Accounting Manager

APA! BACKGROUND: Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is one of Austin’s most dynamic and beloved nonprofits. The organization leads the No Kill movement nationally and is considered a national thought leader in animal welfare. APA! locally rescues, treats, and adopts out 10,000 homeless dogs and cats each year, providing the safety net for Austin’s most at-risk shelter pets, which helps Austin to be a No Kill city, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals. The organization is distinguished by its large volunteer workforce and the scrappiness of its grassroots and its non-traditional, community-based animal rescue work.The organization continues to innovate best practices to save lives and spreads its impact by offering resources and mentorship related to its renowned lifesaving model through American Pets Alive!, APA!’s national division. In 2020, American Pets Alive! began the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) - an innovative initiative aimed at rethinking the traditional model of animal sheltering. It focuses on supporting both people and pets in the community to reduce the number of animals entering shelters and improve outcomes for both. The project encourages collaboration between animal welfare organizations and community-based services, with a goal of providing personalized, proactive support that positions animal welfare as a social service.Position SummaryAustin Pets Alive! is seeking a highly capable, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Accounting Manager to lead the daily operational engine of the accounting function in one of Austin’s most dynamic nonprofit environments.This role is responsible for overseeing accounting operations, supervising Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, owning month-end close coordination, strengthening internal controls, improving systems and processes, and helping transform financial operations from reactive burden into sustainable infrastructure.The Accounting Manager plays a critical role in protecting financial integrity while creating consistency, accountability, and operational stability across the fast-paced, high-volume operation that is APA!.The ideal candidate combines technical accounting expertise with systems thinking, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to create structure and stability in a complex environment where mission urgency, organizational unpredictability, and financial discipline must successfully coexist.Every individual at APA! is responsible for working in collaboration with volunteers; making sure volunteers are recruited, trained and feel impactful through their efforts at APA!. A core part of this role is creating a welcoming and empowering experience for volunteers, including assisting with onboarding, training, and volunteer engagement as part of the day-to-day workflow.Duties & ResponsibilitiesGeneral Accounting Operations:Oversee daily accounting operations across accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash, reconciliations, and general ledger functionsReview and approve journal entries, reconciliations, account coding, and accounting workflowsMaintain integrity of the chart of accountsMonitor account balances and financial activity for accuracy and completenessEnsure accurate classification of restricted and unrestricted fundsManage accruals, prepaids, deferred revenue, allocations, and other month-end adjustmentsPrepare and maintain rollforward schedules of net assets with donor restrictionsEnsure payroll and benefits expenses are accurately recorded in the general ledgerMaintain depreciation schedules for capital expendituresSupport grant and program expense trackingPerform other related accounting and operational duties as assignedMonth-End Close:Own and coordinate the monthly close calendar and close processLead timely completion of bank reconciliations, credit card reconciliations, and balance sheet reconciliationsCoordinate revenue reconciliation across donations, grants, earned revenue, and receivablesReview expense activity and coding accuracyPrepare financial statements and supporting schedules for Controller reviewIdentify and resolve close bottlenecks, delays, and documentation gapsImprove close process efficiency while maintaining accuracy and internal controlsAnnual Accounting & Compliance:Support annual financial audit preparation, schedules, and documentationSupport Form 990 preparationOversee preparation and distribution of 1099sEnsure audit readiness through organized documentation and compliance practicesSupport nonprofit-specific accounting requirements, including donor restrictions, grant compliance, and related reportingTeam Leadership & Staff Development:Supervise, support, and evaluate Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable AssociatesBuild team accountability while maintaining positive moraleImprove workflow efficiency across AP/AR functionsDevelop and document SOPs and process improvementsCross-train team members to strengthen continuity and operational resilienceCoach staff with varying experience levels while maintaining quality controlResolve process bottlenecks and operational inefficienciesMaintain open, clear, and consistent communication across finance and other departmentsServe as a reliable and proactive solutions-oriented leader in a high-volume, fast-paced, mission-driven environmentAccounts Receivable Oversight:Supervise donation, grant, and receivable tracking processesOversee invoicing, revenue posting, cash receipts, payment applications, and aging reportsEnsure timely and accurate follow-up on outstanding receivablesPartner with development and relevant departments to ensure revenue accuracyVerify completeness of revenue recognitionEnsure grants and contracts are invoiced accurately and timelyMonitor AR processes for cash flow impact and operational efficiencyAccounts Payable Oversight:Review and approve weekly payablesSupervise vendor setup, invoice processing, coding accuracy, and payment workflowsOversee expense reimbursements, check runs, ACH, and credit card processesEnsure timely payment while maintaining strong fraud prevention controlsMaintain segregation of duties and approval structuresReview unusual expenses and identify duplicate or improper paymentsOversee 1099 compliance processesInternal Controls, Compliance & Process Improvement:Recommend, implement, and enforce internal controls, policies, and accounting proceduresMaintain approval workflows, documentation standards, and fraud prevention measuresStrengthen accountability across departments whose delays impact accounting operationsSupport audit readiness and GAAP/nonprofit accounting complianceImprove donor/grant reconciliation, invoice/payment cycles, and accounting operational processesAssist with accounting systems improvements, software implementations, and future ERP transitions (including Blackbaud optimization and potential system migration support)Identify opportunities for automation, scalability, and improved reportingBudgeting & Financial Analysis Support:Support Controller with departmental reporting and variance analysisAssist with annual budget preparation as assignedTrack spending trends and identify