Senior Accountant

Where Purpose Meets Precision, Support LA’s BEST’s Finance Team as our Senior Accountant!

About LA’s BEST

LA’s BEST is a public/private partnership between the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), and the private sector, working together to provide safe, engaging, and enriching expanded learning programming for elementary school students. Established 37 years ago, LA’s BEST serves children in neighborhoods with the greatest needs but the fewest resources, ensuring access to meaningful learning experiences beyond the school day.

Through this public-private partnership, LAUSD operates the program, the City of Los Angeles provides crucial public support, and the nonprofit entity advocates for funding and resources. This shared commitment allows LA’s BEST to provide high-quality enrichment activities that nurture academic growth, social-emotional well-being for students while also supporting working families across Los Angeles.

At LA’s BEST, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual's unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and celebrated. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and contribute their best work. Your voice matters, and we invite you to bring your authentic self to our team.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Controller, the Senior Accountant plays a key role in supporting the financial operations of LA’s BEST by managing accounts payable, performing reconciliations, and supporting financial reporting under the guidance of the Controller. This position ensures accurate and timely processing of financial transactions, supports annual audits, and contributes to the development of internal controls and compliance efforts. The Senior Accountant also provides cross-functional support on budgeting, grant reporting, and finance-related initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency. Core responsibilities may include:

Financial Reporting, Reconciliation & Analysis (approximately 40%):

• Facilitate the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP and organizational policies, in collaboration with the Controller.


• Independently perform bank, credit card, and other account reconciliations and conduct variance analyses to support accurate and timely financial reporting.


• Develop and present ad-hoc financial reports and analysis to inform executive decision-making and strategy.


• Oversee the preparation of internal management reports and dashboards; identify and communicate financial trends and anomalies.


• Monitoring budget performance, analyzing variances, and providing financial insights to inform decision-making, and support the annual budgeting and forecasting process.


• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Controller, providing operational and financial insight on projects and initiatives.

Accounts Payable Oversight & Vendor Management (approximately 20%):

• Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices, reimbursements, and recurring payments.


• Ensure proper documentation and internal control compliance related to credit card disbursements and reconciliation.


• Act as the primary liaison with vendors to resolve complex billing or payment issues; ensure all vendor data is accurate and audit-ready.


• Review and prepare 1099 filings and assist with year-end vendor tax compliance processes.

Payroll Support & Financial Compliance (approximately 20%):

• Review payroll transactions and allocations in coordination with HR to ensure accuracy, appropriate classification, and compliance with labor and tax regulations.


• Monitor payroll and benefits-related financial activity and ensure accurate recording in the general ledger.


• Provide financial support for benefits administration, including reconciliation of benefits-related expenses and reporting.


• Facilitate the financial components of grant compliance reporting, including cost allocations, allowable use verification, and documentation maintenance.

Audit Coordination & Internal Controls (approximately 20%):

• Facilitate the preparation and coordination of documentation and schedules for annual financial audits.


• Ensure all records are audit-ready and compliant with internal financial policies, GAAP, and relevant federal/state regulations.


• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen internal controls and reduce risk.


• Support the development and documentation of accounting procedures and financial policies.

Core Competencies

• Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance.


• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy in handling financial data, reconciliations, and reporting, ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.


• Applies strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial analysis techniques to support reporting, budgeting, and decision-making processes.


• Proficient in accounting software, Microsoft Excel, and other financial systems to process transactions, generate reports, and maintain organized records.


• Identifies discrepancies or inefficiencies in financial processes and recommends solutions to enhance accuracy and workflow.


• Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues, vendors, and auditors, and works collaboratively across departments.


• Manages multiple responsibilities and deadlines effectively, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely and accurate financial operations.


• Maintains the highest level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive financial and personnel data.


• Responds effectively to evolving priorities and organizational needs, proactively seeking opportunities to improve processes and contribute to team success.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.


• Minimum of 2–3 years of relevant accounting or bookkeeping experience, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.


• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial reporting practices.


• Experience with accounts payable, general ledger maintenance, and account reconciliations required.


• Familiarity with payroll processing and benefit-related financial tracking preferred.


• Prior experience supporting financial audits, including document preparation and compliance tracking is preferred.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables,formulas) and working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.


• Experience using accounting software and HR/payroll systems (e.g., Xero, BambooHR) preferred.


• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles, including restricted/unrestricted funds and grant compliance, is a plus.

Compensation

$72,589.00 - $108,884.00 per year; commensurate with experience.

Work Location

Currently, there is a hybrid work environment with three days per week required at the office in downtown Los Angeles. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required throughout the year. Candidates must also be able to travel to school sites and meetings/events within LA County on a semi-regular basis and have access to reliable and timely transportation.

Company Benefits

LA’s BEST provides Employer paid medical, dental, & vision insurance for employees, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match after six months of continuous employment, paid time off, and other benefits.

Equal Opportunity

LA’s BEST is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (LA’s BEST is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request).

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter with your application . Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.