Staff Accountant - Accounts Payable

Position:   Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable

Program: Finance – Subsidy Programs

Location: 1171 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Reports to: Vice President of Finance

Salary:  $80,000 to $85,000 annually       

Status:  Exempt, Non-union

Community Forward SF is a collection of vital programs that ensures our neighbors experiencing homelessness have effective services designed for their unique needs. Whether one needs housing, medical shelter, a safe place for recovery, or calm in the face of domestic violence - we care for those most vulnerable in our community.

We are not just one program. We are a network of programs designed to work together to meet every stage of need. We focus on the hardest-to-reach, most vulnerable people: Women+, Medical Crisis, Substance Use Disorder, and Older Adults. Our programs meet the needs of people, rather than demanding that people meet the needs of our programs.

JOB SUMMARY:

Community Forward SF is hiring a Staff Accountant, Accounts Payable to manage the critical function of processing and maintaining accurate vendor invoices and ensuring timely payment, particularly within the subsidy programs.  This role is essential for maintaining strong relationships with vendors and service providers, ensuring that CFSF can continue to deliver its housing and support programs without disruption.  The Staff Accountant, AP will be responsible for reconciling accounts payable transitions, handling payment execution for both vendors, subsidy clients and housing subsidy payments, addressing discrepancies, and generating reports for financial tracking.  By managing the accounts payable process efficiently, the Staff Accountant, AP supports CFSF’s overall financial operations and helps the organization stay compliant with accounting regulations and reporting requirements. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receive, review, and process vendor invoices ensuring accuracy and compliance with organizational policies.
• Ensure timely rental subsidy payments for housed clients.
• Prepare and execute weekly payments to vendors via checks and electronic transfers.
• Maintain accurate records of vendor information and address inquiries or discrepancies promptly.
• Reconcile accounts payable transactions and vendor statements to ensure accuracy.
• Assist in the preparation of expense reports and monitor budgeted expenditures.
• Generate reports related to accounts payable activities and other financial reports as needed for management review.
• Assist in preparing financial reports such as grant reports and historical property financials.
• Support the month-end close process by ensuring all accounts payable transitions are recorded accurately.
• Assists with reconciling core expense accounts and grants.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation related to accounts payable and explanations.
• Ensure adherence to financial regulations, nonprofit reporting requirements, and organizational policies.
• Support compliance efforts, ensuring proper accounting procedures are followed.
• Identify and recommend improvements to accounts payable and accounting process to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Training and meeting attendance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the Finance Department.

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field. In some cases, relevant work experience may substitute for formal education.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in accounts payable or a related accounting role.
• Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, etc. NetSuite preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable processes, reconciliation tasks, general accounting principles, and financial regulations. 
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting standards is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with vendors, team members, and other departments. 
• Ability to present financial information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
• High level of accuracy and attention to details in financial data entry, processing invoices, and reporting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
• Ability to address discrepancies in invoices or payments and resolve issues efficiently.
• Experience working with people from various cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong self-awareness, cultural humility, and commitment to personal praxis.
• Commitment to CFSF’s mission to promote stabilization, hope, and healing for people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.
• CPR and First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.
• TB clearance and proof of COVID-19 vaccination within 7 days of hire.

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to sit and use a computer, including keyboard and visual display terminal, for extended periods of time. 
• Finger, hand, and wrist agility.
• Ability to complete tasks in an environment where interruptions are the norm and background noise is present.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities. 

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to impact the company’s financial strategy and performance.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

Community Forward SF (CFSF) reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position.  Essential job duties are intended to describe those functions that are primary to the performance of this job.  Other job duties include those that are considered secondary to the overall purpose of this position. This position description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position.  Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor and management.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability. All jobs are subject to contract funding availability. CFSF will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if CFSF is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage.