Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW & DESCRIPTION The Mexican Heritage Plaza (MHP) seeks a detail-oriented and mission-driven
Accountant to support the organization's financial operations during a period of growth and expanded community impact.
This role plays a critical part in maintaining accurate financial records, supporting grant and fund accounting, and ensuring compliance with nonprofit
GAAP accounting standards. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments to support financial transparency and accountability.
The position works closely with the finance team and program staff to ensure financial information is accurate, timely,
and aligned with the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND MHP envisions a world where creativity inspires compassion and vibrant communities. The organization's mission is to champion community heritage, strength, and resiliency through the activation of arts and culture as a pathway for community preservation and celebration. The organization is guided by the following values:
- LEADERSHIP: We believe that a shared leadership model is rooted in and informed by the individual as well as the collective, and we value the leadership held by all members of our team and community.
- VOICE: SOAC will use its platform, institutional power, and influence to ensure that the hopes, needs, and concerns of the community we serve are seen and recognized.
- CREATIVITY : We believe in the transformative power of the arts. Creativity is the foundation of our humanity.
- HERITAGE : Heritage encompasses cultural traditions and foundations that groups share. We connect to our collective past experiences as they inform and help to define current contexts and future hopes. We celebrate our heritage even as we create new experiences.
- INCLUSION : Inclusion is a state of belonging. SOAC believes that equitable access to resources ensures a thriving community. Therefore, the Mexican Heritage Plaza is open and welcoming to everyone.
- PLACE : The concept of place is broader than a single facility. As an anchor organization for East San Jose, the School of Arts and Culture activates the vibrancy and celebration of our local community. We take pride in the richness and potential of our Eastside neighborhoods.
- SERVICE : SOAC considers itself a servant of the community. We recognize that in order to inspire leadership, we must approach every interaction from a place of humility and respect.
With a dynamic staff, MHP delivers unique classes, activates the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) through community events, and offers cultural programs that embrace all, while rooted in Mexican Arts. By activating La Plaza, SOAC serves local residents, artists, and business owners, engaging over 100,000 people annually in community events and arts experiences.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES General Accounting - Maintain the general ledger and ensure accurate recording of financial transactions in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit Accrual accounting standards
- Prepare and post journal entries (example - Prepaid Expenses, Accrued Payables)
- Reconcile bank accounts, credit card accounts, and key balance sheet accounts on a monthly basis
- Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
- Maintain schedules and supporting documentation for financial reporting
Accounts Payable, Credit Cards - Manage the accounts payable process through Bill.com, including reviewing invoices, ensuring proper coding, and preparing payments in accordance with organizational policies and approval workflows
- Ensure Bill.com is properly synced to our accounting software (QuickBooks Online) for all expenses, including credit card transactions.
- Maintain accurate vendor records and supporting documentation for all disbursements
- Process and reconcile organizational credit card transactions, ensuring appropriate documentation, coding, and timely reconciliation of statements
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of financial transactions while maintaining strong internal controls
- Assist with tracking restricted expenses for Grants, Sponsorships, Fiscal sponsorships.
Financial Reporting - Prepare internal financial reports and supporting schedules
- Assist with the preparation of financial materials for management and board reporting
- Support variance analysis and budget tracking
Audit & Compliance - Assist with preparation for the annual financial audit and tax filings
- Maintain organized documentation to support internal controls and compliance
- Support the implementation and improvement of financial policies and procedures
Systems & Process Improvement - Help strengthen financial processes and internal controls as the organization grows
- Maintain accounting records within the organization's financial management system
- Support improvements to financial reporting and operational workflows
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 3-7 years of accounting experience (nonprofit experience strongly preferred)
- Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting
- Experience with financial systems and accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, or NetSuite
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Key Competencies - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance staff
- Collaborative and service-oriented approach to internal partners
- Commitment to transparency, accountability, and mission-driven work
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Preferred - Experience with nonprofit audits and grant reporting
- Experience in managing Federal, State, and local grants
- Experience with Bill.com or similar accounts payable platforms
- Experience with Payroll Platforms - Rippling
- CPA or progress toward CPA is a plus
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT S - Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer (typically 6+ hours per day)
- Ability to use a computer keyboard and mouse repetitively for data entry and financial reporting tasks
- Ability to lift and carry files, office supplies, or materials up to 15-20 lbs occasionally
- Manual dexterity sufficient to handle paperwork, filing, and office equipment (scanner, copier, etc.)
- Visual acuity sufficient to review financial documents, spreadsheets, and detailed numerical data
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing with staff, vendors, and stakeholders
- Ability to attend occasional evening or weekend community events onsite at the Plaza as needed
- Ability to travel occasionally to off-site meetings with partners and stakeholders (local travel)
- Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role
Acknowledgment: This job description is designed to outline the essential job functions and qualifications of this position. It is not an employment contract between MHP and the employee. The information contained in this document may or may not be used in performance reviews, salary reviews, or promotion considerations. Job duties, responsibilities, and/or qualifications of this job may change throughout employment as directed by MHP management.
The pay range for this role is:
75,000 - 85,000 USD per year (MHP)
Job Tags
Contract work, Work at office, Local area, Afternoon shift