Basic Function
The bookkeeper provides a variety of services and support to the organization, its staff and its members. The purpose of the bookkeeper is to provide the executive director and board of directors with relevant financial data for budgetary and financial decisions; to oversee the efficient and timely performance of the business office; and to guarantee a segregation of duties for accounting procedures. The bookkeeper is the primary financial services employee in the organization.
Duties include general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, reconciliation, month-end closings, preparation of financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, event P&L), depreciation schedule, budget preparation for management, payroll processing and reporting, benefits administration (health and retirement), and related functions.
This position requires a detail-oriented person with the skills to take initiative and work independently, as well as part of a team; the ability to prioritize work assignments; the capability to multi-task and to perform general office tasks outside the job description.
This is a non-exempt position of 30-40 hours per week, depending on experience level.
Job Summary
Financial affairs
- Oversees billing and collection of accounts receivable.
- Oversees accounts payable.
- Reconciles bank statements.
- Reconciles membership databases with ledger entries.
- Reconciles shared convention revenue and expenses with partner organizations.
- Coordinates semimonthly payroll with payroll service provider.
- Monitors employee reimbursements for compliance with IRS regulations.
Budget, reporting and planning
- Works with executive director to develop annual budgets and projections.
- Prepares accurate and timely cash flow projections, financial reports, balance sheets, expense reports, and profit-and-loss statements.
- Recommends and maintains financial and investment objectives and policies consistent with board’s investment policy and strategy.
- Seeks opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operational expenses.
Benefits and human resources
- Administers employee benefits program and retirement plan.
- Advises management regarding relevant changes to benefits program and retirement plan.
- Maintains record of employee personal time off accrued and used.
Records
- Coordinates financial records for the annual audit.
- Coordinates financial records for preparation of annual tax filing.
- Maintains inventory of equipment for depreciation.
- Maintains file of organization’s contracts for events, programs and services.
Other responsibilities:
- Advises executive director on desirable operational adjustments due to changes in tax law.
- Seeks appropriate training and development opportunities.
- Participates in staff activities related to convention and event services (preparation of materials, registration).
- Attends events as directed.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
$17-$23 per hour, depending on experience
Benefits include:
- Full medical and dental insurance
- Paid vacation (15 days)
- Paid holidays (10 days)
- Up to 7% employer match for 403(b) retirement plan
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of full-time bookkeeping experience OR associate’s degree with three years of full-time bookkeeping experience
- Excellent knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting procedures
- Demonstrated experience with MS Excel and QuickBooks software
- Experience preparing budgets and financial statements
- Knowledge of federal tax laws and guidelines for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations
- Professional, friendly, courteous interpersonal skills
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to relate effectively with a diverse variety of individuals
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and keep deadlines
- Exemplary record of attendance and punctuality
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business or related field
- Nonprofit work experience
- Familiarity with FileMaker Pro database software
- Experience working with schools/government agencies
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should send the following as e-mail attachments (PDF preferred): a specific cover letter, current résumé and list of three to five references. Send to Mr. Logan Aimone, executive director, at logan@studentpress.org. Reference this job. No telephone calls please. Applicant review will begin Aug. 10, 2009, until the position is filled.
ABOUT NSPA
The National Scholastic Press Association is the parent organization of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Minnesota High School Press Association, serving students, teachers, media advisers and others throughout the United States and in other countries. NSPA sponsors national conventions and awards the nation's top honors recognizing the best in student journalism. Headquartered at the University of Minnesota, NSPA and its divisions cooperate with other student media associations and other non-student groups and businesses that share its mission to educate and recognize the work of student journalists, to improve the quality of student media and to foster careers in media.
