Staff Accountant
Client: Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)
Location: Philadelphia, PA (hybrid)
Reports to: Director of Finance and Accounting

(FIRE retained the recruiting firm Big Fish on this search. Please get in touch with Angel Fimbres-Barcelo at angel@recruitbigfish.com for any questions or referrals regarding the role.)

About FIRE
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a nonpartisan organization that defends and promotes the value of free speech for all Americans in our education system, culture, and courts. As FIRE grows, so too does the need to support its mission with strong operational systems, including finance and accounting.

About the Role
FIRE is seeking a detail-oriented and mission-aligned Staff Accountant to join its finance team. This person will play a key role in processing donations, managing accounts payable and receivable, and supporting broader financial operations. The Staff Accountant will report directly to the Director of Finance and Accounting and will collaborate regularly with colleagues across the administrative and development departments.

Key Responsibilities

Donation Processing

• Record and track all donation types (cash, checks, credit cards, pledges, stocks, in-kind gifts, and grants) with accuracy and timeliness

• Reconcile donation records across accounting (e.g., QuickBooks) and donor management (Salesforce) systems

• Generate acknowledgment letters and tax receipts in accordance with IRS guidelines

• Process recurring donations and maintain donor profiles

• Address donor inquiries related to giving history and receipts

Accounts Payable / Receivable

• Process vendor payments and employee reimbursements with accurate coding and timely disbursement

• Review and verify invoices, track supporting documentation, and resolve discrepancies

• Assist in managing outstanding receivables and follow up on overdue payments

General Accounting Support

• Assist with month-end and year-end close

• Maintain accurate general ledger entries and monthly reconciliations

• Prepare journal entries and assist with revenue/expense allocations

• Support production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements

• Provide miscellaneous administrative and financial support as needed

Qualifications

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

• 1–3 years of accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit financial practices

• Familiarity with QuickBooks, Bill.com, Salesforce, Excel, and Google Suite

• Meticulous attention to detail, strong follow-through, and high integrity

• Excellent organizational and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment

• Passion for FIRE’s mission and the ability to represent that mission with enthusiasm

Compensation and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. FIRE offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Matching retirement contributions

• Generous paid time off

• Annual reviews and potential for performance-based raises and bonuses