Position: Staff Accountant II

Position Summary: 

The Staff Accountant II supports the day-to-day accounting operations of Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship, Inc., a not-for-profit organization. This role is responsible for processing and recording routine financial transactions, maintaining accurate records in accordance with GAAP, and supporting grant/funder and program reporting through timely reconciliations and month-end close activities. The Staff Accountant partners with the Business & Finance team and program staff to ensure expenses are properly coded, supported, and aligned with funding requirements.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:

Daily Responsibilities

• Apply cash receipts and contributions to accounts receivable and/or donor/funder records, as applicable.
• Monitor outstanding checks and support follow-up/void/reissue processes in accordance with internal controls.
• Record banking activity (deposits, ACH, wires) and support timely cash reconciliation.
• Review expenditures for appropriate general ledger coding, funding sources (restricted/unrestricted), and program allocations.
• Verify transactions have appropriate supporting documentation and comply with organizational policies and funder requirements.

Ongoing / Monthly Responsibilities

•  Record and reconcile credit card activity; ensure receipts, business purpose, and approvals are documented.
•  Support the month-end close process, including preparing schedules and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Prepare and post journal entries (accruals, allocations, prepaid/expense reclassifications) with appropriate documentation.

• Prepare monthly reconciliations for balance sheet accounts and investigate/resolution variances in a timely manner.
•  Assist with monthly reporting, including budget-to-actual variance analysis by program and funding source.
• Prepare grant and funder expenditure reports and supporting documentation; ensure allowability and proper allocation of costs.
• Set up and maintain vendor records; collect W-9s and other required documentation, and support vendor onboarding
•  Assist with the annual audit support as requested, including preparing schedules
•  Build and maintain positive working relationships with program staff and cross-functional partners to support accurate coding and timely reporting.
• Attend internal and community meetings as needed (reliable transportation required).

Salary 62,000

Minimum Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License.
• Preferred 1–2 years of accounting experience (not-for-profit, grant, or fund accounting experience a plus).
• Solid working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong analytical, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word; comfortable learning new systems and working with financial data.
•  Experience with accounting software (e.g., Sage Intacct) is a plus.
• Commitment to and practice of Say Yes Buffalo’s Racial Equity Statement: “Equity will be achieved when we can all just wake up and live freely; be valued and respected; live free from structural impediments based off perceived racial characteristics; and have fair representation and opportunity.”

Personal Attributes 

• Demonstrates integrity and aligns with Say Yes Buffalo’s values; blends candor, care, and empathy in interactions; operates with honesty, transparency, and collaboration.
• Approachable and team-oriented; builds respectful, productive relationships and listens well.
• Strong communicator with high emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
• Deadline-driven, organized, and comfortable thriving in a fast-paced environment.