Job Title: Staff AccountantJob Description
This hybrid Staff Accountant position with a mission-driven non-profit in the South Lake Union area focuses on payroll, accounts payable, and general accounting support. The role begins with several weeks of full-time onsite training, then transitions to a hybrid schedule with onsite work Tuesday through Thursday. You will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, vendor payments, and regulatory compliance while supporting month-end close, reporting, and audit activities in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
Responsibilities
Process semi-monthly payroll accurately and on time, ensuring all payroll records remain complete and compliant.
Serve as the payroll database administrator and act as the primary liaison with the external payroll service provider.
Allocate payroll and benefits across multiple funding sources and prepare related journal entries.
Ensure compliance with Federal salary caps and other applicable payroll regulations.
Reconcile payroll with the accounting system (MIP), including statutory tax filings, deductions, and related entries.
Generate payroll-related reports for Accounting and HR, such as hours worked, accruals, and flexible spending account (FSA) information.
Maintain the payroll calendar and manage direct deposit setup for employees.
Stay current on tax laws, wage regulations, and system changes that impact payroll processes.
Respond to employee payroll inquiries in a timely manner and resolve discrepancies with professionalism and accuracy.
Receive, verify, code, and process vendor invoices and employee reimbursements in accordance with policy.
Conduct regular check runs and submit positive pay reports to the bank to support cash control and fraud prevention.
Maintain and reconcile accounts payable aging reports and related general ledger balances.
Ensure vendor records meet W-9/W-8 and 1099/1042-S requirements and maintain appropriate documentation.
Process credit card transactions and travel reimbursements in line with organizational policies.
Reconcile vendor statements, maintain strong vendor relationships, and resolve discrepancies or issues as they arise.
Identify and record use tax liabilities accurately within the accounting system.
Manage accounts payable documentation, including check logs, cash receipts, and organized filing systems.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial and audit reports as needed.
Document accounting and payroll processes and support internal and external audits, including financial statement, single, and retirement plan audits.
Ensure compliance with internal accounting policies and external regulatory requirements across all assigned functions.
Make bank deposits and maintain an accurate cash receipt log.
Monitor and track employee education benefit usage in accordance with organizational guidelines.
Support additional accounting duties and projects as assigned to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the finance team.
Essential Skills
4-6 years of experience working as a Staff Accountant within a corporate or similar professional environment.
Strong knowledge of payroll administration, processes, and procedures, including applicable regulatory requirements and laws.
Proficiency with the MIP (Abila MIP) accounting system.
Hands-on experience with general ledger accounting, reconciliations, and journal entries.
Practical experience with accounts payable and accounts receivable processes.
Ability to manage project accounting and support month-end reporting activities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.
Familiarity with W-9 and W-8 vendor documentation and related 1099 and 1042-S reporting requirements.
Ability to reconcile AP aging and general ledger balances with attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Clear written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with employees, vendors, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working within a non-profit environment and familiarity with non-profit accounting practices.
Experience with Abila MIP in a multi-funding-source @context, including allocations and project accounting.
Background supporting financial statement, single, and retirement plan audits.
Comfort generating and interpreting financial and payroll-related reports for management and HR.
Ability to document processes clearly and contribute to continuous improvement of accounting workflows.
Interest in supporting a mission focused on advancing clinical trials and cancer-related research through strong financial operations.
Work Environment
This role is based with a non-profit organization located in the South Lake Union area and supports a mission centered on helping to conquer cancer through high-quality clinical trials and data-driven research. The position begins 100% onsite for the first few weeks during training, then transitions to a hybrid schedule with onsite work Tuesday through Thursday and remote work on other days, subject to organizational needs. You will work closely with finance, HR, and operations teams, using tools such as the MIP (Abila MIP) accounting system and the Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Word, and Access. The environment emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and regulatory compliance, with exposure to biostatistical principles, oncology clinical trials expertise, data management and monitoring, electronic data capture solutions, and educational support functions. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package upon permanent hire, including approximately 15 days of paid time off, 12 holidays (including three floating holidays), employer-paid benefits for employees, and a 401(k) plan with a discretionary contribution after one year of service. The dress code is generally business casual, appropriate for a professional office setting that balances focus, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Seattle, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $36.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 12, 2026.
About Aston Carter:
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.