and will work collaboratively with administrative staff to ensure that all accounts and records are maintained and monitored.
This position is ideal for candidates with accounting experience and education who are seeking mission-focused work. Our preferred candidate will come with nonprofit accounting experience, but we are willing to train the right person if they have not yet had that opportunity. The Staff Accountant will do best if they are able to adapt to changing environments as Imagine Black continues to build and strengthen its Finance & Operations systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Accounting & Finance (90%)
Enter expense and revenue details into the accounting system, including but not limited to accounts payable, deposits, pledges, credit card transactions, employee reimbursements, and other payments.
Review coding on transactions submitted by staff and make corrections as necessary.
Check accounting records against fundraising reports for potential discrepancies and to make sure grants and donations are recorded correctly.
Maintain the accounts and reporting for both the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities in the accounting system. Periodically check that entries are coded correctly.
Review bank records and coordinate with staff to collect missing receipts when necessary.
Assist with grant budgeting and reporting.
Assist staff with day-to-day financial questions, policies, best practices, and basic financial training.
Assist with external financial audits and the evaluation of internal controls.
Payroll (5%)
Collect approved timesheets and prepare biweekly and off-cycle payroll.
Track health and retirement benefit payments.
Administrative (5%)
Refine and maintain digital filing system.
Coordinate storage and retention of financial records.
In collaboration with the Deputy Director of Finance & Operations, build Imagine Black’s Accounting Manual and document financial policies & procedures as necessary
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Passion for the mission & vision of Imagine Black and our BQF lens.
At least 2 years of combined experience/education with the majority of the stated job responsibilities.
Successful completion of intermediate-level accounting coursework.
Familiarity with GAAP, general ledger maintenance, and basic accounting functions.
Demonstrated knowledge of the relationship between income statement and balance sheet accounts.
Ability to maintain financial accuracy and confidentiality.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to use online systems and tools to successfully function in a virtual work environment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bi- or multi-lingual.
Degree in accounting, finance, or other related field.
Experience in nonprofit fund accounting.
Knowledge of Xero or comparable accounting software.
Experience using Google applications and/or Microsoft Office.Ability to manage a project from inception to completion.
Familiarity with Asana, Slack, and Zoom or similar systems.
Lived experience with or intimate knowledge of Black community issues, particularly in Oregon
TO APPLY
Please send a resume and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position, highlighting experience and competencies that meet the role’s requirements. For this role, we are not concerned with typo-free writing or aesthetically beautiful materials -- our main concern is understanding how well you meet the stated qualifications and any other information that will help us understand how you might be a good fit for Imagine Black and vice versa. You’re welcome to also include anything else you feel is pertinent for us to have in your application materials, though this isn’t necessary.
Please submit all application materials to hr@imagineblack.org with the subject line: Staff Accountant. No phone calls, please.
Racial and gender equity is of utmost importance for our search. If you do not meet all of the required qualifications for this role but feel you can be a great addition to our team, please apply and let us know why we should meet you!
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to those received by Monday, January 31, 2022.
Imagine Black embraces diversity in a profound way.
We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool -
because we know the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.