Staff Accountant

Description

The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world’s leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people’s oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute’s founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.  

The ADA Forsyth Institute is seeking a detail-oriented and organized Staff Accountant to join our Finance team. This position supports the day-to-day accounting operations of the Institute, including general ledger activities, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end closing processes. The ideal candidate will have strong accounting skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment. The position is hybrid and requires 3 days per week onsite in Somerville, MA.

General Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Prepare and post journal entries, including accruals, prepaid expenses, depreciation, and reclassifications.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations and research and resolve discrepancies.
• Allocate expenses across departments, grants, and cost centers.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing activities to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Accounts Payable 

• Review and process vendor invoices, check requests, and employee expense reimbursements.
• Verify appropriate account coding, approvals, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9 forms.
• Respond to vendor inquiries and reconcile vendor statements.
• Assist with annual 1099 reporting.

Accounts Receivable

• Prepare and issue invoices for grants, contracts, and services.
• Record and apply cash receipts and deposits.
• Monitor outstanding receivables and follow up on past-due balances.
• Reconcile accounts receivable balances to the general ledger.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with annual financial audits, Uniform Guidance audits, and Form 990 preparation.
• Support the maintenance of internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and efficiencies.
• Assist with special projects and other accounting responsibilities as assigned.

Required

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of accounting experience, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and accounts payable/receivable.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and general accounting principles.
• Experience supporting month-end closing activities.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions, and formulas.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred

• Experience in nonprofit, higher education, or research institution accounting.
• Familiarity with federal grant accounting, particularly NIH funding and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
• Experience with NetSuite or a similar accounting system.
• Experience with expense management and accounts payable automation systems.

At the ADA Forsyth Institute, you will be part of an organization dedicated to improving oral and overall health through groundbreaking research, education, and community programs. We offer a collaborative work environment and the opportunity to contribute to an organization making a meaningful impact on public health.