The Senior Staff Accountant plays a key role in SEEL’s financial planning and analysis function, supporting forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting across all programs (internal and client-facing). This position is based in the Detroit office and reports to the Accounting Supervisor. 

This role partners closely with Program Managers, Operations, and Finance leadership to ensure financial accuracy, actionable insights, and alignment between program performance and financial outcomes. The Senior Staff Accountant is responsible for developing program budgets, analyzing profitability, maintaining financial models, and supporting continuous improvement in financial processes and reporting. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Financial Planning, Forecasting & Analysis 

• Lead program-level budget development, forecasting, and profitability analysis for both new and existing programs  

• Develop financial/scenario analysis to support business decisions and program design  

• Analyze variances between forecast, budget, and actuals; provide clear explanations and actionable recommendations  

• Partner with Program Managers to ensure forecast accuracy and alignment with operational assumptions 

Accounting, Reconciliation & Close 

• Prepare and post month-end journal entries, including accruals, prepaids, and adjustments in accordance with GAAP  

• Perform balance sheet reconciliations monthly, ensuring all accounts are supported, accurate, and timely  

• Investigate and resolve reconciling items and variances, including aging items and discrepancies  

• Support the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring deadlines are met and financials are complete and accurate  

• Maintain proper documentation and audit trail for all journal entries and reconciliations  

• Partner with Accounting Manager to ensure consistency and integrity of financial data across programs and entities 

Systems, Data & Process Improvement 

• Maintain accurate project setup, cost tracking, and reporting in accounting systems 

• Lead or support process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of financial operations  

• Ensure data integrity across systems used for financial reporting and program tracking  

Compliance & Controls 

• Support adherence to GAAP and internal financial controls  

• Assist with audits and provide supporting documentation as required  

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with Operations, Program Management, and Leadership to provide financial insights and guidance  

• Communicate financial results clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders  

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business-related field  

• 3–5+ years of relevant experience in accounting  

• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting principles  

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling  

• Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)  

• Experience with accounting systems (B1 or similar ERP systems)  

Core Competencies 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail  

• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights  

• Effective communication skills with ability to work across cross-functional teams  

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment  

• Self-starter with strong ownership and accountability mindset