Accounting Assistant

The Accounting Assistant provides essential day-to-day support to the finance function, ensuring accurate financial records and timely processing of transactions. This role requires an understanding of basic accounting processes, proactive problem-solving, and strong excel skills. This role is ideal for an early-career accounting professional who is detail-oriented, organized, and interested in gaining experience in nonprofit accounting.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WISCONSIN

United Ways enhances lives and strengthens communities by collaborating with partners to address disparities and create opportunities, enabling all individuals in Wisconsin to flourish. Our statewide initiatives include 211 Wisconsin, Volunteer Wisconsin, Workforce Development, and Techquity Wi. In addition, we offer member support services to both local and independent United Ways throughout Wisconsin, as well as operating 211 regional contact centers. As a state association we support local United Ways to engage partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to confront the underlying causes of complex challenges, generating meaningful outcomes for residents across the state.

Core Competencies

• Advanced Excel skills
• Accuracy and reliability
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines
• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES

Associates are responsible for completing task-based work flows according to standard operating procedures and supervisor direction. They support documentation, logistics and data entry and interface with internal and external partners.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Process vendor invoices, partner and employee reimbursements, and credit card transactions
• Prepare payments in accordance with internal controls
• Record incoming donations and revenue
• Assist with accounts receivable tracking
• Prepare compliance and funder documentation

General Accounting Support

• Enter journal entries under supervision
• Assist with monthly bank and credit card reconciliations
• Maintain accurate and organized funder expense documentation, financial records, and files
• Support month-end close activities as assigned

Payroll & Compliance Support

• Assist with payroll processing and related reconciliations
• Help ensure compliance with organizational policies and basic nonprofit accounting standards
• Prepare documentation for audits, funders, and internal reviews

Administrative & Team Support

• Respond to routine finance-related inquiries from staff
• Assist with process improvements and documentation
• Provide general support to the finance team as needed

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field or equivalent relevant experience
• 1–3 years of bookkeeping, accounting, or finance support experience
• Basic understanding of accounting principles
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, Blackbaud, or similar)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization
• Familiarity with fund accounting or restricted funds
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (in progress or completed)

Growth Opportunity

This position offers exposure to nonprofit finance operations and opportunities to grow skills in accounting, compliance, and financial reporting over time.