Senior Staff Accountant

Job Function:

Under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Director of Accounting (EDA), the Sr. Accountant is responsible for maintaining the general ledger, managing accounts payable processes, supporting monthly and annual closes, and assisting with the management of federal and state grants. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of nonprofit or governmental accounting, a high level of attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

GENERAL LEDGER MAINTENANCE & RECONCILIATION
• Maintain and reconcile the school’s general ledger, ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare and post journal entries including accruals, prepaids, allocations, and reclasses.
• Perform monthly and quarterly account reconciliations for all balance sheet and select P&L accounts.
• Assist in maintaining the chart of accounts and ensuring consistency in coding across departments and funding sources.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & EXPENSE RECORDING
• Manage the end-to-end accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate payments to vendors in compliance with school policies.
• Review and code invoices appropriately, ensuring proper allocation to funding sources and programs.
• Post AP transactions into the accounting system, including proper matching of purchase orders, receipts, and invoices when applicable.
• Reconcile AP sub-ledger to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
MONTH-END AND YEAR-END CLOSE SUPPORT
• Assist in the preparation and execution of month-end closing procedures, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to prepare internal financial reports and variance analysis for leadership and the Board.
• Support the annual audit process by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and providing documentation to external auditors.
• Participate in the development and documentation of internal controls and accounting policies.
GRANT MANAGEMENT & COMPLIANCE REPORTING
• Assist in the financial management and tracking of federal, state, and private grants to ensure funds are spent and reported in accordance with grant requirements.
• Maintain organized and accurate records for all restricted funding and related expenditures.
• Prepare internal reports for grant progress and compliance reviews, working closely with program managers and leadership.
• Support the timely submission of reimbursement requests and grant-related reports to funding agencies.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably in a nonprofit, public charter school, or governmental environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, fund accounting, and grant compliance.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Skyward, or similar ERP system).
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative work style.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to grasp, handle, or feel; endure prolonged use of the computer; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.