Director, Accounting - job 2 of 3

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

The Uncommon Accounting team is based in New York City and provides support to 2,600 staff members across 52 schools and the Home Office. The organization employs two Director of Accounting positions who report to the Controller and work in close collaboration with each other, regional and school leaders, as well as other Home Office leaders. Areas of responsibility include school, Home Office, and real estate accounting across multiple states with different compliance requirements. Responsibilities are distributed between the two Director positions depending on workload, skillset, and expertise.

The Director of Accounting should have a growth mindset, be a strong and detail-oriented manager, and be a hands-on, hardworking team player. The ideal candidate possesses significant leadership experience as well as a solid operational and technical accounting background. This person is a self-starter, flexible, has a high level of integrity and is action- and goal-oriented in a fast-paced, team-oriented, collaborative environment. The Director of Accounting will have 2-3 direct reports and a team of 4-5 total staff.

The overall accounting team totals 26 employees including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants administration functions.

Duties & Responsibilities

Accounting Operations Oversight and Management 

• Oversee all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP and/or GASB accrual accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement internal control systems and assist in developing processes for identifying and reporting any gaps in controls and recommending improvements.
• Analyze financial data and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; c. Monitor and keep the Controller abreast of the financial status of all assigned entities.
• Collaborate with team leadership on the proper maintenance of accounting systems and functions and ensure fidelity of data and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting.
• Manage grants accounting for governmental and private grants; ensure that expenditures are consistently aligned with grant and program budgets and requirements throughout the grant/fund period.
• Lead and coordinate annual financial audits and the gathering of required audit information, resulting in the production of accurate and timely financial statements and clean financial audits.
• Lead IRS Form 990 preparation and filing for all assigned entities and respond to any correspondence from the IRS as needed.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication with senior leadership and keep the CFO informed of all accounting issues.

Team Leadership 

• Lead and inspire a team to meet a high bar for excellence in accounting operations, accounts payable, and school support. 
• Work with the Controller to identify and drive the organization toward the most efficient and effective operations documenting processes, developing systems, and modifying team structures where necessary. 
• Design and implement an internal training and staff development program to ensure the team possesses all requisite skills, techniques, and knowledge to perform their work to the highest possible standards.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Develop and maintain strong, positive, and effective working relationships with leaders from key departments, including Finance, School Operations and Grants/Compliance. 
• Partner with School Operations leaders to develop and deliver a comprehensive training protocol for all school staff who participate in accounting and accounts payables processes. 
• Ensure all relevant policies and procedures are effectively rolled out to and understood by all Home Office and school leaders.
• Create structures for sharing vital updates and information with key stakeholders, including school and Home Office leaders, boards of directors, finance committees, and audit committees. 

Real Estate Accounting Oversight and Management

• Lead the accounting and reporting of all real estate related transactions, including bond financing and other types of short- and long-term debt, and ensure timely and accurate accounting entries and reports to lenders, funders, and bondholders.
• Oversee accounting of all intercompany transactions related to real estate and ensure accurate and timely accounting entries and proper documentation.
• Partner with the Real Estate team to determine proper classification of all real estate transactions and recognition of real estate related assets, including new construction.
• Create internal controls to ensure proper use and release of restricted funds for real estate and other purposes. 

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred
• 10+ years of general accounting experience; 5+ years of directly related experience in a mid-size or larger multi-entity reporting organization (preferably in a non -profit; charter school experience a plus)
• 4+ years of direct leader
• Experience leading and/or administering accounting and finance functions in Workday
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), as well as Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) pronouncements
• Up to date on nonprofit accounting, audit best practices and state and federal law regarding nonprofit operations
• Knowledge of financial compliance and risk management including but not limited to statutory and regulatory requirements for nonprofit organizations

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $115,900 to $144,900. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. If you meet all job description requirements you will likely receive an offer between $115,900 and $130,400. 

Benefits

• 19 days of paid time off
• 3 weeks of paid Winter and Summer org-wide holidays
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement savings program + employer match
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
• Pre-tax flexible spending, dependent care, and health saving accounts

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].