Staff Accountant

The Hunt Institute’s mission is to provide unbiased research, technical expertise, and learning opportunities that equip and empower educators and policymakers to drive equitable reforms and become audacious champions for education. Since its establishment in 2001, the organization has emerged as a recognized and credible leader in the movement to transform American public education and a go-to source for reliable, objective, and timely information. The Institute works at the intersection of education policy and politics, supporting state and national officials and empowering them to drive education reform. Its mandate is to inspire and equip elected officials and senior policymakers to make informed decisions that improve the lives of all children. The Institute’s primary audience consists of governors, legislators, and other elected and state-level policymakers.

Position

The Hunt Institute is seeking a Staff Accountant to support the day-to-day work of the Finance department. This position will prepare month-end entries and reconciliations, process accounts payable and receivable, support grant and event reconciliations, and help keep the books current and audit-ready. The Staff Accountant will work from documented procedures in Sage Intacct and Rippling and will help The Institute use automation and AI tools to reduce manual work. This position reports to the Director of Finance and is based out of The Hunt Institute’s office in Cary, North Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Month-End Close

• Prepare prepaid expense schedules, reclassifications, and releases.

• Prepare monthly accrued expense entries and true-ups.

• Reconcile bank, investment, corporate card, and liability accounts each month, with all differences explained.

• Prepare journal entries and import files in Sage Intacct, following the chart of accounts and coding conventions.

• Complete assigned close checklist items on schedule so the month closes by the 10th business day.

Accounts Payable and Receivable

• Enter and code vendor bills, set up vendors, and collect W-9s before first payment.

• Support payment processing and mark payments using bank clearing dates.

• Set up funders and grants in Sage Intacct from award documentation, prepare invoices, and apply payments.

• Record donation platform deposits and other receipts.

Grants, Programs, and Events

• Code expenses to the correct program, department, and grant.

• Reconcile event budget trackers to the general ledger and prepare adjusting entries.

• Support budget-to-actual reporting and funder financial reports.

Compliance and Audit

• Prepare annual Form 1099 filings.

• Track refundable North Carolina state sales tax and prepare the semi-annual refund request.

• Prepare schedules and support for the annual audit and Form 990.

• Follow internal controls and maintain documentation for all work.

Process Improvement

• Keep standard operating procedures current.

• Use automation and AI tools approved by The Institute to reduce manual work, and suggest improvements.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Commitment to the mission and vision of The Hunt Institute.

• At least 2 years of accounting experience; nonprofit or grant accounting experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

• Experience with a cloud accounting system; Sage Intacct experience preferred.

• Strong Excel skills, including lookups and pivot tables.

• Comfort learning new software, automation, and AI tools.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to meet monthly deadlines.

• Discretion in handling confidential financial information.

Work Schedule

This hybrid position is based out of 5000 Centregreen Way, Suite 150, Cary, NC, 27513, with three on-site days per week. Occasional evenings and weekends, may be required for orientation, team meetings, audits, events and other priorities. Office hours: 8:30am-5:00pm Monday- Friday.

Benefits and Compensation

The Hunt Institute offers competitive compensation and an attractive benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental and vision plans, with optional upgrades available, and a 401(k) plan that includes a 3% safe harbor employer contribution and an employer match of up to 6% for eligible employees.

We feel passionately about equal pay for equal work, and transparency in compensation is one vehicle to achieve that. The salary recruitment range for this position is $53,000-$60,000.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At The Hunt Institute, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference check and background investigation. If you need an accommodation during the application process, please contact lsteele@hunt-institute.org.