About the role
The Pulitzer Center seeks a detail-oriented accounting professional to support the financial operations that enable our mission-critical journalism work. As Staff Accountant, you'll ensure the accuracy and integrity of our financial records, the foundation that allows us to support independent journalists reporting on stories worldwide.
This is about more than processing transactions—it's about being part of the operational backbone that enables impactful journalism. You'll work closely with our Director of Finance and collaborate across teams to maintain the financial systems that support our grantees, programs, and organizational sustainability. If you are energized by the opportunity to build expertise in nonprofit finance while contributing to meaningful work, this role offers professional development and the satisfaction of supporting a mission driven organization.
Responsibilities
Daily Accounting Operations
- Process daily financial transactions, review bank activity, and prepare journal entries working closely with external accounting team to ensure accurate recording and proper coding
- Manage accounts payable operations including vendor setup on Trolley payment platform, form completion, and troubleshooting payment issues
- Serve as primary point of contact for payees and vendors regarding payment processes and account setup
Month-End and Financial Reporting
- Reconcile online donations between bank deposits and FundraiseUp reports, ensuring accurate upload to accounting system
- Review and accurately record bank account transactions in Sage Intacct while serving as liaison between HR and external accounting for payroll-related benefit invoices
- Support monthly close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
Year-End and Compliance
- Collaborate with Director of Finance on year-end close activities and prepare required schedules with supporting documentation for annual audit
- Work with Operations Coordinator and Director of Finance to prepare and process annual 1099 and 1042 tax forms
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and requirements throughout all financial activities
System and Process Management
- Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and recommend system enhancements to Director of Finance
- Work with Operations Team to develop and implement process improvements that increase efficiency
- Maintain documentation of accounting procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and knowledge transfer
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Development team to update online donation records twice monthly through bank activity review
- Coordinate with external accounting capacity and support team members across the organization as needed
- Participate in organizational planning processes and initiatives that support Pulitzer Center culture and values.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 1-3 years of experience in accounts payable, general ledger accounting, and reconciliations
- Strong knowledge of basic accounting principles and GAAP
- Advanced Excel skills with ability to manipulate and analyze financial data
- Availability during core business hours with strong communication, responsiveness and reliability
- Collaborative work style with ability to work effectively with others
- Detail-oriented with keen awareness of priorities and deadlines
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment with strong self-direction and accountability
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with nonprofit accounting and fund accounting principles
- Proficiency in Sage Intacct or willingness to learn accounting software quickly
- Experience with payment platforms (Trolley or similar)
- Knowledge of 1099 and 1042 filing requirements
- Proven track record of reliability and accountability in remote/hybrid work environments
- Ability to learn and navigate multiple financial systems efficiently
Success Metrics
Your impact will be measured by:
- Error-free transaction processing and reconciliations
- Consistent adherence to daily, monthly, and annual deadlines
- Implementation of recommended efficiency enhancements
- Effective partnerships with internal teams and external accounting support
- Accurate preparation of audit documentation and tax forms
- Demonstrated mastery of Sage Intacct and related financial platforms
- Growth in technical accounting skills and nonprofit finance knowledge
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, generous PTO, professional development support
- Remote work arrangement with flexibility for work-life balance
Location & Work Arrangement
This position is fully remote and open to candidates located anywhere in the United States, with a preference for candidates in Eastern or Central time zones to facilitate collaboration with the Finance team, organizational leadership, and external accounting partners.
Work Schedule: This role requires availability during core business hours (typically 9am-5pm ET/CT) for:
- Real-time collaboration with Finance Director and Operations team
- Coordination with external accounting team
- Month-end close activities and time-sensitive reconciliations
- Cross-functional meetings with Development, HR, and other departments
The ideal candidate will be comfortable with regular virtual collaboration, consistent daily availability during business hours, and flexible scheduling to accommodate month-end and year-end deadline pressures.
Employment at the Pulitzer Center
The Pulitzer Center is an equal opportunity employer. The Center is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where the individual differences among us, whether in terms of race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, physical challenge, or marital or family status, are (i) understood, respected, and appreciated, (ii) recognized as a source of strength, and (iii) valued as qualities that enrich the environment in which we work. See our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement for details.
The Center uses an established compensation philosophy in administering compensation. Offers are determined based on candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.