KIPP Delta is part of the nation-wide KIPP non-profit network of 242 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students. We are excited that KIPP Delta will serve over 1,000 students in Helena and Blytheville, AR in the 2023-2024 school year.

The controller is a key member of the KIPP Delta Finance team, office located in Helena, AR. The controller will lead and manage all daily accounting operations, audit, compliance, and monthly/annual financial reporting for a growing $20MM+ annual budget. The Controller will manage the execution of accounts payable and receivable, the general ledger, vendor relationships, and the annual audit process for the organization and its schools. The controller will report to the managing director of finance. As the controller, your core responsibilities include: 

Finance and Accounting Management (30%) 

● Manage month-end and year-end closing process 

● Oversee the daily operations of the accounting department including control systems, transaction-processing, and policies and procedures. 

● Maintain a well-documented system of accounting policies and procedures consistent with GAAP, GASB, and/or FASB as applicable for an Arkansas non-profit public school as prescribed in the Arkansas Financial Handbook (in coordination with the managing director of finance). ● Manage cash collection procedures and ensure policy adherence 

● Manage credit processes, including balance availability, limit increases, fraudulent activity, issues and/or problems 

● Manage the accounting system, eFinance; accounts payable system, AvidXchange; and time management system, TimeClock Plus; and ensure it is meeting the needs of the organization.

● Manage the third-party systems used for internal access (i.e. Amazon Business, Staples, etc.)

● Ensure acceptable cash balances in each bank account and make transfers as needed

● Provide training to end users on KIPP Delta’s financial and time-keeping systems

● Serve as backup for any finance-related duties to ensure day-to-day activities are continuous.

● Serve as the ARMAC Coordinator for the District 

● Maintain and manage fixed assets in the financial system 

● Review accounts payable and accounts receivable batches prior to posting and processing ● Process adjustments and other journal entries as needed 

● Provide support to the managing director of finance as needed 

Payroll (20%) 

● Review and code all KDPS employees for payroll transactions 

● Creation of monthly, quarterly, and yearly payroll reports 

● Oversee the payroll coordinator in processing, printing, and mailing of payroll checks, payroll liabilities, and tax forms 

● Ensure monthly payroll entries and adjustments, salary allocations, and 

payroll/benefits/ATRS/payroll tax import are complete and accurate 

● Review and verify late start worksheets, payouts, and payroll adjustments for semi-monthly payroll 

● Manage annual processing of W-2s and 1095s in coordination with the payroll coordinator.

● Manage the new year offer letter process. 

● Complete the new school year payroll and calendar setup for KDPS employees ● Ensure time certifications are created, submitted, and returned timely. 

● Serve as backup for any payroll-related duties to ensure day-to-day activities are continuous. 

Audit and Compliance (10%) 

● Record the minutes of Finance Committee meetings and make them available according to regulations 

● Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure compliance with cash, grant accounting, and accounts payable/receivable policies and procedures 

● Manage commercial banking relationships and monitor cash and debt levels

● Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings

● Safeguard assets and ensure accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing disciplines of internal audits, controls and checks across all departments

● Serve as the primary contact during audit season for all audit requests, in coordination with the managing director of finance (including the workers' compensation audit) 

Reporting (20%) 

● Develop, improve and issue timely and complete financial statements for both internal external stakeholders 

● Create and update budget cost workbooks to assist with budget management ● Assist the managing director of finance with the annual budget and quarterly forecast processes 

● Review budget variances and report significant issues to management 

● Complete the necessary reporting requirements as the ARMAC Coordinator ● Submit monthly expenses to upload to the KDPS website 

● Create and submit Cycle Reports 8, 9, and 1 to Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). ● Assist the child nutrition director with the submission of the monthly claim ● Provide assistance with other mandated state reports. 

Accounts Payable & Receivable (10%) 

● Ensure accounts payable are paid in a timely manner 

● Ensure W9 forms and certificates of insurance are on file 

● Process 1099s and 1096 annually 

● Ensure accounts receivable are collected promptly 

● Ensure that revenue is recognized accurately and in the correct accounting period ● Issue report, review, and verify donations with the External Affairs Team to ensure accurate reporting 

Management & Leadership (5%) 

● Manage and develop the finance associate, whose primary duties are accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other financial duties. 

● Manage and develop the payroll/finance coordinator whose primary duties are payroll, accounts receivable, and other financial duties. 

● Manage the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day activities

Demonstrate a Growth Mindset 

● Pursue challenging professional goals each year 

● Give and receive positive and constructive feedback from your colleagues 

● Participate in department-wide and individual professional development 

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to (5%): 

● Work with the managing director of finance and team to maintain a comprehensive, accurate, and well-documented system of accounting policies and procedures 

● Provide valuable customer service to KIPP Delta’s staff, vendors, and ADE 

● Ensure internal and external requests are being met timely. 

● Other duties as assigned including but not limited to student recruitment activities

● A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business required, MBA preferred

● Five to ten years of experience in accounting role with a successful track record

● Prior nonprofit, fund accounting, and / or experience in a K-12 public education preferred

● Proficient in MS Excel and comfortable with Google Suite 

● Technology savvy to efficiently and effectively manage data for financial reporting; knowledge of eFinance desired 

● Demonstrated success in developing and monitoring systems to manage internal operations and processes to meet monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines 

● Keen analytic and problem-solving skills 

● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

● Strong time management and ability to prioritize 

● Strong judgment and decision-making skills 

● Flexible and strong ability to multi-task 

● Goal and deadline-driven 

● Team-player capable of working both collaboratively and independently 

● Thrives in an entrepreneurial start-up environment and working conditions; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment while also driving toward clarity and solutions

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to translate financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers 

● Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality as appropriate

● Intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft Excel 

● Comfortable with Google Suite (Gmail, Sheets, Docs) 

● Evidence of personal initiative and follow-through 

● Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission of KIPP Delta Public Schools. 

Salary will be commensurate with experience. KIPP Delta's salary schedule is available on our website, under "State Required Information."

KIPP Delta is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all of our students, families, teachers, staff and community members. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.