Accounting Manager

New Haven Ecology Project / Common Ground High School is Seeking an Accounting Manager

Full-Time position

Location: New Haven, CT

About New Haven Ecology Project/Common Ground HS

Common Ground is a center for environmental learning in New Haven, Connecticut. “Farm meets forest meets city” on Common Ground’s 20 acre campus at the base of West Rock Ridge. The site abuts the 1800 acre West Rock State Park, sharing hiking trails, wildlife, and diverse natural habitats with the surrounding forests. Common Ground’s urban farm produces sustainably grown food for programs and our community and is home to friendly farm animals. Common Ground’s Charter High School uses the site as an organizing principle of its curriculum which is guided by an ecological framework highlighting the connection and interdependence of all living and non-living things. Each year, more than 10,000 community members participate in festivals, field trips, after-school programs, and other educational opportunities on site. For more information visit www.commongroundct.org.

About the Position

New Haven Ecology Project Inc. (NHEP) is the 501c Non-Profit Entity that includes an Urban Farm, Environmental Education Center and a Public Charter High School (CGHS). NHEP and CGHS have two completely separate QuickBooks and Payroll Systems. Due to state and federal regulations, the finances for these entities must be tracked and audited separately but do live under one Tax ID Number. Many of the tasks listed below are performed individually for each side of the organization and each side of the organization has different regulations/norms that must be followed to ensure continued success.

The Accounting Manager serves in the following capacities: 

Supervises: Staff Accountant; liaises with YPTC (Your Part-Time Controller) and external accountants/auditors.

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the organization while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in accordance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, donor restrictions, and Connecticut state requirements. This role combines strategic financial oversight with hands-on accounting and administrative responsibilities, supporting organizational leadership, program teams, development staff, and the Board of Directors.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Oversight

• Oversee daily accounting operations including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, and month-end and year-end close.
• Supervise the Accounting Assistant and coordinate closely to ensure accurate, timely processing of transactions and financial reporting.
• Serve as the primary banking contact, reviewing bank activity, reconciling accounts, and closely monitoring organizational cash flow.

Financial Reporting & Board Support

• Works to prepare timely and accurate monthly financial reports, including statements of financial position, activities, and cash flows.
• Perform variance analysis against approved budgets and present financial insights to leadership.
• Ensure all required reports are prepared and submitted to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budget development process in collaboration with the Executive Director, Budget Managers, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor program and departmental budgets throughout the year and support leaders with budget tracking and financial planning.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and scenario planning.

Grant, Donor & Fund Accounting

• Track grant and donor-restricted funds to ensure proper expense allocation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Support the Development team with monthly and quarterly grant drawdowns and financial reporting.
• Close out grant funds annually by June 30, ensuring compliance with funder and state requirements.
• Support state and federal education reporting requirements, including coordination on the State of Connecticut Educational Financial System (EFS), desk audits, and related updates.
• Prepare SPED billing for suburban districts on behalf of Common Ground High School.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Lead financial data collection and preparation for the annual organization-wide audit.
• Serve as liaison to external auditors and accountants.
• Review and allocate deferred revenue and prepaid expenses; review assets and liabilities as part of audit preparation.
• Assist with preparation of Form 990 and other required filings.
• Develop, document, and maintain internal financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance, accuracy, and fraud prevention.
• Maintain general financial records in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Business Administration & Regulatory Reporting

• Coordinate with HR to collect Teachers Retirement Board (TRB) documentation and dispatch monthly TRB payments via ACH.
• Manage annual commercial liability insurance renewals and audits.
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut-specific financial and tax requirements.

Cross‑Departmental Support

• Act as a financial liaison between program teams, development staff, and executive leadership.
• Provide guidance and financial clarity to non-finance staff as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Demonstrated experience with fund accounting and financial reporting
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, preferably mid-sized
• Familiarity with CT eGMS and state-level education finance systems
• Experience with Title I, II, III, and IV funding applications and compliance
• Experience with audit preparation and liaison with external auditors
• Supervisory or mentoring experience

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a charter school and/or nonprofit environment

• Software Proficiency: Experience with software such as QuickBooks Online and Checkwriters Payroll Processing platform
• Local Compliance: Knowledge of Connecticut state tax filing/reporting requirements and potential for payroll tax and worker's compensation reporting. 

Work Schedule and Compensation 

Common Ground’s Business Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm, this department functions year-round. 

This role is categorized as "confidential" and will not be represented by Common Ground's Staff Union.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your cover letter and resume through our ADP online portal or email them to applications@nhep.com. Please specify the job you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice

Pursuant to Title IX and its regulations (“Final Rule” released on April 19, 2024), the Board of Directors has adopted and implemented a policy stating that the Common Ground District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates, including admission and employment. Common Ground High School does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law and prohibits discrimination, including harassment, in any education program or activity it operates. The Board shall provide protections from all forms of sex-based harassment, including sexual violence and unwelcome sex-based conduct that creates a hostile environment by limiting or denying a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s education program or activity. The Common Ground District shall take prompt and effective action to end any sex discrimination in its education programs or activities to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of sex discrimination complaints, prevent recurrence, and remedy its effects. To that end, the District shall act promptly and effectively in response to information about conduct that reasonably may constitute discrimination, including sexual violence and other forms of sex-based harassment. The district shall also ensure that all school employees are trained about their obligations to address sex discrimination and their obligations to notify or provide contact information for the Title IX Coordinator. The Common Ground Board of Directors Non-discrimination policy includes protections for students, employees, and applicants against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, or recovery from these conditions and shall provide reasonable modifications for students based on pregnancy or related conditions, allow for lactation for employees, and access to a clean, private lactation space for students and employees. Common Ground shall not disclose personally identifiable information obtained through complying with Title IX, with limited exceptions, such as when there had been prior written consent or when the information is disclosed to the parent of a minor. Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, makes a report of harassment or discrimination, files a complaint of harassment or discrimination, serves as a witness, or participates in an investigation or grievance process is also a violation of Common Ground District’s non-discrimination policy and is prohibited.