Jr Accountant / AP Accountant

We are looking for a detail-oriented Jr Accountant / AP Accountant to join a nonprofit organization in Carson, California on a contract basis with the potential for a permanent position. This role supports day-to-day accounts payable operations while helping maintain accurate financial records, strong documentation practices, and timely processing across multiple departments. The position also contributes to reconciliations, journal entries, and audit support, making it a strong fit for someone who enjoys both transactional accounting and broader month-end responsibilities.

Responsibilities:
• Manage high-volume, full-cycle accounts payable activities for multiple business units, ensuring invoices are reviewed, coded correctly, and processed on schedule.
• Maintain vendor records and supporting system data, including reviewing vendor setup information and confirming compliance with tax documentation requirements such as W-9 and 1099 forms.
• Coordinate payment processing by preparing checks, assembling required backup materials, and tracking outstanding or stale-dated checks for follow-up.
• Serve as a point of contact for departments and field teams on payables questions, reimbursement matters, petty cash documentation, and related issue resolution.
• Monitor sales tax records and support quarterly reporting by keeping payment-related tax information organized and up to date.
• Process corporate card activity, employee reimbursements, mileage, and petty cash requests while validating expense coding and obtaining missing details when needed.
• Prepare journal entries related to prepaid expenses, credit card activity, reallocations, accruals, and invoice reclassifications as part of monthly and year-end accounting cycles.
• Reconcile accounts payable aging and balance sheet accounts, investigate discrepancies, and help maintain accurate subsidiary ledger support.
• Assist with internal and external audit preparation by organizing accounts payable documentation and responding to requests in a timely manner.
• Provide cross-coverage for other accounts payable team members and support the Accounting Supervisor with additional accounting projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

• One to three years of accounting or accounts payable experience, preferably in a high-volume environment.

• Working knowledge of accounts payable procedures, account coding, journal entries, and account reconciliation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, with strong Excel skills; experience with accounting or ERP systems such as Dynamics NAV, Shelby, or similar platforms is preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with internal teams, managers, and external vendors.

• High level of accuracy in data entry and recordkeeping, with the ability to manage deadlines and shifting priorities independently.

• Team-oriented approach, sound organizational skills, and a willingness to support the mission-driven environment of a nonprofit organization.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, reach overhead, handle filing materials or office supplies, and work occasional Saturdays or additional hours when needed.