Senior Accountant

Overview:
As the Senior Accountant at the Barber National Institute, you will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and clarity of the organization’s financial records and reporting. Reporting to the Controller, you will perform advanced accounting functions including month-end close activities, account reconciliations, budget analysis, and financial oversight of organizational events.
This position is preferably based at our Erie, PA location, though we are open to considering remote work for the right candidate. You will work closely with Finance, administrative leaders, and Advancement to support accurate financial reporting, audit readiness, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
This role is ideal for a detail-oriented accounting professional who can analyze financial information, identify trends and discrepancies, and communicate financial insights clearly to both finance and non-finance partners.
What You’ll Have:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
At least 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience
Nonprofit accounting and/or public accounting experience preferred
Strong proficiency with accounting or ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
CPA, CMA, or other relevant accounting certification preferred but not required
Experience with nonprofit accounting standards, including ASC 958, preferred

What You’ll Bring:

Strong knowledge of GAAP and accounting principles, with knowledge of nonprofit accounting preferred
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
Ability to analyze financial information, identify variances, and communicate meaningful insights to non-finance stakeholders
Strong reconciliation, budgeting, reporting, and internal control skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs
Strong judgment and discretion when handling confidential financial and organizational information
Ability to work collaboratively with Finance, administrative leaders, Advancement, and other organizational partners



A Typical Day May Include:

Preparing, reviewing, and posting journal entries and supporting documentation for monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reporting
Reconciling balance sheet accounts, income statement activity, and intercompany transactions while researching and resolving discrepancies
Supporting month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
Maintaining net asset classifications, restriction tracking, and related nonprofit financial reporting
Leading annual budget preparation and completing monthly budget-to-actual analysis for assigned administrative cost centers
Identifying significant budget variances, financial trends, and potential risks and communicating findings to administrative leaders
Translating financial results into clear and actionable information for non-finance stakeholders
Providing financial oversight for organizational events in partnership with Advancement, including donations, sponsorships, fees, and event-related expenses
Preparing audit schedules, internal reports, process narratives, and control documentation
Supporting internal and external audits and helping strengthen financial processes and internal controls
Partnering with the Controller and Finance team to improve accounting processes, reporting, and financial practices
Maintaining confidentiality and ensuring financial activities are completed in accordance with organizational policies, regulatory requirements, and applicable accounting standards