Staff Accountant

Company Description

Liberty Fund was founded in 1960 by Pierre F. Goodrich to make a hopeful contribution to the “preservation, restoration, and development of individual liberty through investigation, research, and educational activity.” Today, Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private educational foundation that encourages the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals. As part of its program, Liberty Fund conducts scholarly conferences each year and publishes books and websites in the fields of economics, history, philosophy, political thought, and literature.  

Role Description

The Staff Accountant (Finance & Operations Support) is responsible for supporting Liberty Fund’s accounting and financial operations, including reconciliations, journal entries, and month-end close activities. This position also provides cross-functional support to human resources and administrative operations, contributing to the efficient functioning of the department and entire organization.

This role is designed as a professional accounting position with opportunities for growth and advancement within the accounting function. The Staff Accountant will develop a strong foundation in financial processes while gaining exposure to operational and human resource functions. This is a full-time, on-site role located in Carmel, IN, for a Staff Accountant. This position reports to the Controller and is not responsible for the supervision of others.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

Accounting and Financial Operations

• Oversee the tracking and monitoring of building-related expenses managed by the property management company; work closely with the Office Manager to review activity, reconcile expenses to the general ledger, and prepare and post related journal entries to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Lead the maintenance of the fixed asset ledger, including tracking additions, disposals, and transfers; reconcile fixed asset activity to the general ledger and prepare and post related journal entries to ensure accurate capitalization and depreciation.
• Lead the collection and review of investment manager statements, including private equity and other alternative investments; reconcile investment activity to the general ledger and prepare related journal entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Manage treasury activities, including monitoring cash balances and liquidity across operating and savings accounts; perform timely monthly bank reconciliations and prepare and post related journal entries to ensure accurate cash reporting and effective financial control.
• Manage corporate purchasing card activity for the department, including monitoring transactions, ensuring proper documentation and receipt matching within the expense reporting system, and enforcing compliance with organizational policies; reconcile activity to the general ledger to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in corporate purchasing card activity, supporting departments including IT, executives, and others in monitoring transactions; provide guidance on proper documentation and receipt matching within the expense reporting system, ensure compliance with organizational policies, and reconcile activity to the general ledger to support accurate financial reporting.
• General support month-end and year-end close processes and assist in the preparation and posting of journal entries. Maintain general ledger integrity and assist in resolving discrepancies.
• Assist with financial reporting and internal analysis as needed.
• Using available tools and technology, identify opportunities to improve accounting processes and internal controls.
• Support audit processes by preparing schedules and documentation for external auditors use.

Human Resources Support

• Support employee onboarding and offboarding processes, including documentation and system updates.
• Provide support for compliance tracking and reporting requirements.
• Assists with corporate wellness initiatives, including monthly newsletters, oversight of the Liberty Fund fitness room, scheduling of fitness professionals and other activities related to wellness.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Oversee management of organizational subscriptions (e.g., Wall Street Journal, The Free Press, and similar services), including tracking renewals, coordinating user access, maintaining records, and ensuring proper expense allocation and documentation.
• Provides limited administrative support to the Controller to leverage the Controller’s time involved in executive management issues. Handles a variety of responsibilities involving confidential and time sensitive material. 
• Provide general administrative support to finance and operations functions.
• Support internal systems, documentation, and process organization.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and operational initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by the Controller and other management as required.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace applications.

Desirable Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity and interest in the effective and responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance efficiency while maintaining data integrity, confidentiality, and sound judgment.
• Working knowledge of Sage Intacct, EmbursePro, Yooz, or any combination of these accounting software packages.
• Intellectual interest in specific subject areas of Liberty Fund.

Education and Experience Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from an accredited college or university.

1-3 years of relevant accounting, public accounting or financial experience preferred.