Summary
Oheb Shalom Congregation of South Orange, New Jersey is an egalitarian, inclusive, diverse, multi-generational, USCJ-affiliated synagogue with a beloved 162-year history and a fresh, forward-looking energy. We are known for our warmth and welcoming spirit; our 300+ member households feel a strong connection to one another as we strive to be a dynamic Jewish community.
On any given day there are a wealth of activities happening in our congregation, from preschool holiday parties to our thriving religious school and teen programs, to our in-house Kosher Food Pantry, to religious and spiritual observance and celebrations.
You will be joining a professional staff, clergy, and lay leadership network that is engaged, committed, and supportive of one’s professional growth and achievement.
The Bookkeeper supports the synagogue’s daily operations by maintaining accurate financial records, managing routine accounting processes, and partnering with staff, leadership, and Kesef Accounting Services. This role helps ensure strong financial stewardship and smooth administrative functioning across the organization.
15-24 hours / week, dependent upon workflow
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Receivable & Income Processing
- Record and process incoming payments, including checks and electronic transfers.
- Coordinate with Kesef to ensure proper coding and documentation.
- Handle occasional bank deposits.
Accounts Payable & Expense Management
- Review, code, and submit invoices, reimbursements, and vendor payments.
- Maintain vendor records and respond to payment inquiries.
- Ensure accurate and timely processing of expenses.
Credit Card & Expense Tracking
- Review monthly credit card activity and reconcile outstanding items.
- Assign GL codes and budget allocations; coordinate with Kesef for monthly reconciliation.
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Review monthly financial statements for accuracy.
- Prepare required state and program-specific financial reports.
- Generate internal reports and support financial analysis.
- Assist with system updates or software integrations.
Payroll & Benefits Administration
- Maintain payroll documentation.
- Track health insurance premiums and employee deductions.
- Support HRA enrollment processes.
General Administrative & Finance Support
- Maintain organized digital and paper financial files.
- Assist with event reconciliations, membership billing, and other finance-related projects.
- Respond promptly to internal and external inquiries.
- Contribute to improving and documenting financial processes.
Required Qualifications
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting, ideally in a non-profit organization.
- Familiarity with nonprofit or small business financial operations.
- Proficiency in QuickBooks or similar accounting software.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas).
- Understanding of GL coding and allocations.
- Basic knowledge of payroll processes.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable, with strong follow-through
- Strong communication skills for interaction with staff, vendors, and external accountants.
- Comfortable working in a shared office space.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
- Bookkeeping certification or CPA candidate (not required but a plus).
- Familiarity with ShulCloud synagogue management system.
- Familiarity with Divvy
- Familiarity with NJ State Pre-K reporting requirements.
- Experience with Kesef Accounting Service or similar outsourced accounting partnerships.
- Knowledge of payroll systems and health insurance tracking.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work as part of a team.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to make process improvement recommendations
- Familiarity with Judaism and Jewish culture is a plus