Job Description
Full job description
Title: Staff Accountant
Level: Mid
Department: Admin
Reports to: Controller
Salary Range: $70K-$80K
Location: Fairfax, VA
FLSA Status: Exempt
About Us:
Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)
About the Role:
The Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Shelter House, including processing transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with budget monitoring and grant reporting, and preparing documentation for audits. This position ensures financial compliance with internal policies and external funder requirements while providing analytical support to the Finance Department. The Accountant works closely with the Controller and collaborates with staff across the organization to support financial accuracy and accountability.
Requirements
How you will contribute:
Process and record vendor invoices and payments in QuickBooks
Maintain accurate coding and classification of expenses
Prepare checks for staff reimbursements and vendor payments
Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and grant-specific general ledger accounts
Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals and allocations
Monitor program and grant spending to ensure alignment with approved budgets
Assist with preparing financial reports for internal stakeholders and funders
Support the development and maintenance of grant budgets and forecast projections
Provide budget and disbursement support to internal teams and program managers
Assist with variance analysis and reporting to the Controller and management
Prepare invoices for government and private funders in accordance with grant agreements
Track and reconcile grant revenue and expenditures across multiple funding streams
Ensure compliance with grant-specific financial and documentation requirements
Maintain accurate and organized physical and electronic financial records
Support audit preparation by gathering documentation and assisting with audit schedules
Assist in the preparation of workpapers for the external audit and funder reviews
Provide backup support for payroll processing as needed
Respond to staff inquiries related to budgets, disbursements, and financial procedures
Work collaboratively with the finance team on ongoing projects and problem-solving
Assist the Controller and management with financial data analysis and decision-making
Contribute to process improvements and special projects as assigned
Other duties as assigned
About You:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on accounting experience, preferably in a multi-fund environment
At least two (2) years of nonprofit accounting experience with exposure to grant compliance and funder reporting
Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial standards
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas)
Experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks or comparable systems
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred:
Experience working in a matrixed organization or multi-program nonprofit
Familiarity with federal and state grant requirements and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
Experience preparing for and supporting external audits, including audit schedules and documentation
Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with shifting priorities
CPA candidate or coursework toward CPA designation is a plus
Physical Requirements:
Annual TB Test is required
Ability to sit or stand for long periods
Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds
Benefits
Benefits:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
401K contributions with a 4% employer match
13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off
Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, ****** orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.
Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:
Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or ********* in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Title: Staff Accountant
Level: Mid
Department: Admin
Reports to: Controller
Salary Range: $70K-$80K
Location: Fairfax, VA
FLSA Status: Exempt
About Us:
Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 100 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)
About the Role:
The Accountant is responsible for supporting the day-to-day financial operations of Shelter House, including processing transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, assisting with budget monitoring and grant reporting, and preparing documentation for audits. This position ensures financial compliance with internal policies and external funder requirements while providing analytical support to the Finance Department. The Accountant works closely with the Controller and collaborates with staff across the organization to support financial accuracy and accountability.
Requirements
How you will contribute:
Process and record vendor invoices and payments in QuickBooks
Maintain accurate coding and classification of expenses
Prepare checks for staff reimbursements and vendor payments
Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards, and grant-specific general ledger accounts
Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals and allocations
Monitor program and grant spending to ensure alignment with approved budgets
Assist with preparing financial reports for internal stakeholders and funders
Support the development and maintenance of grant budgets and forecast projections
Provide budget and disbursement support to internal teams and program managers
Assist with variance analysis and reporting to the Controller and management
Prepare invoices for government and private funders in accordance with grant agreements
Track and reconcile grant revenue and expenditures across multiple funding streams
Ensure compliance with grant-specific financial and documentation requirements
Maintain accurate and organized physical and electronic financial records
Support audit preparation by gathering documentation and assisting with audit schedules
Assist in the preparation of workpapers for the external audit and funder reviews
Provide backup support for payroll processing as needed
Respond to staff inquiries related to budgets, disbursements, and financial procedures
Work collaboratively with the finance team on ongoing projects and problem-solving
Assist the Controller and management with financial data analysis and decision-making
Contribute to process improvements and special projects as assigned
Other duties as assigned
About You:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on accounting experience, preferably in a multi-fund environment
At least two (2) years of nonprofit accounting experience with exposure to grant compliance and funder reporting
Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and nonprofit financial standards
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas)
Experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks or comparable systems
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred:
Experience working in a matrixed organization or multi-program nonprofit
Familiarity with federal and state grant requirements and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
Experience preparing for and supporting external audits, including audit schedules and documentation
Detail-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with shifting priorities
CPA candidate or coursework toward CPA designation is a plus
Physical Requirements:
Annual TB Test is required
Ability to sit or stand for long periods
Ability to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds
Benefits
Benefits:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
401K contributions with a 4% employer match
13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off
Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, ****** orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.
Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:
Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or ********* in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Staff Accountant- post Shelter House 3.5 3.5 out of 5 stars position is now open for candidates interested in the Accountant Jobs sector. This role in Fairfax offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Accountant Jobs is a plus.
