Staff Accountant Accounts Payable and Operations

Position: Staff Accountant – Accounts Payable & Operations

Location: Pioneer, San Jose, Ca

Reports To: Controller

Type: Full Time, Exempt

Compensation: $75-85K Annually

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980 HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area and Sonoma County community through low barrier programming and systems leadership-meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Staff Accountant – Accounts Payable & Operations is a full-time, salaried accounting professional responsible for managing all accounts payable functions and supporting broader accounting activities. This entry-level role is ideal for a candidate who is detail-oriented, adaptable, and eager to learn, with strong communication and problem-solving skills. The Staff Accountant – Accounts Payable & Operations will maintain accurate financial records, assist in month-end closing, and ensure the integrity of financial data while efficiently performing accounts payable operations, including high-volume check runs and payment processing.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

Accounts Payable & Payment Processing

• Review invoices to ensure proper approval, coding, and compliance before posting and payment.
• Prepare and execute check runs, including:
  • Compiling all required payments for the period
  • Identifying priority items and deadlines
  • Determining the most appropriate payment method (check vs. electronic)
  • Securing necessary approvals before processing
  • Processing payments accurately and on time, maintaining proper documentation
• Process checks requests, vendor invoices, and prepare deposits.
• Maintain and update 1099/W9 records.
• Reconcile vendor statements, research discrepancies, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Input and maintain accurate accounts payable records in the accounting system.
• Generate accounts payable reports and analyze payment schedules.
• Maintain organized filing systems for all accounts payable documentation.

Month-End & Financial Support

• Assist with month-end closing procedures and journal entries as needed.
• Support audits and other accounting requests related to accounts payable.
• Perform other accounting duties as assigned to support departmental goals.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Learn and adapt quickly to new accounting systems and processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, efficiency, and data accuracy.
• Utilize Excel and other tools for data analysis, reporting, and problem-solving.

Professional Skills & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with internal teams, vendors, and external partners.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Maintain a professional attitude, high work ethic, and attention to detail.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments and adapt to changing priorities.

BENEFITS

HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 8 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT

At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

QUALIFICATIONS (YOU HAVE)

Education & Experience

• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 0–3 years of accounting experience, including familiarity with full-cycle accounts payable.
• Experience with computerized accounting systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to learn new systems and processes quickly.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of GAAP and basic accounting principles.
• Aptitude for problem-solving, data analysis, and maintaining accuracy under deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize, exercise judgment, and take responsibility for high-dollar transactions.

Other Requirements

• Ability to perform sedentary work; occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods and perform routine physical movements as needed.
• Comfortable working with people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based or hybrid work environment.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.
• Occasional meetings with internal and external stakeholders.