About NatureServe

For 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout North America. With an international network of over 60 Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers across the United States and Canada (“the Network”), NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and the ecosystems on which North American species depend. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 1,000 conservation scientists to collect, aggregate, and standardize biodiversity statistics, providing comprehensive data to the public for strategic conservation efforts. NatureServe and its network programs develop and manage the most comprehensive data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what the critical elements of biodiversity are, where they are found, and how they are doing.

About the role

The Staff Accountant plays a central role in managing the organization’s day-to-day accounting operations and ensure the accuracy of financial records. This role will independently own general ledger activities, full-cycle accounts payable, payroll processing, bank and cash management, reconciliations, month-end close processes, and assisting with financial reporting. The ideal candidate is self-sufficient, has a strong understanding of accounting principles, is organized, and can work both independently and collaboratively. 

What you'll do

The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Prepare and post journal entries and maintain accurate general ledger accounts 

• Perform monthly, quarterly, and year-end close activities 

• Reconcile balance sheet accounts

• Assist with bank and credit card reconciliations

• Review and process employee expense reports (TERs) and reimbursements in Deltek

• Own full-cycle accounts payable including invoice review and coding, vendor communication, payment processing (ACH/wire/bill pay/vendor portals), and applying payments in Deltek

• Manage daily bank transactions, perform GL vs. bank reconciliations, and prepare daily cash and AP projection reports for senior leadership

• Review and approve GL coding in Rippling, perform credit card and expense reconciliations, and manage statement imports and matchingProcess bi-weekly payroll in Deltek, reconcile against Rippling, resolve discrepancies between the two systems, manage payroll AP invoices, perform salary accrual reconciliation, and handle employee onboarding/offboarding updates

• Analyze financial data and investigate variances

• Maintain supporting documentation for all accounting transactions

• Assist in preparation of financial statements and internal reports

• Support audit requests and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures

• Help improve accounting processes and support automation initiatives

• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments (e.g., Programs, HR, Operations, FP&A)

• Provide junior accounting support as needed to ensure full coverage of departmental accounting need

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

• 3+ years of accounting experience, including AP, payroll, and reconciliations. 

• Strong understanding of GAAP and basic accounting principles

• Experience with accounting systems (e.g., Deltek, NetSuite, SAP, or similar ERP)

• Strong Excel skills and comfort working with accounting and payroll systems (Rippling or similar payroll/HR platforms).

• Own all month-end close deadlines, including journal entries, full balance sheet reconciliations, and Rippling close process

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Demonstrated ability to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and work independently in a fully remote environment.

• Coursework or training in nonprofit accounting principles.

• ​Familiarity with 1099 compliance and nonprofit revenue classification.​ 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to stay connected and responsive in a remote work environment and participate in team discussions as needed during working hours

• High attention to detail and ability to meet recurring deadlines with accuracy. 

• Comfortable working with cloud-based accounting tools and reporting platforms.

Physical Demands and Work Environment  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

Benefits  

NatureServe offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including: Health care coverage; Flexible spending accounts (FSAs); 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match; Parental leave; Accrued sick and vacation time; Floating holidays; Life insurance and disability coverage; Employee assistance program (EAP); Additional benefits to support life and workplace well-being