Staff Accountant
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Job Summary:
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is seeking a professional Staff Accountant to join our team! Our most successful applicants are resourceful, responsible, and thrive in a mission-driven environment.
In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining the general ledger, preparing financial statements, handling accounts receivable/payable, and overseeing end-of-month reconciliations for a non-profit organization. You’ll oversee payroll processing, ensure compliance with state and federal tax filings, and maintain accurate employee and vendor records. You will interact directly with all levels of our organization both locally and nationally; including the CEO, Board of Directors, Operations, Outreach, and more.
Position Location: Asheville, North Carolina (on-site with occasional remote work)
Reporting to: President / Chief Executive Officer
Salary Range (DOE): $75,000-$90,000
Benefits: TACF offers a robust benefits package to support employees and their families. Benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance, as well as flexible spending account (FSA) options. Benefits begin the first day of the month following hire date.
TACF also offers a 403(b)-retirement plan, including 5% company match contributions beginning after two years of service, to help your long-term financial plan grow quickly. In addition to at least twelve paid holidays annually, TACF offers ten paid sick days and two weeks (80 hours) of paid vacation which increases with tenure.
Professional development in the form of conferences, trainings, and staff retreats are offered occasionally and by request and with approval by the CEO.
About The American Chestnut Foundation:
The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific organization with 20+ staff members located from Vermont to North Carolina, an 11-member board, and an annual budget of over 3 million dollars. Founded in 1983 and based in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters use breeding and genomics to develop, and ultimately restore, the American chestnut tree, which has been rendered functionally extinct in its native range by an invasive fungal disease. TACF is primarily supported by private philanthropy and targeted research funding. The American chestnut is a symbol for the hope that exists for all threatened species. TACF has played the lead role in rescuing this species through its innovative breeding and genetic research for four decades. TACF’s long-term goal is to create self-sustaining populations, with disease-resistant trees growing stronger in each succeeding generation.
Our Mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range Our Vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor. TACF’s Values are Optimism, Patience, Science-Based Decisions, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration.
Work Responsibilities
Financial:
- Manage the daily accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and journal entries
- Accurately record and apply transactions based on the designated use (restricted, unrestricted) or program (research, communications, operations, etc.)
- Track the use of restricted/directed funds to ensure compliance with grant and funder requirements
- Monitor cash flow and manage banking relationships
- Receive, verify, and process vendor invoices, weekly check runs, and EFT payments
- Maintain vendor records, including W-9s and 1099 filings
- Reconcile monthly credit card and bank statements, monthly AR/AP, and oversee month-end close
- Prepare materials and provide support for Board of Directors and Finance Committee meetings
- Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with directors and TACF leadership
- Assist in financial forecasting and long-term planning
- Coordinate annual audit with external auditors and prepare necessary documentation
- Maintain internal controls and recommend improvements to financial policies and procedures
- Overall compliance with not-for-profit accounting principles
- Proactively identify ways to streamline financial operations, including through outsourcing
Operations:
- Record and process bi-weekly payroll for approximately 25 employees
- Properly allocate payroll taxes and employee benefits to the correct departments
- File and pay quarterly payroll tax returns
- File E500 and pay NC sales tax quarterly for merchandise sales
- Prepare and print annual employee tax documents (W2, W3, 1099, 1096, etc.)
- Prepare and file annual State and Federal tax filings
- Coordinate annual insurance renewals (Property & Liability, D&O, Workers Comp)
- Support the Director of Operations with employee onboarding
Job Qualifications:
- 5-7 years of experience in accounting and bookkeeping roles
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or other business-related field (required, but experience level will be considered for non-degreed applicants)
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and nonprofit financial reporting
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications required
- Knowledge of QuickBooks accounting systems required
- Knowledge of Donor Perfect Online a plus
Physical Demands:
- Required to sit or stand for over 2/3 of the day
- Occasionally required to walk
- Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel
- Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms
- Occasionally required to bend, lift, or climb
- Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds).
- Occasionally required to lift moderate weights (25-50 pounds).
- Specific vision abilities required for this job include: close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust or focus
The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Application Process
All U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are welcome to apply.
To apply, interested candidates must:
1. Fill out the application form on The American Chestnut website.
2. Upload a combined PDF containing their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the "*Resume" section of the application.
No phone calls or emails will be accepted. Application close date is Friday, April 18th at 5:00 PM and may be subject to change depending on quality of applicant pool. TACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified individuals who are seeking employment, and to all current employees. TACF is dedicated to supporting a diverse, inclusive workplace. TACF does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual or gender preference, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or related condition, ancestry, medical condition, physical handicap, or any other protected class or status. TACF is a certified living wage employer.
