Job: Accountant I

Brien Center
P.O. Box 4219
Pittsfield, MA 01202

Phone:413-499-0412
Fax:413-448-2198
Website:briencenter.org

Company Description:

The Brien Center is Berkshire County’s largest provider of behavioral health and addiction services. We employ over 450 dedicated, compassionate people who work at 26 locations county-wide, in roles including residential and nursing staff, case managers, therapeutic mentors and psychotherapists. Our impact is experienced and appreciated by over 10,000 individuals – including 4,000 children – whose lives are saved, whose illnesses are successfully treated, and who continue on as successful members of our community. We are proud of our comprehensive programs and services for highly-complex problems, and continue to hear from clients, years later, that their lives and families remain intact because of our care.


Job Title:
Accountant I
Salary Range:Location:
$28.20 - $28.21 Per Hour Pittsfield
Job Type:Category:
Full TimeHuman Services
Education Level:Work Experience:
Description:

Weekdays, 1st Shift!

The Accountant I is responsible for supporting key financial operations with a focus on residential billing, subsidy management, and accounts receivable. This position ensures accurate and timely processing of resident charges and payments, maintains detailed subsidy records, and assists with the reconciliation of general ledger accounts. This position provides general support to the finance and administration divisions, ensuring accurate billing reconciliation and compliance with regulations.

Essential Job Functions:

Residential Billing and Subsidy Management

  • Manage billing for client care charges, rent advances, and payments for transitional, permanent housing, and lease subsidy invoices.
  • Perform finance functions related to lease subsidy agreements, including invoicing clients, payments to landlords, and processing income-based adjustments.
  • Update and maintain monthly client residential billing rosters.
  • Ensure Group Living Environments (GLEs) clients receive social security increases and updated agreements annually.

Accounts Receivable

  • Track payments for contracts, third party, grants, and other cash receipts.   
  • Post daily deposits and report outstanding deposits receipts
  • Reconcile client accounts receivable

Payment Processing and Reconciliation

  • Create client invoices for Community First Choice (CFC), rent, and housing programs.
  • Apply client and contract payments received via cash, check, credit card, or electronic funds transfer (EFT).
  • Reconcile deposits and debits to ensure financial accuracy.

General Ledger and Support

  • Complete accounting entries and perform reconciliations, particularly during the month end close.  
  • Provide back-up support for accounts payable, state contract billing,  and general accounting functions.
  • Assist with documentation and analysis for budgeting and contracting processes.

Team Collaboration and Support

  • Provide backup for finance staff functions, including accounts payable, cash receipts, and payment applications.
  • Offer guidance and propose procedures to address fiscal challenges within the team. Work collaboratively with the Controller and other finance staff on projects.
  • Work collaboratively with the Controller and other finance staff on projects.

Qualifications, Experience and Education:

Education: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field, or an associate’s degree and significant relevant experience. Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, or residential billing environments preferred.  

Experience:

  • Two – three years of prior experience with accounting or accounts receivable experience strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with contract billing processes preferred.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

  • Proficiency in accounting principles and strong attention to detail.
  • Advanced computer skills, including MS Excel, MS Outlook, and other MS Office products.
  • Excellent customer service and oral communication abilities.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.