Accountant

POSITION/JOB TITLE:                       Accounting Manager

STATUS:                                              Full Time/Exempt

REPORTS TO:                                      Finance Director

SALARY RANGE:                                 $90K

SUPERVISES:                                     Not Applicable

JOB PURPOSE:

The Accountant is responsible for performing professional-level accounting work for the agency's federally-funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs along with the NYC Department of Education program funding. This critical role ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The Accountant maintains the integrity of the financial records, manages grant funding, prepares required financial reports, and supports the overall fiscal health of the head start operation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain accurate and complete financial records for all Head Start and Early Head Start and NYC Department of Education grants, including general ledger, subsidiary ledgers, and journals.
• Process and manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll allocations related to the Head Start program.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual closing procedures, including bank and account reconciliations, journal entries, and accruals.
• Prepare detailed financial statements, budget vs. actual reports, and other internal management reports for program directors and the governing body.
• Generate all required financial reports for the Office of Head Start (OHS), state agencies, and other funding sources in compliance with deadlines.
• Serve as a key resource for program staff on budget matters, procurement procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Assist in the development and refinement of agency fiscal policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Fiscal Director.
• 
  Grant and Budget Management:

• Assist the Fiscal Director in the development and preparation of the annual Head Start and Department of Education grant budget application and non-federal share (in-kind) valuation plan.
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets, grant terms, and federal cost principles (allowability, allocability, reasonableness).
• Track and document non-federal share (in-kind) contributions accurately, ensuring the agency meets its required match.
• Prepare and process requests for cash drawdowns from the federal Payment Management System (PMS).
• Conduct financial forecasting and variance analysis to proactively manage grant spending.

Compliance and Audit:

• Ensure all financial transactions adhere to federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), OHS regulations, and agency fiscal policies.
• Implement and monitor internal financial controls to safeguard agency assets and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Maintain a comprehensive filing system for all financial records, invoices, and supporting documentation.
• Stay current on changes in federal accounting and reporting requirements for Head Start and Department of Education programs.

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, CPA preferred or a closely related field.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, with at least two years in non-profit or governmental grant accounting.
• Successful completion of a background check as required by NYC DOHMH, Department of Education and Head Start regulations.
• In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Demonstrated experience with federal grant accounting, specifically Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Head Start-specific fiscal experience is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in using accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, FundEZ, etc.) and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to both financial and non-financial audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet strict deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of the mission and purpose of the early childhood education program.

SUPERVISION:

Finance Director

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Employees must be able to walk, sit, stand, as required to perform duties such as filing, retrieving documents, and moving between workstations.
• Employees must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to forty pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to fifty pounds, which may include handling boxes of files, supplies, or equipment.

BENEFITS:

• Health Insurance:  A competitive health insurance plan to cover medical expenses.
• Retirement Plan:  A retirement savings plan to help secure your financial future.
• Life Insurance:  Life insurance coverage to provide financial protection for your loved ones.
• Paid Time Off:  Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days to promote work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education and career advancement.
• Commuter Benefits:  Potential discounts or subsidies for transportation costs.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Submission of three (3) professional references.
• Completion of mandated reporter training and acquisition of certification (renewal required every two years), along with adherence to other training requirements stipulated by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards (HSPS).
• Successful completion of a Comprehensive Background Clearance, encompassing:
• Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) clearance.
• Indentogo clearance.
• Department of Education Fingerprinting Screening.
• NYS Central Registry clearance.
• Sex Offender Registry Clearance.
• SEL check.
• Provision of a full physical examination record, (renewal required every two years) including an updated Tuberculosis test, and documentation of varicella, Tdap, and MMR vaccinations (fees may be applicable).