Title: Staff Accountant
Functional Area: Finance
Classification: Full-Time Exempt
Supervisor: Director of Finance
Compensation: $75,000 - $80,000

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Staff Accountant plays a vital role on CalTrout’s Finance team, ensuring accurate financial management and strict compliance with government contracts and grants. With a strong focus on reporting, cost allocation, and adherence to federal regulations (including CFR200), this position supports both organizational integrity and program success. The Staff Accountant collaborates closely with the Senior Contract Compliance Manager, Finance leadership, and program managers to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability in all financial activities tied to contracts and grants.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of professional accounting experience; nonprofit or public accounting background strongly preferred.
• Experience managing complex funding streams, contracts, and/or grant administration.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, government cost principles, and grant reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, identify variances, and communicate findings effectively.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks (or comparable accounting software) required; experience with grant management or reporting systems a plus.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple assignments under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to support colleagues across functions.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the general ledger, ensuring accurate and timely posting of transactions related to government contracts and grants.
• Prepare and review journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close activities, with an emphasis on compliance and accuracy.
• Monitor project costs, funding levels, and contract budgets; ensure proper billing and revenue recognition in accordance with contract terms.
• Reconcile the SEFA (Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards) with QuickBooks, supporting the accuracy of federal grant reporting.
• Assist with annual and program-specific budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Ensure proper allocation of direct, indirect, and unallowable costs in compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Track and analyze budgeted labor hours against actual hours; highlight variances and support program managers in meeting funded expectations.
• Support audits (federal, state, and independent), providing complete documentation and timely responses.
• Partner with program managers and Finance leadership to deliver timely, accurate financial reporting and guidance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of accounting processes, internal controls, and compliance practices.
• Prepare and submit invoices for government agencies, ensuring adherence to CFR200 and agency-specific requirements.

While performing the duties of the Staff Accountant position at California Trout, individuals may be required to fulfill the following physical demands:

• Sitting: Extended periods of sitting are often necessary while working on financial records, analyzing data, and preparing reports.
• Keyboarding: Regular use of a computer and keyboard is required for data entry, spreadsheet analysis, and financial software operation.
• Visual Acuity: The ability to view and analyze financial documents, spreadsheets, and numerical data on a computer screen or in print format is essential.
• Manual Dexterity: Fine motor skills are necessary for tasks such as typing, writing, filing, and handling paperwork.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting of boxes, files, and other office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds may be required when organizing or moving materials.
• Reaching: Stretching and reaching may be necessary to access files, supplies, or equipment located on shelves or in cabinets.
• Standing and Walking: While the primary duties of the position involve sedentary work, occasional standing and walking within the office environment may be required.
• Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential for collaborating with colleagues, responding to inquiries, and conveying financial information