Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant

Location: Kalamazoo, MI

Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 annually

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Vice President of Finance

Join One of the Nation's Leading Nature Centers

Recognized as one of the top nature centers in the country, KNC encompasses 1,500 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands, with more than 15 miles of scenic trails. Every educational program, conservation initiative, and community experience we provide depends on strong financial stewardship behind the scenes.

If you're an accounting professional who wants your work to have a meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to combine your passion for finance with a mission that benefits people, wildlife, and the environment.

Why This Role Matters

As our Staff Accountant, you'll play an important role in supporting the financial operations that make KNC's conservation, education, and community programs possible. You'll work closely with the Vice President of Finance and colleagues across the organization to ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and well-organized.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on accounting work, problem-solving, and being part of a mission-driven team where their day-to-day contributions have a meaningful impact.

What You'll Do

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
• Prepare and post recurring, adjusting, and year-end journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Prepare month-end closing information, schedules, and reports for review by the VP of Finance.
• Reconcile cash, payroll, customer accounts, and other balance sheet accounts to support monthly financial close activities.
• Monitor cash balances and activity and communicate cash flow needs, concerns, or trends to the VP of Finance.
• Review, code, and process Accounts Payable invoices and ensure timely vendor payments.
• Create and distribute Accounts Receivable invoices and assist with collection efforts and follow-up on outstanding balances.
• Work directly with vendors to obtain information, resolve discrepancies, and address outstanding issues.
• Approve closed cash drawers and prepare deposits through Altru and other applicable systems.
• Process payroll in partnership with the VP of Finance and Human Resources Director.
• File monthly and annual sales tax returns and maintain compliance with applicable reporting requirements.
• Maintain organized financial records and supporting documentation in accordance with retention requirements and best practices.
• Support the annual audit process by preparing schedules, reports, and documentation requested by auditors.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal policies, and established financial controls.
• Identify, communicate, and help implement opportunities to improve accounting processes, internal controls, efficiency, and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2-5 years experience in a related role.
• Non-profit accounting experience/knowledge.
• Must pass a pre-employment background screening.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience with Financial Edge NXT.

Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Occasional need to transport bank deposits

Competitive Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Seven paid holidays
• Additional paid leave during severe weather closures
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Simple IRA with employer match
• Additional KNC employee benefits

Our Hiring Timeline

At KNC, we believe important hiring decisions deserve time and care. We're committed to finding the right person for this role while being respectful of candidates' schedules during the winter holiday season.

November-December

Application review period

December: Initial phone conversations with selected candidates

January: First-round interviews

February: Final-round interviews

March: Target start date

We'll communicate regularly with candidates throughout the process and do our best to accommodate scheduling needs wherever possible.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Kalamazoo Nature Center values the strength that diverse perspectives bring to our workplace and mission. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute.

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.