Sr Accountant (Non-profit, Cleantech Incubator)

About LACI

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a nonprofit organization creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation (through working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies), transforming markets (through catalytic partnerships in zero emission transportation, clean energy and sustainable cities) and enhancing communities (through workforce development, pilots and other programs). Originally founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world.

Learn more at laci.org

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant is responsible for the day-to-day accounting operations of the organization and serves as the primary owner of the month-end and year-end close processes, general ledger integrity, and financial reporting accuracy.

Reporting to the Vice President of Finance, this role ensures all financial transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with U.S. GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable grant and donor requirements.

The Senior Accountant plays a critical role in maintaining strong internal controls, supporting audit readiness, and ensuring the integrity of financial data used for organizational decision-making.

This position partners closely within the Finance Team to ensure accurate and timely financial data supports budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and organizational decision-making.

What You’ll Do

• General Accounting & Close: Execute the month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Prepare, review, and post journal entries including accruals, allocations, and recurring entries. Perform and review balance sheet account reconciliations and monitor general ledger activity to ensure accuracy. Coordinate accounting close timelines and deliverables across Finance to support timely financial reporting. Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen close efficiency and accurac
• Financial Reporting & General Ledger Integrity: Prepare accounting schedules and financial data supporting monthly and annual reporting. Ensure financial statements are accurate and aligned with U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards. Maintain integrity of the general ledger structure, including chart of accounts maintenance/updates. Support preparation of financial reporting materials. Ensure consistency and accuracy of financial data used across Finance functions
• Grants, Restricted Funds & Revenue Accounting: Record and track restricted and unrestricted grant revenue in accordance with donor and funder requirements. Record and monitor grant-related expenditures in accordance with approved budgets and funding restrictions. Prepare grant financial reports and supporting schedules for funders and auditors. Maintain accurate tracking of program and grant activity within the general ledger. Support compliance with federal, state, and private grant requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
• Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls: Coordinate audit preparation, including schedules, documentation, and auditor requests. Support the annual financial statement audit and Form 990 preparation. Maintain and support implementation of internal control procedures across accounting operations. Ensure adherence to organizational policies and financial governance standards. Support compliance with nonprofit regulatory and reporting requirements.
• Treasury & Cash Reconciliation Support: Perform and review bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner. Monitor bank and cash activity to ensure accurate recording in the general ledger. Support reconciliation of cash accounts and related balance sheet accounts. Ensure proper documentation and support for all cash-related transactions. Provide accounting inputs and reconciliations to support cash flow reporting and liquidity analysis

Why You’re Right for the Job

• You’re super organized. In fact, your organization, attention to detail and time management skills are award-worthy! (Color-coded Excel spreadsheets and pivot tables, anyone?)
• You’re a numbers person who is also a people person. In addition to your crazy accounting skills, you are an excellent communicator, great listener, and you’re not afraid to ask questions.
• You’re willing to go the extra mile. You’re a go-getter and self-starter with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• You’re adaptable. You can flex comfortably between working independently with limited supervision, and operating fluidly within a dynamic team environment.
• People trust you. You are honest, trustworthy and have the ability to maintain discretion in handling sensitive information.

Requirements

Basically, we want to know you can get the job done. This means you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 3+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably with nonprofit accounting and financial reporting
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles
• Experience leading month-end close processes and general ledger accounting
• Strong experience with account reconciliations and financial reporting
• Experience supporting audits and preparing audit schedules
• Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision and to maintain confidentiality and discretion
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities with competing deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills that enable work in a highly collaborative environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal grant compliance (Uniform Guidance / 2 CFR Part 200)
• CPA or CPA-track preferred but not required
• Experience with accounting systems such as QuickBooks Online, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, or similar
• Experience improving close processes or internal control environments

Work Requirements

• Hybrid role onsite from our Downtown LA office 3 days a week.

Position Details

This is a full-time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, in the bustling Downtown LA Arts District. Since we are rapidly growing, you will be getting in on the ground floor at LACI, with the opportunity to evolve with us and shape your future here.

Salary Range

Associate/Manager Range $90-103k commensurate with experience, education, skills, etc and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits and more.

In addition to working on a campus with other innovators, we offer industry competitive benefits including: paid holidays, vacation/sick time, health benefits, 401(k) plan, professional development, and paid parking. We also support alternative transportation with a metro pass for every employee.