Accountant (A/P & A/R) at Catholic Social Services - Alaska

The Accountant is responsible for managing financial transactions, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and providing accurate financial reporting to support the mission of the organization. This role involves collaborating with various departments to maintain financial integrity, processing day-to-day accounting functions, and ensuring the organization’s resources are managed effectively to serve the community.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

The Finance and Grants Department at Catholic Social Services (CSS) - Alaska plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organization. With a strong focus on accounting functions, including accurate financial recording, reporting, and compliance with applicable financial regulations, this department lays the foundation for CSS's fiscal integrity. In conjunction with these accounting responsibilities, the department also actively engages in grants management. It is responsible for securing, tracking, and effectively utilizing grants to support CSS's mission of providing compassionate and comprehensive social services to individuals and families in need across Alaska. This dual emphasis on accounting and grants management ensures CSS maintains transparent and accountable financial practices while maximizing the impact of grant funds in fulfilling its mission.

Teamwork: Demonstrates great interpersonal skills, fostering teamwork and open communication within the agency. 

Software and Systems: Possesses proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, leveraging these tools for efficient data analysis and contributing to overall financial management success. Experience in financial management software.

Research: Adept at reading and interpreting regulation, code, and law. Ability to apply findings and generalize knowledge across multiple scenarios.

Critical Thinking: Analyze facts and observations and apply findings to guide problem solving.

Self-sufficiency: Ability to work independently and self-guide day-to-day activities. Adept at understanding when to involve others and ask questions.

Decision Making: Approach problems and decisions methodically and objectively. Use sound judgement when making decisions and understanding the impacts to themselves, their team and the organization. Make timely decisions.

Accounts Payable Management:

• Review and process a high volume of invoices accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures. 
• Collaborate with internal departments to obtain necessary approvals and resolve any discrepancies in a timely manner. 
• Maintain a systematic approach to document verification, coding, and data entry to minimize errors and ensure data integrity. 
• Build and maintain positive relationships with vendors, addressing inquiries and discrepancies promptly. 
• Collaborate with team to ensure alignment between contracts and invoices. 
• Assist with 1099 annual reporting. 

Accounts Receivable Management:

• Process and manage a high volume of incoming invoices and payments accurately and efficiently.
• Collaborate with internal departments to verify and resolve discrepancies related to accounts receivable.
• Maintain a systematic approach to document verification, data entry, and payment tracking to ensure data integrity.
• Establish and maintain organized electronic and physical records of accounts receivable transactions.
• Conduct periodic audits of records to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare reports summarizing accounts receivable status, outstanding payments, and other relevant metrics for management review.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure alignment between payments and internal stakeholders. 

Recordkeeping:

• Establish and maintain organized electronic and physical records of accounts payable transactions and all agency contracts.
• Build and maintain contract tracking system.
• Conduct periodic audits of records to ensure completeness and accuracy. 
• Prepare reports summarizing accounts payable status, outstanding payments, and other relevant metrics for management review.

Payment Processing:

• Generate and process payments using various methods, such as checks, ACH transfers, and electronic funds transfers. 
• Monitor payment schedules to take advantage of early payment discounts while ensuring timely payments to avoid late fees.
• Reconcile payments against invoices and maintain accurate payment records. 

Month-End Reconciliation:

• Assist in Month-end closing activities by reconciling accounts payable balances with general ledger. 
• Prepare and analyze aging reports to identify overdue payments and coordinate with vendors for resolution. 
• Collaborate with team to provide accurate and timely information for financial reporting purposes. 

Compliance:

• Stay informed about changes in accounting regulations and ensure compliance with financial policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and other relevant standards.
• Assist in internal and external audits by providing documentation and explanations related to accounts payable processes.
• Enforce controls to safeguard against fraudulent activities and maintain the integrity of financial data.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelors degree in finance, business administration, or a related field. Four (4) years of experience may be substituted for the required education. 

Minimum Experience Requirement: Two (2) years of finance experience is required. Additional education or other relevant experience may be substituted for the required experience. 

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Advanced professional certification is preferred. 

Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time. 

Travel out of Alaska is rare. Occasional travel within Anchorage is required. 

Location: 4600 Debarr Rd, Anchorage, Alaska 99508