Staff Accountant

Arts for Learning Maryland (formerly Young Audiences of Maryland) is devoted to enriching the lives and education of Maryland's youth through educational and culturally diverse arts programs. Through Arts for Learning, professional teaching artists from all disciplines partner with educators, schools, and school districts to provide -- on average -- over 560,000 hours of learning in, through, and about the arts to more than 155,000 Maryland students annually.

Arts for Learning is a mission-driven organization that values community, innovation, and passion. The staff, board, and teaching artists have a shared commitment to advance equity in the field of education by working tirelessly to generate opportunities for students to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts.

The Staff Accountant plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the organization's financial systems. This position provides essential support for audits, tax preparation, budgeting, and grant management while partnering closely with leadership to strengthen financial processes and inform strategic decision-making. The Staff Accountant also serves as a point of contact for staff across the organization, external vendors, and auditors, ensuring operational efficiency and financial health. This is a Full-time, exempt position reporting to the Finance Director.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Monitor and strengthen accounting systems to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance with standards and reporting requirements.
• Support annual audits and preparation of annual tax documents.
• Prepare and present financial data to support decision-making by executive leadership and senior management.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations.
• Support month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Assist with budgets, forecasting, profitability assessments, and financial metrics reporting.
• Prepare financial statements, budgets, and other reports as needed for leadership, the board, and auditors.
• Support the transition and continuous improvement of the accounting platform, templates, and trackers.
• Monitor and manage organizational cash flow to ensure operational liquidity.
• Develop and maintain consistent accounting controls, policies, and procedures.

Grant Management

• Develop and maintain grant templates, schedules, and trackers.
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure timely spend-down and compliance with grant budgets.
• Support grant proposals, budget submissions, and progress reports.
• Provide financial guidance to staff on grant-related requirements.
• Serve as a financial point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders regarding grants.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Assess and improve financial policies, procedures, and systems to safeguard assets and minimize risk.
• Ensure compliance with accounting regulations and internal control standards.
• Maintain organized and accurate records for audit readiness and records retention policies.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks across the organization.

Operational Accounting

• Accounts Payable: Process invoices, verify discrepancies, issue payments, and resolve vendor issues.
• Accounts Receivable: Generate invoices, track payments, follow up on overdue accounts, and reconcile discrepancies.
• General Ledger: Record transactions, maintain the general ledger, and ensure accurate documentation.
• Bank & Balance Sheet Reconciliations: Regularly reconcile accounts, research discrepancies, and resolve issues.
• Payroll: Partner with People Operations (POPs) to ensure accurate payroll transactions, tax withholdings, and benefits allocations.
• Expense Tracking: Monitor expenses, ensure adherence to budgets, and allocate properly.
• Collaboration: Serve as a financial liaison with internal teams, vendors, and stakeholders.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor and support direct reports, fostering professional growth and retention.
• Collaborate with management and executive leadership to ensure coordination between Finance, Administration, and other teams.
• Contribute to organizational policy and procedure improvements that support a forward-looking, growth-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• A strong commitment to financial management in a mission-driven organization.
• A deep commitment to equity and collaborative approaches to work.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships, navigate conflict respectfully, and foster alignment toward common goals.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate financial concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strategic and innovative thinking skills, with resourcefulness in problem-solving.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while balancing details and big-picture goals.
• Openness to feedback and commitment to growth.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, and Zoom, with advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks Online, Salesforce, Asana, Ramp, , UKG, and similar tools.

Requirements

• CPA, CIA, or CGFM designation (or in progress) preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, GAAS, GASB, grant accounting, and nonprofit financial management.
• At least five years of experience in a nonprofit accounting/finance role.
• Demonstrated experience leading staff and supporting organizational growth.
• Proven ability to support organization-wide change initiatives that improve profitability and sustainability.

We offer a starting annual salary of $80,000 and an attractive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision healthcare coverage, retirement contributions, and a flexible paid time off policy.

For consideration, please apply on our website at Please do not send applications that include headshots or photos of yourself. No phone calls or recruiters, please. All employees will be subject to a federal and state background check in accordance with state and federal law.

Arts for Learning Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to cultivating a diverse workforce and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, veteran status, and disability. All qualified applications will be given equal opportunity.