Accounting Manager

Job Announcement

Accounting Manager  

(Full-time, Exempt Position)

January 2025

About Us

The Santa Lucia Conservancy (Conservancy) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust incorporated in 1995 to steward and protect the ecological integrity of the Santa Lucia Preserve (The Preserve) within the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in Carmel, California. We are dedicated to advancing the art and science of conservation-compatible development through adaptive land management, conservation easement stewardship, ecological research, and environmental education programs.

The Conservancy actively manages 18,000 acres of contiguous lands within the 20,000-acre Santa Lucia Preserve to protect and enhance their extraordinary ecological values. Approximately 10,000 acres, 50%, are owned by the Conservancy and approximately 8,000 acres, 40%, are owned by individual landowners and managed through conservation easements held by the Conservancy.

The Conservancy works with a variety of academic and environmental partners to conduct and promote land management and ecological research to increase our understanding of the interactions between human communities and the natural environment.

The Conservancy is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager provides general support in all aspects of accounting, as well as assisting in the management of various compliance, financial activities and reporting requirements. This position ensures that the Conservancy’s accounting information systems integrate with other systems to promote efficient workflows and accounting data is accurate and timely. This position will work in alliance with the Director of Finance and Administration, ensuring the accounting processes support the Conservancy’s ever-evolving processes, systems, and workplace environment for our growing team of conservationists to thrive. The ideal candidate for this position must be an organized individual with a proven ability to multi-task, problem-solve and prioritize challenging workloads independently.

Primary Responsibilities

Manages the organization’s accounting and bookkeeping processes, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, preparing deposits and disbursements, recording and managing the fixed assets capitalization policy and the timely preparation of assigned account reconciliations.

Financial Responsibilities (75%)

Accounts Payable

Ensure accurate and timely recording and approval of vendor invoices and payments in compliance with fiscal policies and procedures.
Reconciles vendor accounts with accounting system.
Oversees business credit card charge, payment and reconciliation processes.  Ensures appropriate approvals have been obtained and proper supporting documentation has been accounted for.
Collects and maintains vendor tax information and prepares annual 1099 forms.

Accounts Receivable

Prepare accounts receivable billing for grants and services using QuickBooks Online. Manage the overall collection process.
Record funds received and prepare bank daily/weekly deposits.
Resolve and track chargebacks.
Assembles and files supporting documentation and authorizations for all restricted gifts, payments and disbursements.

General Ledger

Manages the bank feed interface with QuickBooks Online, and records transactions in conjunction with departmental budgets.
Manages the monthly, quarterly and annual accounting closing process. Coordinate and reconcile with fundraising CRM.
Record monthly recurring journal entries. Prepare account reconciliations as assigned.
Reviews and processes time and expense tracking data for employees and vendors, recording time to active billable grants and projects.
Assist in distribution of financial reports to all department heads.
Responsible for maintaining the master chart of accounts, recording fixed assets, and depreciation schedules.

Grant Management, Financial Reporting and Compliance (20%)

Work with program staff to prepare and maintain financial documentation to ensure compliance.
Assists with grant recording, reporting, and compliance requirements. Reconciles financial information, including matching components, to all agreements, identifies variances, investigates, and resolves accounting discrepancies and ensures that properly documented adjustments are made.
Ensures all internal controls and compliance policies are maintained
Assists the Director of Finance and Administration with the design and implementation of internal and external financial reports.
●      Help review timesheets to ensure compliance with labor laws as part of payroll processing.

●      Ensure all relevant digital documents, reports, and files are appropriately stored and labeled, and that paper files are organized the same.

Other Duties (5%)

Supports senior staff as requested with various tasks, reports, and analyses.
Provides backup support to the Director of Finance and Administration when needed for third party requests and payroll processing.
Attends staff meetings and training as scheduled or requested.
Occasionally assists with and participates in Conservancy events, including public events.

Essential Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. MBA or CPA license desirable, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
Proficiency with Excel, Google Sheets and QuickBooks Online is required.
Experience in nonprofit, governmental or public accounting a plus.
Ability to successfully manage deliverables and timelines with multiple overlapping tasks.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and solve complex problems is crucial in a dynamic nonprofit environment; proactive, resourceful, and able to work effectively under pressure.

Physical Requirements

This position involves prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Walking on uneven terrain involved from time to time. Fluent spoken and written English required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: The starting salary range for this position is $69,000-$80,000.
Benefits: The benefits package includes accrued sick and vacation time.  After 30 days, employees are eligible to enroll in 100% individual paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance.  The Conservancy offers a retirement plan (simple IRA with 6% matching).
We encourage, prioritize and support professional development and career growth within the organization and pride ourselves in working with our team members to advance their careers in line with the organizational mission.
How to apply

Please submit your application in one PDF format with “Accounting Manager” in the subject line by Friday, January 31, 2025, to Deborah Wallace, Director of Finance and Administration at dwallace@slconservancy.org.

Applications should include:

·  Cover letter describing your skills and personal connection to land conservation.

·   A resume outlining education and experience.

·   Up to three personal and/or professional references with contact information.

 

No phone calls, no walk-ins, no recruiters.