Accounting Assistant

Founded in 2002, in Springfield, MA, Gardening the Community (gardeningthecommunity.org) (GTC), a fiscally sponsored project of TSNE (tsne.org), is a food justice organization engaged in youth development, urban agriculture and sustainable living to build healthy and equitable communities.  GTC works with youth to grow food on vacant lots and organizes to expand healthy, affordable food access in the Mason Square neighborhoods of Springfield. GTC’s vision includes building a vibrant, healthy food system with just and equal access to it – one that recognizes and addresses inequity - so racism no longer determines the health or well-being of a neighborhood or community.

The Accounting Assistant is responsible for providing accounting, financial and administrative support to ensure the smooth operational functioning of Gardening the Community, particularly as it relates to handling cash and check deposits from sales and events, processing markets and wholesale operation transactions, invoicing, contract and grants management and data analysis and tracking.

Primary Job Responsibilities include:

• Prepare and/or review cash deposits; handle bank deposits as delegated.
• Review, reconcile and sign off on cash closeout reconciliation sheets for markets and events.
• Prepare checks for mailing to fiscal sponsor as needed. 
• Provide copies of checks to Development staff and for financial files.
• Prepare invoices in Concur for approval by Director.
• Prepare receipts and submissions for monthly Concur expense reports.
• Review staff financial reports for accuracy and appropriate grant and expense allocations.
• Reconcile wireless terminal receipts and assign project and activity codes and submit for internal GTC designee approval.
• Reconcile donations recorded through fiscal sponsor (TSNE) with GTC CRM payment processor records.
• Input sales data and produce purchase invoices into market spreadsheet; provide relevant monthly reports to Director.
• Prepare monthly invoices for wholesale customers and sponsors and track and oversee overdue accounts.
• Organize and update vendor and contractor accounts in Concur.
• Monitor grants expense allocations to ensure expenses are being allocated properly and prepare reports for Director.
• Perform bi-monthly petty cash reconciliation.
• Work on special projects that require analysis and evaluation of data.
• Drive GTC refrigerated truck and passenger van, only as needed.
• Completion of Undoing Racism Workshop (required upon hire).
• Other duties as assigned.

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two year degree, preferably in accounting or related field.
• Two years experience in bookkeeping, accounting, financial management or related field, preferred.
• Word processing and data entry skills.
• Microsoft Office application skills:  Word and Excel.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex work-related instructions and problems.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Experience with Concur or other automated expense accounting.
• Experience with complex spreadsheets and data analysis, preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice and to the mission of GTC.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Successful Drivers License Check.
• Successful Background/CORI Check.
• Knowledge of the Springfield community.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those for this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Work is performed in an office environment and in close proximity to other workers.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to:

• Handle, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Reach; traverse; sit (usually for longer periods of time); occasionally ascend/descend; and position self (to) move.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Job is not subject to significant occupational or environmental hazards.
• Likelihood of personal injury would be relatively slight.
• Environmental and work hazards are not present to a measurable degree.

Regarding COVID-19: TSNE considers the health and safety of our employees of the utmost importance, and due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and subject to your state and local laws, our policy requires that all employees performing in-person work at a TSNE designated office are fully vaccinated. For the purpose of this policy, fully vaccinated indicates that you have received a single dose of the Janssen vaccine, or both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Certain exemptions may be requested and will be considered by Human Resources.

Compensation and Benefits

Location: Work will be primarily performed remotely. Occasionally work will be done at Gardening the Community in Springfield, MA.

Schedule: This position will be approximately 10 hours a week.

Compensation: The pay range for this position is $18/hr - $21/hr and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: This position is not eligible for benefits.

TSNE/GTC strives to achieve excellence through a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that embraces all of our individual and collective differences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We value and honor the unique talents, learning styles, and lived experiences of each individual that enrich and strengthen our workplace culture, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All employment conditions are based on an individual’s performance and job qualifications. TSNE/GTC prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, creed, color, religion, native language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, race-based hairstyles, or any other protected characteristic stated by federal and state law. Regardless of any class’ protection under the law or lack thereof, TSNE/GTC celebrates diversity and values the strengths that come with having a diverse team of employees. It is represented in our workplace culture, and it is who we are.

TSNE/GTC's EEO statement extends to volunteers, interns, contractors, vendors, and clients.