Sr. Accountant/Accountant

TITLE: Sr. Accountant/AccountantREPORTS TO: Director of FinanceLOCATION: Mexican Heritage Plaza (1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95116)SCHEDULE: Expected to work onsite, but will have the flexibility for work-from-home days once a week or upon approval from the Director of Finance.JOB TYPE: Exempt/Non-Exempt, Full-TimeCOMPENSATION: 75,000 to 95,000POSITION OVERVIEW & DESCRIPTION: The School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza (SOAC) seeks a detail-oriented and mission-driven Senior Accountant / Accountant to support the organization’s financial operations during a period of growth and expanded community impact.This role plays a critical part in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting grant and fund accounting, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit GAAP accounting standards. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments to support financial transparency and accountability.The position works closely with the finance team and program staff to ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND: SOAC envisions a world where creativity inspires compassion and vibrant communities. The organization’s mission is to champion community heritage, strength, and resiliency through the activation of arts and culture as a pathway for community preservation and celebration. The organization is guided by the following values:LEADERSHIP: We believe that a shared leadership model is rooted in and informed by both the individual and the collective, and we value the leadership held by all members of our team and community.VOICE: SOAC will use its platform, institutional power, and influence to ensure that the hopes, needs, and concerns of the community we serve are seen and recognized.CREATIVITY: We believe in the transformative power of the arts. Creativity is the foundation of our humanity.HERITAGE: Heritage encompasses cultural traditions and foundations that groups share. We connect to our collective past experiences as they inform and help to define current contexts and future hopes. We celebrate our heritage even as we create new experiences.INCLUSION: Inclusion is a state of belonging. SOAC believes that equitable access to resources ensures a thriving community. Therefore, the Mexican Heritage Plaza is open and welcoming to everyone.PLACE: The concept of place is broader than a single facility. As an anchor organization for East San Jose, the School of Arts and Culture activates the vibrancy and celebration of our local community. We take pride in the richness and potential of our Eastside neighborhoods.SERVICE: SOAC considers itself a servant of the community. We recognize that in order to inspire leadership, we must approach every interaction from a place of humility and respect.With a dynamic staff, SOAC delivers unique classes, activates the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) through community events, and offers cultural programs that embrace all, while rooted in Mexican Arts. By activating La Plaza, SOAC serves local residents, artists, and business owners, engaging over 100,000 people annually in community events and arts experiences.GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: General Accounting:Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate recording of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standardsPrepare and post journal entriesReconcile bank accounts, credit card accounts, and key balance sheet accounts on a monthly basisSupport monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processesMaintain schedules and supporting documentation for financial reportingGrant & Fund Accounting:Track and reconcile restricted and unrestricted fundsAssist with grant tracking, reporting, and compliance requirementsWork with program teams to monitor grant budgets and expendituresEnsure accurate allocation of expenses across programs and funding sourcesAccounts Payable, Credit Cards & Receivable:Manage the accounts payable process through Bill.com, including reviewing invoices, ensuring proper coding, and preparing payments in accordance with organizational policies and approval workflowsMaintain accurate vendor records and supporting documentation for all disbursementsProcess and reconcile organizational credit card transactions, ensuring appropriate documentation, coding, and timely reconciliation of statementsMonitor accounts receivable and assist with reconciliation of incoming payments and depositsEnsure timely and accurate processing of financial transactions while maintaining strong internal controlsPayroll: Oversee and manage the Organization’s payroll platform, including, but not limited to, ensuring payroll is processed on time and payments are accurateEnsure the organization is in compliance with federal, state, and local labour laws. Prepare and file quarterly and annual payroll taxesManage employee voluntary deductions, employee allocations across departments, and reconcile the accrued vacation and sick time balanceFinancial Reporting: Prepare internal financial reports and supporting schedulesAssist with the preparation of financial materials for management and board reportingSupport variance analysis and budget trackingAudit & Compliance: Assist with preparation for the annual financial audit and tax filingsMaintain organized documentation to support internal controls and complianceSupport the implementation and improvement of financial policies and proceduresSystems & Process Improvement: Help strengthen financial processes and internal controls as the organization growsMaintain accounting records within the organization’s financial management systemSupport improvements to financial reporting and operational workflowsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Required:Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field3–7 years of accounting experience (nonprofit experience strongly preferred)Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit fund accountingExperience with financial systems and accounting software such as Sage Intacct or NetSuiteStrong attention to detail and organizational skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlinesKey Competencies:Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsHigh level of accuracy and attention to detailAbility to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance staffCollaborative and service-oriented approach to internal partnersCommitment to transparency, accountability, and mission-driven workDESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preferred:Experience with nonprofit audits and grant reportingExperience in managing Federal, State, and local grantsExperience with Bill.com or similar accounts payable platformsExperience with Payroll Platforms such as ADP WorkForce and RipplingCPA or progress toward CPA is a plusPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical Demands: Ability to work in a dynamic environment with occasional weekend events and community engagement commitments.Work Environment: Hybrid work environment with regular in-person engagements at SOAC and off-site meetings with partners and stakeholders.HOW TO APPLY:Submit a resume and cover letter to finance@mhplaza.org.