Senior Corporate Accountant

Please note: This is a hybrid position. You will be expected to work from the office in Alpharetta, GA, three days a week, and work from home two days a week. 

Education is ever-evolving. And so are we.

We seek passionate people from diverse backgrounds who are committed to helping improve the work of schools as a trusted partner in advancing learning. By joining the Cognia team, you will be immersed in a community of energetic and resourceful people dedicated to a common vision to impact and inspire education providers to advance and enable pathways of success for all learners. At Cognia we have developed a holistic approach to education that empowers schools to create real outcomes and optimize learning for students of all backgrounds. Serving over 40,000 institutions from early learning through high school in more than 100 countries and territories, Cognia brings universally recognized perspective to advancing teaching and learning. When you join Cognia, you join a team of experts passionate about our mission and embracing our core values in everything we do.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Senior Corporate Accountant position is part of Cognia’s General Ledger team and is an integral part of the general accounting operations.  The Senior Corporate Accountant plays a key role in maintaining the financial health and integrity of the organization. This position is responsible for general ledger oversight, preparing accurate financial reports, ensuring compliance with GAAP and non-profit regulations, and supporting budget development, audits, and grant reporting. The Senior Corporate Accountant will possess excellent analytical skills with a thorough knowledge of accounting principles to analyze financial reports and forecasts as well as ensure accuracy and effectiveness in all accounting areas.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES: 

General Accounting

• Maintain and reconcile the general ledger, including month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepare journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting and depreciation schedules.
• Ensure accuracy of all financial records and internal financial reporting.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Produce monthly financial statements for management, program directors, and the board of directors.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports required for grants, donors, and regulatory agencies.
• Analyze variances between actual results and budget; prepare reports explaining significant differences.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable non-profit regulations and standards.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls to safeguard the organization's assets.
• Support the annual audit and serve as liaison with external auditors.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of IRS Form 990 and other required filings.

Grants & Fund Accounting

• Track and report on restricted and unrestricted funds, including proper allocation of grant expenditures.
• Coordinate with program staff to ensure grant budgets and financial reports align with program activities.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist with the development of the annual organizational budget and periodic reforecasts.
• Provide financial analysis to support decision-making and strategic planning.
• Perform duties and fulfill responsibilities that may, from time to time, include related or unrelated tasks

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; higher degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
• 5 years progressively responsible experience in the accounting industry to include a thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) required
• Background should include monthly close, account reconciliation preparation, P&L review, variance analysis, and process improvements
• Proven ability to meet assigned deadlines
• Proven ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results
• Proven analytical, problem identification and resolution skills
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of major accounting software packages for general ledger accounting; Oracle NetSuite preferred
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting principles

Competencies:

• Strong analytical and accounting skills
• Intermediate to advanced experience with MS Excel, MS Word, and MS Outlook
• Must be able to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline driven environment
• Excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team and take on new tasks with high level of difficulty
• Ability to work independently with minimal up-front guidance and take ownership of his/her work product
• Follows in all respects the Cognia code of ethics
• Fosters positive and collaborative working relationships within the Finance Division and across the organization to accomplish organization-wide goals

Anticipated Travel (may include local, national, and/or international travel):

• Limited travel (0-10%)
• Travel to All Staff Company Meeting required

At Cognia, we recognize the critical role played by our teams in carrying out the organization’s important educational mission. As a reflection of that recognition our exceptional benefits offerings include generous paid time off and holiday breaks, comprehensive insurance plans, and a 12.5% retirement savings contribution which is immediately vested, all effective on your date of hire. This represents a strong commitment by the organization to attract and retain the highest quality workforce – to ensure our continued ability to effectively serve our mission for years to come.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.  Cognia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.