anomaliesSupport cash flow visibility and operational financial insights as neededJob duties may include some or all of the above, and other duties as assignedQualifications & SkillsRequired:Bachelor’s degree or higherUnderstanding of GAAP and accounting operationsAbility to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environmentExperience with reconciliations, month-end close, and general ledger managementHigh attention to detail and superb organizational skillStrong Excel and spreadsheet proficiencyExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to lead with both accountability and supportAbility to navigate complex circumstances and crisesStrong problem-solving and systems-thinking abilityPreferred:Nonprofit accounting experienceGrant accounting and donor restriction experienceAudit support experienceExperience with financial and operational systems such as Blackbaud, AvidXchange, Virtuous, Bill Spend & Expense, Google Workspace, or similar platformsERP/system migration or implementation experience (such as NetSuite)CPA or advanced accounting credential a plusCULTURE & MISSION FITLove of animals and commitment to Austin Pets Alive!’s lifesaving missionCommitment to the No Kill movementEmbodiment of APA!’s Core Values of Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and InclusionAbility to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, leadership, and departments across the organizationResilient, adaptable, and steady in a high-demand mission environmentOTHER FUNCTIONS:Must demonstrate dependability, accountability, time management, use of reasoning, and good judgment skillsAttend and participate in all required training sessions and meetingsMaintain open and consistent communication with Program Manager or designee, supervisor, and other colleaguesPartner with Volunteer Managers to learn about the volunteer programs and manage volunteers interested in your department on an ongoing basisAble to react to change productively and perform other related duties as assignedAble to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as neededAble to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, high-stress environmentFoster and model a volunteer-powered culture across the team by ensuring that every staff member is partnered with volunteers on every shift, with the goal of empowering volunteers to lead and grow within the program.Serve as a facilitator and coach to staff and volunteers, ensuring the work is shared, not siloed, and that volunteers are supported in completing daily tasks.Ensure active recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of volunteers using volunteer engagement tools and resourcesSupport retention by matching volunteers to appropriate tasks, offering guidance, and providing regular check-ins and staff mentorship.Identify strong volunteers for deeper roles and seek out customer-to-volunteer conversion opportunities.Recognize volunteer contributions through consistent appreciation and shoutouts.Provide clear expectations, hands-on training, and in-the-moment coaching to set volunteers up for success.Job duties may include some or all of the above, and other duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, & EXPECTATIONS:Committed to embodying APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, SmartCommitment to APA!'s customer experience expectationsPassion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s missionStrong commitment to volunteer engagement and support; dedicated to working well with volunteers across all rolesComfortable working cross-functionally and serving as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team membersEffective written and verbal communication skills; able to interpret rules, procedures, and instructional materialsSelf-starter with strong time management; able to work independently and collaborativelyExcellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm and professional presence in all situationsStrong attention to detail and high standards for qualityAdaptable to change and able to perform related duties as neededDedicated to delivering an exceptional and inclusive customer experiencePhysical Job RequirementsProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer Must be able to work around animals (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, and inclement weatherMust be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times If reasonable accommodations are requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship to the organization.WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is normally performed inside the APA! offices, with potential exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and near animals when at the APA! shelter Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to support program needsSome hybrid work available Uses own transportation to travel between locationsTIME COMMITMENT: This is a full-time, exempt position with an average of 40 hours per week.Shift and schedule flexibility is required, as weekly schedule is subject to changeAble to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as neededWORKING RELATIONSHIPS: This position reports directly to the Controller. It supervises the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Associates.LOCATIONS: APA! Tarrytown Administrative Offices (primary work location for this position) 2414 Exposition Blvd, Suite B-100 Austin, TX 78703 APA! Main - Town Lake Animal Center 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703 APA! Medical Triage and Wellness Clinic 4942 W US Highway 290 Austin, TX 78735Hybrid schedule available May travel to other APA! locations or offsite as needed SALARY: Starting at $65,000 / Year (commensurate with experience and qualifications)BenefitsAustin Pets Alive! is proud to offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including subsidized employer-sponsored medical coverage, subsidized and voluntary life insurance, voluntary dental, vision and short-term disability options, all effective the first day of employment. We also offer voluntary wellness and emergency sick plans, up to 2% match on 401(K) retirement plan, supplemental benefits, flexible spending accounts and additional life coverage. Full-time employees receive 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days paid time off during the first year of employment, with an additional 5 days of PTO accrual upon completion of 12 months of employment. Employees will also receive professional development opportunities through APA!’s ongoing mission to advance our animal welfare professionals in our life saving work.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONSAustin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we engage on. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, women, transgender and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply.Austin Pets Alive! does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Austin Pets Alive! is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, community focus, and innovation.APA! is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact Talent Acquisition at job@austinpetsalive.org at least one week in advance of your interview.