Staff Accountant II

Position Summary:

Responsible for performing advanced accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions supporting both general operations and externally funded grants and contracts. This role ensures the integrity and accuracy of financial data, facilitates timely and compliant processing of transactions, and contributes to all stages of the grant lifecycle - from pre-award budgeting through post-award management and audit coordination. The position collaborates closely with internal departments and external partners to uphold compliance with federal, state, and private funding requirements, as well as YMCA financial policies and standards.

Essential Functions:

* Perform and review complex accounting activities including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial analyses to ensure accuracy and compliance.

* Coordinate financial administration of grant-funded programs, ensuring alignment with federal, state, private, and organizational regulations and policies.

* Serve as the primary contact for grant management system operations, including data entry, reporting, and system maintenance; ensure timely submissions and clear communication with funders and leadership.

* Prepare and review pre- and post-award budgets, amendments, and financial reports; deliver accurate and timely data to funders and internal stakeholders.

* Monitor and record grant-related revenue, expenditures, receivables, and cash receipts; oversee billing and collections to maintain positive cash flow and fiscal compliance.

* Act as liaison for financial monitoring visits and audits, including the YMCA's annual Single Audit; ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and audit-ready.

* Maintain comprehensive and organized grant-related financial records, contracts, budget revisions, and compliance documentation.

* Upload, reconcile, and analyze accounting data across financial systems, resolving discrepancies and ensuring integrity in reporting.

* Provide financial guidance and technical assistance to internal staff regarding accounting, budget development, reporting requirements, and compliance expectations.

* Support continuous improvement of accounting processes, systems, and internal controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

* Participate in professional development and training related to accounting systems, compliance requirements, and financial management best practices.

* Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

YMCA Competencies (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y's values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.

* Minimum of 4-5 years of progressive accounting experience, including grant management and nonprofit fund accounting.

* Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and OMB Uniform Guidance for federal awards.

* Demonstrated experience managing awards through formal grant management systems and highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

* Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of accounting software (ERPs, CRMs, etc.)

* Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.

* Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities.

* Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a cross-functional team.

* Minimum age of 21.

The YMCA of Greater Houston provides Equal Employment Opportunities for employment to all employees and applicants, including disability and protected veteran status.