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St. Francis House

Non-profit day shelter with recovery services

Staff Accountant

Full-Time
$27.09 - $29.80/hr+ 403(b) 5% Match
Junior, Mid
Bachelor's, Associate's
Boston, MA, USA
In Person
AccountingFinancial Accounting, Payroll Accounting

About the job

Requirements
  • Excellent attention to detail and a sense of urgency for deadlines.
  • Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
  • Proficiency in Excel.
  • Ability to maintain good working relationships with staff, vendors, and funders.
  • Ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines.
  • Accuracy in daily work and other projects.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to sort and organize information and data.
  • Professionalism and integrity, including working with passion, commitment, and honesty.
  • Ability to maintain current skills and knowledge and identify relevant training and development needs.
  • Initiative, flexibility, and openness to change.
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them appropriately.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
  • Ability to function in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
  • Basic understanding of and commitment to a person-centered, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approach.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • An Associate's degree in accounting or a related field and at least 2–3 years of related bookkeeping or accounting experience are required.
  • Experience with computers, email programs, web-based tools, common Microsoft Office applications (including Outlook, Word, and Excel), and accounting or general ledger software is required.
Responsibilities
  • Assist with preparing monthly contract invoices and entering them in the general ledger.
  • Calculate and update monthly expense allocations and other recurring entries.
  • Reconcile receivables and other assigned accounts monthly.
  • Assist with audit preparation and verify required documentation.
  • Validate batch totals on gift reports received from Development.
  • Record gift batches in the general ledger in a timely manner.
  • Download electronic gift and donation reports and enter them into the general ledger, including credit card, stock, and ETF donations.
  • Collaborate continuously with Development to streamline processes and improve month-end reconciliation efficiency.
  • Assist the Manager of Internal & Compliance with reconciling contribution revenue with Development staff monthly.
  • Record non-gift receipts in the general ledger in a timely manner.
  • Assist in tracking and reconciling grant and restricted-fund expenditures.
  • Work with the Intake & Billing Specialist to review and reconcile third-party medical billing activity for the Seeds of Change Day Treatment program.
  • Comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
  • Review manual or electronic payroll records for accuracy and follow up on discrepancies in a timely manner.
  • Enter and review employee hours and time-off information in the payroll system.
  • Run audit reports to verify payroll information.
  • Prepare payroll journal entries.
  • Manage employee sick and vacation data reports.
  • Report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse promptly and in good faith.
  • Adhere to the agency code of conduct.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree and at least one year of accounting or bookkeeping experience in a nonprofit setting are preferred.
  • Payroll and payroll systems experience is an asset.
  • Nonprofit experience is a plus.
  • SAGE accounting software experience is preferred.

About the company

St. Francis House operates the largest day shelter in Massachusetts, serving adults experiencing homelessness. It provides daily meals, clothing, showers, and a broad mix of services that address both immediate needs and underlying causes. Its programs include behavioral health care, substance abuse counseling, and workforce development, along with a 46-bed recovery program (Sullivan MAP) for substance use disorders. The organization also runs social enterprises, such as a 40-unit affordable housing building in Fenway, to offer housing and generate revenue. It serves more than 500 people daily and is funded through donations, grants, and program income. What sets it apart is its integrated, holistic approach that combines shelter, health services, recovery support, and housing within one nonprofit system, plus its long history since 1984 and its in-house housing and recovery initiatives. Its goal is to help guests achieve stability and move from homelessness toward independence.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

N/A

Founded

1984

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Boston Globe reported nearly 10,000 annual clients and about 500 daily in May 2026.
  • August 2026 hire Lydie Ultimo deepens behavioral-health leadership and program credibility.
  • September 2026 dedication of 41 LaGrange expands housing pathways and strengthens referral relationships.

What critics are saying

  • Demand rose 60% since 2019, pressuring capacity despite the May 2026 renovation.
  • Revenue depends on donations, grants, and program income; funding shocks hit services fast.
  • If fundraising weakens, downtown Boston programs face cuts, threatening St. Francis House’s core mission.

