Accountant

Job Title: Accountant 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Remote - Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont only
Reports To: Controller 

Job Purpose 

The Accountant supports Aspire Living & Learning’s mission by ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data through timely and precise accounting practices. This position plays a key role in maintaining Aspire’s general ledger, preparing reconciliations, and supporting financial reporting and audit processes. Working collaboratively across Finance and Operations, the Accountant helps ensure Aspire’s financial health and transparency in support of sound decision-making. 

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting 

• Maintain the general ledger, ensuring timeliness, accuracy and completeness of financial transactions and records. 

• Prepare journal entries, banking entries, accruals, and adjustments in accordance with GAAP and Aspire’s accounting policies. 

• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and resolve variances in a timely manner. 

• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities to ensure deadlines are met. 

• Perform research on various accounting topics upon request, present findings and make recommendations. 

• Support efforts for implementation of best practices to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. 

Financial Reporting 

• Support the preparation of internal financial statements and management reports. 

• Gather, track and analyze financial data; assist with financial analyses and identify trends, discrepancies, or opportunities for improvement. 

• Maintain supporting files and schedules for financial data; provide schedules and documentation for internal reviews, audits and other external reviews. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with other Finance functions, Advancement and Shared Services departments and Operations teams to ensure accurate coding, allocations, and financial data flow. 

• Partner with these various teams to ensure timely processing, proper documentation and compliance adherence in financial transactions.  

• Communicate effectively with program and departmental leaders to provide financial insight and guidance. 

Compliance and Internal Controls 

• Ensure compliance with internal control policies and procedures, accounting standards, and applicable laws. 

• Maintain accurate documentation to support audit readiness and financial transparency. 

• Participate in continuous process improvement initiatives to strengthen Aspire’s financial systems. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. 

• Experience in corporate finance preferred; nonprofit or human services experience strongly preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of general ledger systems, internal controls, and best practices.  

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work independently. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions and with external stakeholders.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and financial software; Great Plains experience preferred.  

Working Conditions 

• Regular use of computers, financial software, and virtual collaboration tools.  

• Occasional extended hours may be required during audit and closing cycles.  

• Periodic travel to Aspire’s regional offices and program sites may be required.  

• Physical demands include prolonged sitting, computer use, and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.  

• Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.