Staff Accountant

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: August 2019 Start
  • HO Team: Accounting

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

Internal Title: Associate Director of Accounting

POSITION:

The Associate Director of Accounting will support the Senior Director of Accounting on all aspects of bookkeeping/accounting functions including, but not limited to, supporting the schools/Home Office throughout the year, annual audit process and working closely with the Finance team. The Associate Director of Accounting will work closely with the members of the team to assist with team initiative, projects, and reporting. 


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Implements bookkeeping and accounting functions for Uncommon Schools, its subsidiaries and schools
  • Develop and maintain financial record keeping and reporting systems
  • Process payroll, receivables, payables, cash receipts, cash disbursements and general ledger functions
  • Produce monthly financial statements including balance sheets, profit/loss statements, and general ledger using the accounting system
  • Prepare and post journal entries including yearly closing entries
  • Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and follow up on unusual items
  • Oversee filing of tax forms, (990’s, 1099’s)
  • Prepare for annual audit
  • Maintain the Fixed Asset and associated depreciation schedules on the accounting system
  • Preform rigorous quality control on all accounting records and documents
  • Enforces and maintains our fiscal policies and procedures
  • Assist the Finance team with budget management
  • Conducts research required for strategic team initiatives, special projects, and other special requests for accounting information
  • Performs various accounting, administrative and other related duties as assigned and required by the role 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to Senior Associate Director of Accounting and works closely with the entire Accounting and Financial Management teams; interacts with all Home Office personnel and school based teams. 

Qualifications

1) Required knowledge, skills & abilities:

  • Accounting background
  • Understanding of accounting principles and ability to read financial statements
  • Experience with accounting software programs. (Sage Fund Accounting a plus; willing to train)
  • Skilled in dealing with financial and numeric data
  • Experience in bookkeeping for a multi-site organization preferred
  • Skilled in use of MS Excel.
  • MS Word experience
  • Strong writing capabilities.
  • Obsessive attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Financial management skills
  • Ability to create and maintain systems that enhance organizational efficiency
  • Strong problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to work well in a team
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed 

2) Educational background:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related area 

3) Experience:

  • Minimum 2-3 years of experience in non-profit development, accounting, or public sector finance preferred.
  • Knowledge of accounting for real estate transactions helpful, but not required
  • Experience in K-12 public education preferred.

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.  Aside from extensive professional development, all our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  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.