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Staff Accountant

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

F/T Non-exempt

UNIT

Finance

OPEN DATE

03/20/2026

Position Summary:

The Staff Accountant is responsible for a variety of day-to-day operations of the finance department, including processing the biweekly payroll.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Oversee collection, deposit, and accurate recording of revenue from all sources. Forward documentation of payments to appropriate departments.
  2. Work with Store and Visitor Services staff to collect, reconcile, and record daily receipts.
  3. Monitor bank accounts and prepare Daily Cash Activity report. Reconcile deposits and credit receipts to the bank. Deposit cash in bank as needed.
  4. Review revenue logs and coordinate end of month procedures with external accounting firm.
  5. Upload electronic timesheet file to third-party payroll processor. Process, coordinate review, and submit payroll. Distribute paychecks.
  6. Create and maintain records of new and existing employees in the HRIS system. 
  7. Train the HR Assistant to act as backup for processing of the biweekly payroll and to create employee records in the system.
  8. Set up online accounts for and interact with a variety of external entities as required to fulfill needs of our third-party Payroll processor.
  9. Work with HR to provide data for annual compliance reporting.
  10. Prepare records and file monthly prepayments and quarterly sales tax returns to the CA-DTFA.
  11. Maintain Petty Cash fund. Fulfill reimbursement requests from staff. Replenish fund as needed.
  12. Other duties as assigned.
  13. Staff members must be able to work with visitors of all ages to support the various events sponsored by the Museum. Each staff member will be expected to work on a minimum of three museum-wide events per year: 
    • JANM Gala & Online Auction—(off-site) typically held in the Spring (April-May) 
    • Oshogatsu Family Festival (1st Sunday in January)
    • Natsumatsuri Family Festival (Saturday in August)

This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Incumbent will perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions outlined above. 

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience/Knowledge

At least 3 years of accounting and one year of payroll experience. Willingness to learn and apply new skills. Strong proofreading skills. Ability to discern how to prioritize, plan, and manage tasks according to firm deadlines, clearly communicate delays, and respond to requests in a timely manner is required. Being able to work well in a team as well as working independently is imperative. Demonstrated commitment and flexibility in order to ensure a high level of quality service. Ability to adjust and provide appropriate action when unanticipated need arises. Knowledge of Japanese American history and culture is a plus. Prior experience in a nonprofit organization is a plus.

Communication

Has excellent communication skills. Must be able to provide courteous and effective service to co-workers, volunteers, and the general public. Is able to read, write, and comprehend routine reports and correspondence, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals. Is able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group format and large group format.  

Computer

Is Computer literate, Internet savvy, and experienced with MS Office and Google Suite is required. Familiarity with Altru, Asana, and merchant processing software is preferred. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.

Math

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.

Reasoning

Ability to act on own initiative, making consistently sound decisions. Must be able to comply with institutional policies and procedures. Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload. Ability to make practical decisions and solve problems, adapt to change, and communicate effectively. Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and articulate challenges and request support where needed. Reliable follow-through on assigned projects in a complete, well-conceived, and timely manner. 

Physical

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 

The Staff Accountant is a regular, full-time position. Please note, however, that this is an at-will position, meaning that your employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause. There is, in other words, no guarantee that you will be employed until any date in the future.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To: D.Van Kirk, CFO

Positions Supervised: None

Salary Range

$28 to $30 per hour; DOE