Lead Accountant

🌟 Lead Accountant – Finance Department
📍 Hamden, CT | 🕒 Full-Time | Exempt

Drive Financial Excellence That Supports Our Mission

The Children’s Center of Hamden is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Lead Accountant to join our Finance Department. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this position plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of the Agency’s financial operations and reporting. The Lead Accountant oversees day-to-day accounting functions, supports month-end and year-end close processes, ensures compliance with accounting standards, and assists with audit preparation and financial analysis.

Working collaboratively with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Purchasing, and Finance leadership, the Lead Accountant helps ensure accurate financial records, strong internal controls, and efficient financial processes that support the Agency’s mission of serving children, adolescents, and families.

Why Join Us?

At The Children’s Center of Hamden, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team where your expertise directly supports programs that make a difference in the lives of youth and families. We provide a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package.

🏥 Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and wellness programs. On one medical plan option, The Children’s Center covers up to 92% of the employee premium and contributes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

🏖️ Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal days, and paid holidays.

💼 Retirement & Long-Term Security – 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you save for the future.

📚 Professional Growth & Development – Interest-free tuition loans, ongoing professional development opportunities, and support for continuing education and certifications.

💙 Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Join a collaborative team where your work strengthens the Agency’s ability to serve children, adolescents, and families.

What You’ll Do

As Lead Accountant, you will:

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly close activities, including journal entries, allocations, depreciation, and bank reconciliations.
• Investigate, analyze, and resolve discrepancies related to accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and other financial transactions.
• Review purchase orders and invoices to ensure proper approvals, coding accuracy, and compliance with Agency policies.
• Prepare and maintain balance sheet schedules and supporting documentation for account reconciliations.
• Monitor daily cash activity, bank balances, accounts payable aging, credit card accounts, and external bill payment systems.
• Provide financial analyses and status updates to support cash management and operational decision-making.
• Assist with annual audits by preparing schedules, gathering documentation, and responding to auditor requests.
• Support reporting requirements for funders, regulatory agencies, and the Board of Directors.
• Prepare and file annual IRS Form 1099s in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, and Agency financial policies.
• Partner with finance and operational teams to improve processes and support efficient workflows.
• Participate in required trainings, maintain relevant certifications, and remain current on accounting standards and best practices.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplace that reflects the Agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Two (2) to seven (7) years of accounting experience preferred.
• Nonprofit accounting experience highly desirable.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other relevant accounting certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Experience with general ledger systems and accounting software; experience with Sage preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and the Agency’s mission.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to perform light lifting, sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, and other routine office-related activities.
• Ability to use computers and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment.
• Potential exposure to allergenic and/or irritant conditions.
• Potential exposure to waste and bodily fluids in a behavioral health and residential treatment setting.
• Ability to follow all safety protocols and maintain a secure work environment.

Join Our Team

If you are a detail-oriented accounting professional who is passionate about supporting a mission-driven organization through strong financial stewardship, we encourage you to apply. Join The Children’s Center of Hamden and help ensure the financial strength that allows us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and families.

📌 The Children’s Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.