Accountant - Usona Institute

Job Description

JOB OBJECTIVE : At Usona, we are committed to advancing psychedelic science to support mental health and well-being. As an Accountant, you'll play a critical role in financial stewardship that directly supports our clinical research mission. This position is responsible for transaction processing, month-end close, reconciliations, grant monitoring, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulations. You will collaborate across departments to deliver accurate financial insights and improve processes through documentation, automation, and AI integration. We support your growth-whether through deepening technical skills, leading initiatives, or engaging in cross-functional work in a dynamic nonprofit environment.

While this role is posted as a full-time opportunity, we are open to considering part-time arrangements for the right candidate based on experience and alignment with our core needs.

CORE DUTIES :

1. Accounts payable / Accounts Receivable. Manage the end-to-end accounts payable and receivable cycle, ensuring timely processing, accurate coding, proactive issue resolution and monthly reconciliation. Setup and maintain vendor profiles. Process credit card expenses, to include coding / allocations.

2. Fixed Assets. Maintain the fixed asset ledger and depreciation schedules, including timely additions and retirements of assets. Perform monthly reconciliations of fixed asset records to the general ledger to ensure accuracy and compliance.

3. Cash. Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and related journal entries to ensure the accuracy of cash balances.

4. Prepaids. Maintain and update the schedule of prepaid expenses and other assets. Amortize balances monthly and reconcile to the general ledger to ensure accuracy and proper expense recognition.

5. Liabilities. Identify and record required accruals, including lease liabilities at each month-end and maintain a detailed schedule to be reconciled to the general ledger.

6. Restricted Fund Management. Maintain accurate tracking and reconciliation of donor-restricted and unrestricted contributions in alignment with donor intent, internal policies, and GAAP. Partner internally to ensure appropriate fund utilization, timely reporting, and audit-ready documentation that supports transparency.

7. Analyses / Special Projects. Contribute to cross-functional projects that enhance Usona's strategic impact.

8. Contribute to a forward-thinking team actively exploring and implementing emerging tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency and decision making within accounting and finance workflows.

9. Tax / Audit. File quarterly Withholding Reports, manage charity tax registrations and prepare 1099's. Work with external auditors and contribute to year-end financial audit requests.

10. Internal controls. Maintain a strong internal control environment by ensuring the development, documentation, and implementation of internal controls.

11. Work environment. Demonstrate inclusion through your own words and actions and be accountable for a safe workspace. Act with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.

12. Embrace and be open to incorporating Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.

13. Understand and comply with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS :

1. 3-5 years of experience in a comparable accounting role.

2. Experience with or knowledge of QuickBooks Online and Bill.com.

3. Proficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and Word.

4. Eagerness to learn and experiment with new technologies that enhance finance and accounting operations.

5. Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.

6. High attention to detail and accuracy.

7. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

8. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

1. Nonprofit accounting experience, Clinical Trials accounting, Public accounting experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

1. Ability to use computer and telephone equipment.

At Usona, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating a culture where everyone belongs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that employment decisions are made fairly and equitably.