Staff Accountant I

Join a mission-driven organization where your work has purpose your voice matters and your growth is genuinely supported. As our Staff Accountant I youll do more than manage numbers. Youll help strengthen the foundation that allows our programs services and teams to thrive. Youll collaborate with passionate colleagues all while contributing to work that changes lives every day. If youre seeking a place where your expertise is valued your curiosity is welcomed and your efforts make a real difference wed be excited to welcome you to our team. Please note that to apply for this job you must submit a cover letter.

Job Title: Staff Accountant I Payroll IDAs & Grant Management

FLSA Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Position Status: Full Time

Department: Finance Department

Work Location: In person HQ

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Reports To: Controller

JOB PURPOSE

The Staff Accountant I supports Lacasas financial health and operational integrity by managing general ledger activity grant compliance and payroll processing for Lacasa Inc. This position plays a key role in ensuring timely accurate financial reporting adherence to internal controls and compliance with public and private funding requirementsincluding federal wage regulations such as Davis-Bacon.

Guided by Lacasas core valuesRespect Human Dignity Work Together Pursue Excellence and Build to Last the Staff Accountant I brings care and precision to the daily financial processes that allow our mission to thrive.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

General Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Maintain accurate general ledger activity for Lacasa and related internal cost centers across departments and programs.
• Assist in monthly and annual closings including reconciliation of accounts preparation of reports and audit-ready documentation.
• Maintain complete and organized financial records for journal vouchers projects properties and contracts.
• Ensure property management transactions and balances are accurately reflected within accounting software and bank ledger.
• Serve as back-up to Staff Accountant II for accounts payable non-asset management cash receipts and other duties as necessary.

Grant Management

• Maintain and monitor project files for grant-funded activities ensuring proper documentation is collected and stored.
• Ensure full compliance with grantor procurement financial and reporting requirementsincluding documentation related to contracts subawards and service agreements.
• Assist with development and ongoing maintenance of internal policies and procedures related to grant administration.
• Coordinate grant claim submissions on a timely basis to assure adequate project cash flow and timely draw-down of funds.

Payroll Processing and Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of employee payroll and benefit data including timekeeping wage allocations and deduction records.
• Process weekly and bi-weekly payrolls in Paylocity including general ledger uploads.
• Calculate and allocate construction wages ensuring compliance with applicable wage laws.
• Monitor and document Davis-Bacon wage rate requirements for federally funded construction projects verifying wage classifications and supporting proper reporting.

IDA Program Financial Oversight

• Partner with the Financial Empowerment Center to support financial administration and compliance for the IDA program.
• Reconcile all IDA-related bank accounts monthly ensuring accuracy and alignment with program software and reporting systems.
• Maintain clear financial documentation for all participant transactions grant fund allocations and matching contributions.
• Support the preparation of grant applications and required reporting for IDA funding sources.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of financial policies and procedures specific to IDA operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure property operations align with organizational goals.
• Attend and participate in internal meetings with staff to communicate and coordinate finance department priorities to bring other LOB in alignment to Lacasas strategies.
• Maintain consistent professional communication with colleagues and community stakeholders while demonstrating and upholding Lacasas core values.

Other Expectations

• Develop working proficiency in Lacasas financial systems including accounting software (MIP) property management software (Yardi) payroll systems (Paylocity) and document storage platforms.
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities as requested by supervisor.
• Attend Lacasas annual meeting and monthly all-staff meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Associate or bachelors degree in accounting public administration or related field. A combination of acceptable education and experience that has provided the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill the requirements of this position may be considered which includes exercise of initiative attention to detail and independent judgment.

Experience

• 5 years of accounting experience (governmental or non-profit setting preferred)
• Experience with accounting software
• Experience in general ledger accounting journal entries account reconciliation and month-end close processes
• Proficiency with Excel
• Familiarity with month-end close procedures including accruals journal entries and reconciliations
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Performance Factors

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a deep understanding of accounting and reporting.
• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to proactively identify issues and recommend improvements.
• Consistently ensures compliance with GAAP organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Meets deadlines for month-end close grant reporting and other recurring deliverables.
• Responds promptly to information requests from internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of accounting principles and relevant nonprofit standards.
• Uses accounting software and other tools efficiently and effectively.
• Identifies discrepancies or issues proactively and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial data for non-financial audiences.
• Effective at collaborating across departments and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles.
• Demonstrates strong organization and attention to detail in all work.
• Capable of prioritizing and managing multiple tasks independently while meeting deadlines.
• Punctual and dependable with the flexibility to adapt to evolving organizational needs.
• Produces high-quality accurate work consistently.
• Maintains a positive and professional image with staff clients and external stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Full-time 40 hours/week (MF). Required to work overtime as needed.
• Work is office-based.
• May require travel between Goshen and Elkhart with occasional travel for training; valid drivers license and reliable transportation required (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Duties include periods of sitting standing walking climbing stairs and occasionally lifting or moving items up to 10 pounds.
• Frequent computer use required.
• Tolerates moderate office noise typical of a workspace with multiple offices and staff.
• Work is fast-paced and involves prioritizing multiple competing deadlines and needs while maintaining a high level of accuracy and empathy.

DISCLAIMER: Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on program needs without changing the nature of the scope of this position or level of responsibility and they may change with or without notice. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position.

Lacasa is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex national origin age disability genetic information veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or hiring process please contact us at Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable local state and federal laws.