Jr. Accountant
Operations Department
Reporting to: Finance Accountant
Full-Time; Exempt
Location: Hybrid (Washington, D.C. or New York)
Salary Range: $60,000-$70,000
Kennedy Human Rights seeks a full-time, detail-oriented and mission-aligned Junior Accountant to support the day-to-day financial operations of the organization. Reporting directly to the Accountant, this role will primarily focus on accounts payable - processing invoices, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring accurate and timely payments - while also providing broader bookkeeping and financial support. This is an ideal position for an early career accounting professional looking to deepen their experience within the nonprofit sector and accounts payable field.
About the OperationsDepartment:
The Operations Department is made up of the core team which helps run the day-to-day operations that keep Kennedy Human Rights up and running. The team includes HR, IT, Finance, and Office Administration. We strive to provide an environment and services that both enhance the quality of our engagement while also improving the processes that help us reach our organizational goals.
Responsibilities:
Accounts Payable
- Process vendor invoices accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring proper coding to the correct cost centers, grants, and project codes.
- Review and verify invoices and expense reports for appropriate documentation, approvals, and alignment with organizational policies.
- Prepare and process check runs, ACH payments, and wire transfers in coordination with the Accountant and senior leadership.
- Maintain organized and up-to-date vendor files and records, including W-9 forms and contract documentation.
- Respond to vendor inquiries regarding payment status and resolve discrepancies promptly and professionally.
- Support the annual 1099 preparation process, ensuring all required vendor information is collected and accurate.
Bookkeeping & Financial Support
- Assist with monthly bank and credit card reconciliations under the guidance of the Accountant.
- Support the month-end and year-end close processes, including preparing journal entries and supporting schedules.
- Help maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy of financial data in the accounting system.
- Assist in tracking expenditures against program and grant budgets, flagging variances for the Accountant's review.
- Assists Accountant with annual audit and 990 filing; gathers necessary account information and documents to perform annual audit and 990 filing;
- Coordinate with Development Team in the review and preparation of grant applications + reporting;
- Support the preparation of financial reports for internal leadership and external stakeholders, including funders and the board.
Operations & Compliance
- Assist with documentation and record-keeping to support the annual audit and any funder-required financial reporting.
- Maintains knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), practices and procedures;
- Help maintain organized financial files (digital and physical) in accordance with record retention policies.
- Help manage and recommend updates to enhance the accounting software system (i.e. Quickbooks, Ramp, etc.) and future integrations w/ CRMs (i.e. Salesforce);
- Support the implementation of or improvement to internal financial controls and processes as the organization grows.
- Coordinate with Accountant and Director of Human Resources for filing of tax forms with federal, state, and local government agencies;
- Contribute to ad hoc financial projects and analysis as requested by the Accountant or senior leadership.
Qualifications:
- 1-3 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related financial role (internships and part-time experience considered).
- Working knowledge of accounts payable processes, including invoice processing, payment workflows, and vendor management.
- Knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and financial statement preparation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets; comfort working with financial data and spreadsheets.
- Proficiency and experience working with Quickbooks or a similar accounting software;
- Experience working with online billing systems such as Ramp, or similar systems;
- Ability to read and analyze Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet Statements;
- Ability to learn and update CRM database systems such as Salesforce;
- Ability to crunch numbers and utilize systems such as Microsoft Excel;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- Attention to detail, you're able to scope out errors and willing to fix mistakes;
- Time management, you have the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
- High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
- Innovative thinking, an unwillingness to accept things as they are, and a strong work ethic are essential;
- Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
- Inclusive, you're excited to work with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.
Preferred but not required qualifications:
- Experience with nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting, grant tracking, or restricted/unrestricted fund management.
- Experience supporting annual audits or preparing audit schedules.
No phone calls please. Kennedy Human Rights Center will contact qualified candidates directly.
Kennedy Human Rights Center is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you're in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line "Accommodation Request". Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud
- Having interviews in a more accessible location/format