What makes St. Francis House unique

  • 39 Boylston renovation finished May 2026, adding clinic, women’s center, recovery spaces.
  • 41 LaGrange opened September 2026, delivering 126 mixed-income units, 70 for homelessness exits.
  • Karen LaFrazia led since 1997, giving rare continuity in Boston homelessness services.

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Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Company News

St. Francis House
Sep 21st, 2026
Support St. Francis House in the 131st Boston Marathon(R).

Support St. Francis House in the 131st Boston Marathon(R). April 19, 2027 St. Francis House is an Official Charity Partner of the 2027 Boston Marathon(R) presented by Bank of America! Join St. Francis House for the 2027 Boston Marathon on April 19th, 2026. The St. Francis House team of charity runners will raise funds to help St. Francis House provide critical services to more than 500 individuals experiencing homelessness each day. As New England's largest day shelter, St. Francis House offers not only food, clothing, and shelter, but also recovery, housing, and employment services that create real pathways toward stability. Details.

MassNonprofit.org
Aug 14th, 2026
St. Francis House hires new VP of Programs & Services.

St. Francis House hires new VP of Programs & Services. * Aug 14, 2026 Updated Aug 14, 2026 St. Francis House (SFH), New England's largest daytime shelter, has announced the appointment of Lydie Ultimo as its new Vice President of Programs & Services. A seasoned leader in public health and behavioral health administration, Ultimo brings decades of specialized experience to the multi-service organization as it expands its trauma-informed continuum of care. Ultimo most recently served as the Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services (BILH BS). Her distinguished career also includes high-profile leadership roles within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, where she served as the Director of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) and Director of the Office of Health Equity. "Lydie is an exceptional leader whose deep expertise spans healthcare systems, state-level public health administration, and direct community care," said Karen LaFrazia, President and CEO of St. Francis House. "Her profound understanding of behavioral health, substance use disorder recovery, and health equity comes at a pivotal moment for our organization. As we continue our commitment to holistic, trauma-informed care, Lydie's visionary leadership will ensure our programs continue to provide innovative, dignity-centered pathways to stability for our guests. We are incredibly fortunate to welcome her to our executive team." In her new role, Ultimo will oversee St. Francis House's comprehensive array of integrated services, including housing assistance, workforce development, basic needs, and behavioral health programs. Her alignment with the shelter's mission builds directly upon her life's work advocating for vulnerable populations and addressing the social determinants of health. "I have spent my career working to build equitable, supportive systems for individuals navigating complex trauma, behavioral health challenges, and substance use disorders," said Ultimo. "Joining St. Francis House feels like a natural and deeply meaningful culmination of that journey. I am long-inspired by this organization's unwavering commitment to meeting people exactly where they are with radical hospitality and profound dignity. I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team to strengthen our programs and elevate the care we provide to our neighbors in Boston." About St. Francis House. St. Francis House is the largest daytime shelter in New England, currently serving nearly 10,000 individuals each year. Founded in 1984 and located in downtown Boston, St. Francis House provides shelter, food, clothing, and pathways to stability for adults experiencing homelessness and poverty. Through a continuum of integrated programs and services that focus on the whole individual, guests achieve stability in key areas of housing, income, and behavioral health. St. Francis House has been recognized as a National Model Program by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the United States Conference of Mayors' Committee on Hunger and Homelessness, and the United States House of Representatives' Speaker's Task Force on Homelessness. For more information, visit stfrancishouse.org, or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Mainstreet Daily News
Mar 16th, 2026
St. Francis House to permanently close its downtown center in april.

