Description

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.

MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.

MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.

MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.

MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Accounting Specialist 

35 hours per week / $24.00 to $25.00 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Sr. Accounting Manager perform accounts payable functions in a manner consistent with MHALA practices and fiscally sound accounting principles.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The agency will consider individuals with a criminal history in accordance with both the Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers (FCO) and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

• Preparing and maintaining MHALA’s accounts payable records by allocating expenses to cost centers, preparing expense vouchers, petty cash, mileage, expenses reimbursements, check requests, agency bills, and entering and reconciling data on the computer, printing and/or otherwise generating checks, obtaining check signatures and mailing or delivering checks to      vendors and other similar accounting tasks.
• Preparation and maintenance of the accounts receivable records, including tracking outstanding bills and balances, and as necessary serving as in-house collector for North County.
• Assists with the generation of spreadsheets and other accounting data related to the Agency’s financial reporting obligations including Agency vendor files and filing system(s).
• Preparing and maintaining journal entries, account reconciliations, internal audit research data and other similar accounting tasks for agency programs.
• May cross-train in other functional accounting areas in order to provide occasional backup.
• Pick up, sort and route incoming mail; prepares outgoing mail for accounting and Representative Payee Services.
• Assist with the cash drawer to open and close the Bank, record deposits and withdrawal transactions for members, maintain individual member account ledgers, assist on Bank and reconcile the drawer with Bank Teller.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community
• life of the worksite.
• Work cooperatively with other staff to ensure the smooth and seamless delivery of comprehensive accounting and administrative services to the Agency and its members.
• Complete all documentation and maintain all paperwork and other required documentation as required for program compliance and accountability in accordance with MHALA standards and funding source requirements.
• Prepare monthly billings for multiple grants and contracts as needed/requested and submit them to funding sources in a timely manner.
• Monitor program actual expenditures and compare them to budgets and make recommendations to supervisors and program staff.
• Key in journal entries as requested to accounting journals and/or accounting software from such source documents as invoices to customers, cash receipts, and supplier invoices; reconcile accounts to ensure their accuracy.
• Prepare and participate in program audits.
• Perform monthly and as-needed audits and reconciliations of various agency books and accounts.

Position Requirements:

• Must be familiar with computers and have experience in data entry functions.
• Knowledge or experience with fundamentals of accounting.
• Must be PC literate and experienced working with automated spreadsheet, databases and computer-based general accounting systems
• Flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Credit check is required
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA’s liability insurance are conditions of employment
• TB clearance and re-testing every year are conditions of continued employment
• COVID-19 vaccinations or booster shots are not currently required, however this may become a requirement in the future. Failure to abide by any agency policy, including those relating to a vaccine or booster shot may result in termination of employment
• Employment verification directly from three (3) past employers within the most recent 7-year period