Cosmic Writers
Role OverviewOrganization: Cosmic WritersLocation: Remote (U.S.-based)Hours: 3 hours/weekCompensation: $40.00 per hourTo apply, send a brief cover note and your resumé to the Cosmic Writers Chief of Staff, Maria Gabriela Arguello, at mgarguello@cosmicwriters.org. Do not apply through LinkedIn.Storytelling education nonprofit Cosmic Writers role is hiring a part-time bookkeeper, a rolecentered around accounting infrastructure. You will work closely with the Chief of Staff to design, implement, and maintain a clean, auditable, and scalable accounting system in Xero.The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys bringing order to complexity — building systems, refining processes, and ensuring financial data is both accurate and meaningful.Key ResponsibilitiesBookkeeping & Reconciliation• Maintain accurate books in Xero, including:• Transaction coding and categorization• Monthly bank and credit card reconciliations• Ensure timely and clean close of monthly financials• Identify and resolve discrepancies proactivelyChart of Accounts & Financial Structure• Design and refine a comprehensive chart of accounts aligned with:• Organizational functions (e.g., Programs, Operations, Development)• Key growth levers and revenue streams• Ensure consistency in how transactions are categorized over time• Build systems that enable meaningful financial reporting and analysisFund Accounting & Revenue Tracking• Implement and maintain fund accounting practices, including:• Tracking restricted vs. unrestricted funds• Separating program-specific funding (e.g., scholarships, grants)• Ensure revenue is properly classified (grants, individual donations, etc.)• Support donor-level tracking in coordination with external systems when neededProcess & Infrastructure Development• Build and document repeatable accounting workflows• Improve internal controls and data hygiene• Create simple documentation so systems are maintainable long-term• Collaborate on improving reporting outputs (e.g., donor reports, grant tracking)QualificationsRequirements• 2-3+ year of bookkeeping or accounting experience (nonprofit experience strongly preferred)• Experience with Xero (preferred) or QuickBooks• Familiarity with fund accounting principles• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills• Ability to design systems — not just execute tasks• Comfortable working independently in a remote environmentNice-to-Haves• Experience working with donor data or CRM systems• Familiarity with nonprofit reporting (e.g., Form 990, Schedule B-style reporting)• Experience setting up or restructuring a chart of accountsWhat Success Looks Like• Clean, consistently reconciled books• A well-structured chart of accounts that reflects how Cosmic Writers operates• Clear separation and tracking of funds (restricted vs. unrestricted, program-specific)• Systems that make future reporting, audits, and growth significantly easier