St. Francis House to permanently close its downtown center in april. Mar 16, 2026 3:43 pm St. Francis House announced on March 16 that its downtown shelter and service center would close by mid-April. Key Points * St. Francis House will permanently close its downtown shelter and service center by mid-April to sell the building and stabilize finances. * The nonprofit will stop its Day Services Program and emergency shelter at the downtown location in 2024 while continuing services at Arbor House. * St. Francis House sold its 35-unit Sunrise Inn to Alachua County as part of restructuring and hopes to open a new service location after selling the downtown center. St. Francis House announced Monday that its downtown shelter and service center would permanently close as the nonprofit homeless provider tries to sell the building. A press release said St. Francis House would stop its Day Services Program on Friday. The program provides access to case management services, donations, meals, laundry facilities, client phones and bathrooms. St. Francis House will end emergency shelter and cold night shelter at the location by mid-April, the press release said. Become A Member Mainstreet does not have a paywall, but pavement-pounding journalism is not free. Join your neighbors who make this vital work possible. See Member Benefits The closure of the nonprofit's downtown location, bought in 1993, has been foreshadowed for years. St. Francis House Treasurer Al Cockerell told Mainstreet in 2024 that the nonprofit was searching for a buyer to stabilize finances and pivot services. As part of its restructuring, the nonprofit sold its 35-unit Sunrise Inn to Alachua County. "For many years, St. Francis House has been committed to helping women and families with children experiencing homelessness create new futures," the press release said. "While these changes are difficult, our mission continues, and we remain dedicated to supporting women and families as they work toward stability and housing." St. Francis House will continue to operate Arbor House, a program helping women and children find a permanent home and stability. The press release said the nonprofit is hopeful to open a new location to continue the discontinued services. But a new space remains pending, contingent upon the sale of the downtown center. The center has just over 11,000 square feet and sits on an acre of prime real estate. The property fronts South Main Street on the west and SE Fourth Avenue to the north in Gainesville. Share this post: Share on X (Twitter) Share on Facebook Share on Email * Seth Johnson Seth Johnson is a Mainstreet Daily News associate editor based in Gainesville. He earned a degree in journalism and mass communication and served as editor-in-chief of his school newspaper. Seth is a bookworm and chess nerd, but he tempers these activities by playing sports and biking. Suggested articles. 10 Comments This is very disheartening. There are a lot of unhoused people downtown who need these services, so it was an opportune location. I worry for the people who need assistance in the interim. They need to clean up Downtown. Too much crime, homelessness and vagrancy. Kimberly Townsend Palmer Reply to joe Oh. Exactly what St. Francis would say!!! What the bloody HELL are you talking about??? Reply to joe Thank you the delusional progressive policy promoting homelessness have destroyed downtown Gainesville How disappointing. St. Francis House has been a leader in providing shelter and services in the community for over 40 years. I hope they will be able to continue in the future. the many have received help from st. Francis House, nearly half a century... Church | people are great miracle workers. Give praise | for miracle workers. At the same time ,time has grown. Prime location for what is now not 50 years ago. God is the director. Sherparding flock ... Help is always on the way. So did a developer buy it and gonna build condos? Sharon Keith Maybe Main Street Daily News need to re-think how Main Street Daily News help mothers, fathers and families determine their best futures. Please advise them of their choices now and ask President Trump (a good agent) to bring forth quickly all that Golden Treasure In its NEW TREASURY now in Temple, Texas! Maybe I can help. How unfortunate. Absent the services St. Francis House has provided, Main Street Daily News'll see more needy, desperate homeless people downtown with nothing to lose. At least with St. Francis they could have a meal, shelter from the cold, general delivery for USPS mail, etc. Now, nothing. Justin Smith The closing of St. Francis House is an incredible loss to foundational services for the homeless population in downtown Gainesville. There is no other reliable, daily option for hot meals, showers, and basic necessities (clothing, toiletries) for folks who are struggling against or who have succumb to the trauma, pressures, and barriers that bring and trap people to living a life on the street. While there are a multitude of piecemeal services people can try to navigate to get what they need, to do so further removes folks from a constant resource that is desperately needed.

Clubhouse
Jul 21st, 2025
Teaming Up with St. Francis House

That's why, during its GOC Membership Drive, Goclubhouse is working with partners like St. Francis House, Meridian Healthcare, UF Health Psychiatric Services, and Elite DNA.