Small Business Accountant

Job Title: Small Business Accountant

Reports to: Managing Director, Accounting Aid Academy 

Job Status: Exempt, Salaried, Full-Time

Primary Location: New Center & Remote (Michigan)

Through tax assistance, advocacy, small business technical assistance and partnerships, Accounting Aid Society is focused on creating an economy that works for everyone. Accounting Aid seeks a self-starter who is as invested in economic mobility and poverty alleviation as we are. We’re using taxes to build relationships, and relationships to build futures-including yours.

The Small Business Accountant will work on Accounting Aid Society’s small business division, Accounting Aid Academy, educating and empowering small business owners.  Their primary responsibilities consist of assisting small business owners to incorporate sound financial operations management practices, through one-on-one meetings, achieving healthy and sustainable financial business growth. By utilizing small business coaching,  financial operations, and  portfolio management skills, the Small Business Accountant will attract new, and retain current Accounting Aid Academy prospects, clients, and members. 

Clients in the Small Business Accountant’s portfolio will typically be under $250,000 revenue, with under 10 employees.  Entity types served include sole proprietor, partnership, LLC and S-Corp.    More information about the services the academy offers can be found online at: Accounting Aid Academy.

Accounting Aid Society, a Crain’s Best-Managed Nonprofit, fosters an always-learning and innovative environment and values employee well-being, learning and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of member and non-member business clients by building collaborative economic development opportunities with small business organization workgroups, business service and support organizations, and attendance to networking opportunities in the Southeast Michigan region. 

• Attract and retain members for Accounting Aid Academy;  non-members for individual coaching, tax preparation and filing, and attendees for workshops, labs and presentations

• Continuously fill small business accounting and finance gap areas such as cash flow, financial statement, and recordkeeping services by coaching modern industry standard best practices 

• Maintain and continuously update member and non-member contact, growth, and metrics information by utilizing internal software systems, G-Suite applications and internal milestone plans 

• Support department, its programs, and team members in a fair, practical, and innovative capacity

• Conduct workshops, presentations, or labs either in person or digital environment geared towards: small business taxes, accounting system identification, setup and proper controls, revenue, income and expense tracking, small business budgeting, key financial and operations statements, proper use and education of cash flow management, as well as industry standard financial operations practices 

• Provide tax compliance and filing services for small business owners and the entities  

Other Duties

• Strong written, presentation (oral) and project development skills

• Familiarity with the tri-county area (Detroit-Metro) and the culture of these areas

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Ability to work evenings and Saturdays as needed

• Ability to work in a collaborative and open concept environment

• Agile, forward thinking, and willingness to engage in, and take the lead on, special projects with outcomes that exceeds expectations

• Ability to work in multiple locations as needed

Experience and Qualifications 

Successful candidates will possess all or many of the following qualifications and/or skills:

• Bachelor’s degree, in accounting or finance required  

• 5 or more years’ experience in solo, micro, or small business consulting, business tax preparation and filing, recordkeeping, and preparation of financial statements required. 

• Enrolled agents license required at hire or within 6 months of hire

• Expert understanding of small business tax law, accounting practices for low-to-moderate income areas

• Advanced computer experience preferred; prior experience with Microsoft Office, Google application, tax preparation software, data collection and project management software required

Benefits

Accounting Aid Society offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Paid Time Off (12 observed paid holidays, vacation days accrual & bereavement days)

• Life insurance

• Short-Term Disability

• Long-Term Disability

• 403(b) Retirement Plan

• Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care Account & Dependent Account)

• HSA (Health Savings Account)

• Certification Assistance

• Pet Insurance Discount

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• 20% off of tuition and fees, University of Michigan-Dearborn & Davenport University; additional discount on select Michigan State offerings

• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Accounting Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.