Senior Accountant

General Description:

Under general direction, the Senior Accountant performs advanced, professional-level accounting work and may supervise the operations of a major functional accounting or budget unit (e.g., payroll, accounts payable/receivable, benefits, budget development, or federally funded programs). The role provides financial leadership to support organizational operations by maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations (including GAAP and governmental/nonprofit requirements), and overseeing key accounting functions.

The Senior Accountant prepares financial reports, statements, and supporting documentation; supports budgeting and audit processes; and provides financial analysis and recommendations to leadership. This position may supervise accounting staff and collaborate with internal departments, external auditors, and regulatory agencies to ensure efficient, compliant, and effective financial operations.

Work hours are 7:30am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday (although these hours may vary and may require occasional evening and weekend work based on organizational needs). Minimal or no travel required, other than visits to other local school sites or the Business Office (as needed).

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Accounting Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee and perform full-cycle accounting, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Maintain accounting records, schedules, and supporting documentation (e.g., fixed assets, leases, debt, payroll accounts).
• Monitor financial activity to ensure accuracy, compliance, and availability of funds.
• Reconcile financial reports, records, and accounts to books of original entry.
• Examine financial statements and fiscal records for accuracy and completeness and prepare reports on findings.
• Collect, prepare, and file tax reports and payments as required.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare, schedule, review, and evaluate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Conduct financial, budget, and cost analysis, including variance analysis and projections.
• Compile statistical, financial, and narrative reports for leadership, governing boards, and regulatory agencies.
• Analyze financial data to support strategic decision-making and operational improvements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist with or lead the development, coordination, and administration of budgets.
• Analyze and evaluate budget needs and recommend procedures for budget control and coordination.
• Develop labor cost and benefits projections.
• Provide financial forecasts, projections, and recommendations to leadership.

 Compliance, Audits & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, governmental regulations, and internal policies.
• Support internal and external audits, including preparation of schedules and documentation.
• Perform or assist with internal audits, including review of departmental accounts.
• Develop, implement, and improve internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial systems.
• Participate in the evaluation and improvement of accounting and financial reporting processes.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Assign, review, and supervise the work of accounting staff or major functional areas (e.g., payroll, accounts payable, budget, federal programs).
• Train, mentor, and support accounting and clerical staff.
• Review and process personnel or financial requisitions as appropriate.

Collaboration & Operational Support

• Collaborate with management, departments, school sites, and external agencies.
• Provide oversight and support for school site and student body financial activities, as applicable.
• Respond to financial inquiries and provide guidance on accounting procedures and compliance.
• Participate in cross-functional projects, system implementations, and process improvements.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

1. Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Three (3) years of professional-level experience in accounting or finance work, in a private or public industry, including one (1) year of supervisory and/or lead experience in accounting or related field, is required.
•  A valid Class C California Driver's License and use of a private automobile may be required.

2. Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong knowledge of:
• California School Accounting Manual (CSAM); fund accounting principles; charter school funding (e.g., LCFF); and federal and state compliance requirements.
• Methods and techniques for preparing, reviewing, and analyzing financial statements, reports, records, schedules, and accounts.
• Budget development, research, preparation, monitoring, and control processes
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and compliance requirements governing public and charter school finance, including grants and categorical programs
• Accounting systems, financial reporting systems, and modern office technology
• Internal controls, auditing standards, and financial review procedures
• Supervisory principles, training methods, and staff development practices
• Office management systems, procedures, and best practices

Strong skills in:

o  Financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting

o  Preparing clear, accurate, and detailed financial and statistical reports

o  Developing, evaluating, and improving accounting processes and procedures

Ability to:

o  Plan, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

o  Analyze complex financial data, identify issues, determine root causes, and develop solutions

o  Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and act with integrity and professionalism

o  Maintain accuracy and attention to detail while performing high-volume, detail-oriented work

o  Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, leadership, auditors, and regulatory agencies

o  Work independently while also collaborating as part of a team environment

o  Adapt to changing priorities, interruptions, and evolving regulatory requirements

o  Maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and competing demands

o  Understand and respond to the needs of internal and external customers

o  Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse communities

o  Perform mathematical and analytical operations required for accounting and financial analysis

o  Lead and hold others accountable while fostering a collaborative, team-oriented environment

o  Demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement, professional growth, and organizational excellence

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

This position operates primarily in an indoor school site and office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment and technology. The work environment is characterized by a high volume of work, strict deadlines, frequent interruptions, and continuously changing priorities. The role requires the ability to move about a school campus, including classrooms and administrative offices; sit or stand for extended periods; communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing; and use hands and arms to operate computers and other equipment. Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and walking are required. Light lifting may be required, generally up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities include close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must also be able to hear and interpret spoken communication. This position requires strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; the ability to interpret policies, regulations, and financial data; manage multiple tasks and priorities; meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy; and maintain confidentiality and professionalism while interacting with students, staff, families, auditors, and the public.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.