POSITION SUMMARY
The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE), based in Hardwick, VT, seeks a Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant. Are you good with numbers, and comfortable with computers, interfacing with many people and supporting org wide systems? This position will support daily accounting tasks, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, approximately 20 hours a week. This position will also provide general administrative support, such as reception, mail processing, managing calendars, scheduling, benefits paperwork, event logistics, approximately 20 hours a week. If organization, finance and people skills are your strengths, we want to hear from you!
JOB DETAILS
Position: Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant
Reports to: Finance Manager
Schedule: Monday-Friday 9-5
Compensation: $23.00 to 25.00 per hour, non exempt
Benefits: Paid Time Off, SIMPLE IRA, Health insurance, Health savings account,, Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance, quarterly phone stipend, professional development compensation
Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience):
Past experience in clerical or bookkeeping tasks.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, particularly Excel.
Proficiency with Quickbooks Desktop preferred.
Familiarity with GAAP.
Experience with handling sensitive information with discretion.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll (50%)
Process incoming bills to ensure bills are paid within terms and follow up when necessary to fix invoices, update addresses, or clarify charges.
Process weekly and monthly invoices for earned revenue from CAE’s enterprise programs
Process ongoing receipt of donations and grants
Initiate collections process for past-due accounts, work with program managers to resolve
Process weekly physical deposits of checks and cash and ongoing electronic payments
Record Vermont Farm Fund loans disbursed and loan payments collected
Process biweekly payroll for 40 employees through Quickbooks Payroll
Track and pay biweekly payroll liabilities and taxes
Support administrative staff with wage reporting
Support Financial Manager in compiling materials for yearly financial audits
Maintain and make monthly updates to program budgets-to-actual
Work with the Financial Manager to develop and implement improvements to finance
systems in response to organizational change
CAE Administrative Support (50%)
Manage daily mail pick up and processing
Manage reception areas in the two primary CAE work locations
Schedule tours for the public of the facilities
Respond to general phone and email inquires from the public
Manage reservations and calendars for the Atkins Pavillion and the Community Kitchen
Provide support to the Administrative Operations Manager in benefit administration and staff onboarding
Other administrative duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Physical Demands/lifting requirements:
Ability to sit for long periods of time
Repetitive motions and typing
Mental demands:
Apply good judgment to decision making
Analyze and problem solve
Attention to detail
HIRING PROCESS
A hiring team of CAE staff will lead the process. Selected candidates will have an initial phone interview the week of August 18-22, which may be followed by an interview and tour of CAE spaces the following week. Interview questions will be shared ahead of time. CAE is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will provide support in any way to assure everyone's best experience in the hiring process. CAE will take the steps necessary to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations during the interview process and, if hired, subsequent employment. For accommodation inquiries, please email us.
TO APPLY
Email us your resume, cover letter or letter of interest, and include “Bookkeeper/Admin Assistant” in your email subject line. We’re interested to hear your thoughts on any life or work experience as it relates to this position. Applicants who go on to interview with us will also be asked to provide references. Our application deadline is August 17, 2025. Initial interviews will begin by August 19. Let us know if you have any questions!
EOE STATEMENT
Building community leadership, investing in relationships, and listening to the needs of the
community are core principles CAE applies to all our work. We strive to foster an inclusive and
supportive staff culture where learning and growth are supported. CAE is an Equal Opportunity
Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, disability, or veteran status.
BACKGROUND ON CAE
The Center for an Agricultural Economy is a catalyst for change based in Hardwick, Vermont.
We support rural communities and working landscapes by building a more interconnected
local food system. We work together with our neighbors and partners to cultivate
interdependence and investigate how to create the conditions for socially, economically and
ecologically thriving communities. We implement solutions through our foundational programs,
innovative projects, dynamic partnerships and the resources available across our three distinct
locations. Together, these components of our organization help ensure our rural food system is
supported, our farms are thriving, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
