Senior Accounting Manager

Position Title: Senior Accounting Manager

Department: Business Office Team

Reports to: Controller

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Organization Founded in 2003, Bright Star Schools continuously redefines what is possible for students, families and the public education system at large. Bright Star’s vision is for every student in Los Angeles to have equitable access to a school that delivers an exceptional, college-ready education. With 9 schools in operation, currently serving 3,600 students throughout three distinct communities in Los Angeles. Bright Star provides its students with a tuition-free, high-quality, college-preparatory education that prepares them to compete in the global marketplace and give back to their communities. 

Bright Star has an annual operating budget of approximately $82 million and currently employs over 500 employees. Bright Star relies heavily on state funding for its operating budget as well as contributions from federal funding and private donations. 

For additional information, please visit www.brightstarschools.org

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Oversee and manage team in all cash disbursement activities, including accounts payable and payroll.

• Prepare accurate monthly reconciliation for balance sheet accounts as well as monthly bank reconciliation. 

• Assist the controller in preparing monthly allocation of payroll and other expenditures for restricted grants. Prepare update allocation templates on a monthly basis as part of the month end-closing for all schools. 

• Assist the controller in other activities, such as preparing monthly financial statements and completing annual reporting to state and federal agencies and other mandated reports at required intervals.

• Manage and assist in preparing necessary schedules for annual audit and oversight visits

• Supervise and collaborate with the Payroll Specialist for for all payroll related functions, including collaboration with varies departments.  Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain knowledge of current payroll trends at a state or federal level; Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices.

• Oversee and ensure timely monthly STRS and PERS reports by the specified due dates. Stay up to date with STRS and PERS compliance requirements.

• Review payroll registers to verify wages and deductions are correct for every employee's paycheck per pay period; Review wire transfer and manual payroll check requests are issued and calculated correctly.

• Manage Fixed Assets capitalization and depreciation schedules. Maintain monthly rent and operating lease schedules in accordance with GAPP and update on an annual basis or as needed per contracted terms.

• Keep team advised of potential problem areas and recommend/implement solutions as appropriate; Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information;

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Marginal Functions will vary with the specific assignment and depend on the particular unit or function for which the person is responsible. Consideration will be given on a case by case basis and reassignment of marginal duties will be made when appropriate.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

• Minimum five years’ experience in senior accountant position for a nonprofit/education industry and knowledge of fund accounting and the laws, rules, procedures, and programs specifically related to the business operation of charter schools is a plus

• Proficient in Microsoft excel, google sheets, and accounting platform, preferably MIP or Sage-intacct

• Detail oriented with exceptionally strong follow‐up and follow‐through skills, with a focus on results

• Comfort explaining complex financial matters in a simple way and an ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders

• Professionalism, maturity, and an understanding of how to handle sensitive and confidential information

• Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work

• Commitment to the belief that all students can learn and to the mission of educational equity

• Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative

Other Key-Requirements

Ability to work from home as well as from the office, as required

Valid driver licenses and reliable transportation to go to all school sites, when required.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary: $80,000 - $100,000/year (commensurate with experience)

Start Date: Open for an immediate start 

Location: Hybrid – must be located with 50 miles of Los Angeles, CA

Status: Full-time, exempt

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, personal time off (PTO), 403b Sponsored Plan, Disability Insurance, Paid Holidays