Senior Accountant

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Senior Accountant is responsible for managing the organization’s accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, and financial reporting functions. This position ensures timely and accurate month-end close, supports the CFO with budgeting, audit preparation, and compliance, and contributes to process improvements. The Senior Accountant is directly responsible for the accuracy of the general ledger and financial statements and works closely with the Staff Accountant, who manages accounts receivable and housing transactions, to ensure the accuracy and integrity of VISIT Milwaukee and Destination Milwaukee, Inc.’s financial records. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

General Accounting 

• Maintain the general ledger including journal entries, allocations, reconciliations, year-end closing, and new fiscal year set-up. 
• Prepare monthly financial statements and reports in a timely and accurate manner.  
• Assist the CFO with budget preparation, monitoring, and revisions. 
• Prepare schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for the annual audit.  
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and reporting requirements including 1099s and sales/use tax filings.  
• Maintain the chart of accounts and budget entry in the accounting system. 
• Maintain, balance, and reconcile various ledger accounts using Excel spreadsheets.  
• Perform periodic auditing/review of general ledger accounts to ensure proper classification and accuracy 
• Support Committee reporting and attend Committee meetings as required. 
• Monitor purchase order system, follow up on older outstanding purchase orders, and assist staff with entry issues. 
• Reconcile on-hand parking vouchers. 
• Support process improvements and accounting system enhancements. 

Accounts Payable 

• Manage the full accounts payable process, including invoice entry, coding, and disbursements. 
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and federal/state regulations. 
• Monitor aged payables and manage weekly disbursements. 
• Reconcile AP subsidiary ledgers and prepare related month-end journal entries and reports. 
• Maintain vendor records, W-9 database, and ensure proper sales/use tax treatment on invoices. 

Payroll 

• Administer biweekly payroll using Paylocity, ensuring accuracy and compliance with payroll laws and policies. 
• Maintain payroll records and reconcile payroll-related GL accounts. 
• Process employee deductions, FSA contributions, and 401(k) deferrals; coordinate with providers and third-party administrators. 
• Prepare and reconcile payroll tax filings and year-end reporting (W-2s, 401(k), etc.). 
• Provide payroll reporting for financial reporting and compliance. 
• Respond to payroll-related employee inquiries in coordination with HR. 

Cash & Investments 

• Monitor checking and investment accounts; manage daily cash flow for maximum earnings potential. 
• Prepare and reconcile monthly bank statements for review by the CFO. 
• Oversee petty cash handling and reconciliation. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required education and experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in accounting or finance; or 
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for successful performance of the essential job duties. 
• Preferred five years of progressive accounting experience, including hands-on AP and payroll processing; nonprofit experience strongly preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of internal controls and compliance; ability to prepare and analyze financial statements. 

Required skills, knowledge and abilities: 

• Demonstrated experience with computerized accounting systems, including general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable processes. 
• Hands-on experience with Paylocity payroll processing. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel (minimum of three years’ experience required). 
• Experience working with databases and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines independently while maintaining attention to detail. 
• Commitment to accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness in all assignments. 
• High level of self-motivation, work ethic, and accountability. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply sound judgment and take initiative in resolving issues. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with professionalism, tact, and sound judgment when working with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to effectively engage and present to diverse audiences, including racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities. 
• Ability to follow direction, contribute to a team-oriented environment, and foster a supportive workplace culture. 
• Strong desire to excel professionally and engage in ongoing professional development. 
• Prior nonprofit accounting experience strongly preferred. 
• Must successfully complete a background check  

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to sit at a desk and operate a computer for extended periods. 
• Must be able to hear and converse via telephone and in person. 
• Must be able to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. 
• Occasional lifting of boxes and equipment up to 50 pounds. 
• Local travel may be required in personal vehicle, occasional air travel possible. 

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.