Senior Accountant

About Walker

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant is a key member of the Finance Department, responsible for delivering accurate, timely, and compliant financial information. As a growing nonprofit, we are seeking an ambitious, motivated, and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to contribute to organizational growth. This role combines core accounting responsibilities with advanced grant management, financial analysis, and process improvement initiatives. The Senior Accountant partners closely with program leaders, development staff, and external stakeholders to ensure strong financial stewardship, grant compliance, and operational excellence. 

Essential Functions

General Accounting & Operations

• Lead day-to-day finance operations with functional oversight of accounting payment systems, accounts payable, billing, banking, and general ledger processes while ensuring compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and nonprofit best practices.
• Ensure timely monthly closing processes, including preparation and posting of journal entries (revenue, deferred revenue, depreciation, accruals, payroll reclasses, employee benefit allocations).
• Prepare monthly invoices for all programs/customers and manage revenue recognition for fee-for-service, state contracts, tuition, and grants.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations and general ledger account reconciliations.
• Prepare accurate, well-documented monthly financial statements for management, leadership, and program teams.
• Record biweekly payroll for approximately 300 employees and maintain related reconciliation schedules.

Grant Accounting & Compliance

• Serve as the lead accountant for all government and private grants, including federal, state, municipal, and foundation-funded initiatives.
• Track, monitor, and report on grant spending to ensure compliance with award requirements, budgets, and allowable cost principles.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual grant invoices and reimbursement claims to federal and state agencies (e.g., DESE, EEC, DMH, DCF, etc.).
• Maintain detailed grant files including award letters, budgets, contract modifications, and supporting documentation.
• Support program managers in understanding grant requirements, spending patterns, and variances; provide proactive financial analysis and recommendations.
• Assist with pre- and post-award grant activities including budget development, financial forecasting, and grant close-out.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Assist in developing the annual organizational budget and multi-year financial forecasts.
• Collaborate with Directors and Program Managers to support program-level budgeting, reporting, and performance metrics.
• Identify trends, variances, and opportunities for operational improvement; develop dashboards, tools, and metrics to enhance financial decision-making.

Systems, Process Improvement, & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Maintain and improve accounting systems and workflows; support implementation and enhancements of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Continia, and Paycom.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures for finance functions, grant accounting, and reporting processes.
• Participate in cross-department initiatives to support agency growth, streamline processes, and improve data integrity.
• Mentor junior finance team members and contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or applicable coursework preferred.
• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
• CPA (or progress toward CPA) preferred but not required.

Experience

• 4+ years of accounting experience required, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Experience with grant accounting, government grants, and/or fee-for-service billing strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a growing or evolving organization is a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data for non-financial users.
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer-service skills; proven ability to build collaborative relationships across departments.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, data analysis, etc.).
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Continia, Paycom, and Tableau or other reporting/BI tools is a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit sound professional judgment.

Supervision Received

Reports to Controller

Equal Opportunity Statement

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.