Senior Manager, Accounting

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND THE OPPORTUNITY

The Education Trust (Ed Trust) seeks a Senior Manager of Accounting in its Finance Division. The Senior Manager of Accounting will join a staff who are committed to fulfilling our mission of closing opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income backgrounds. 

The Senior Manager of Accounting leads the accounting function for the organization.  This role manages the day-to-day financial operations in accounting and compliance, while supporting the monitoring, control, direction, allocation, and use of financial resources. Primary responsibilities include overseeing all accounting processes (including A/P, A/R, payroll, contracts, and corporate credit card reconciliations), designing and orchestrating compliance efforts, supporting clean audits, and collaborating proactively with stakeholders across the organization. The Senior Manager of Accounting plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health of Ed Trust in support of our mission.

Ed Trust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the U.S. education system. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where all students will thrive. 

Available immediately, this role is based in our Washington, DC office and is eligible for telework for up to 3 days per week per our current policy. The Senior Manager of Accounting reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and supervises a small team (2-4) of accounting associates, interns, and outsourced accounting service providers.

ABOUT THE SENIOR MANAGER OF ACCOUNTING ROLE

The responsibilities and objectives for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborate with the CFO to set the long-term vision and direction for the Accounting team and translate that vision into short and long-term goals with relevant work plans
• Lead a small but dynamic team by identifying and retaining diverse talent, coaching and developing direct reports, and managing and assessing performance
• Oversee the day-to-day work of the team, allocating resources, and supporting prioritization
• Establish internal controls and guidelines for accounting transactions
• Oversee the general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end and annual closing schedules
• Monitor weekly fiscal activities to ensure compliance with operating policies and procedures
• Prepare financial statements, forecasts, and other accounting analyses that comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
• Manage the annual audit process, including preliminary work, year-end audit engagements, audit schedules, financial statement drafts, and production of Form 990
• Build and maintain understanding of accounting, tax, and legal concepts and principles
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements
• Strengthen accounting and financial policies, procedures, and systems
• Oversee the day-to-day maintenance of financial information software systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, Bill.com, Tallie)
• Collaborate across teams on grants management, payroll, and other financial activities

IDEAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Shared belief in Ed Trust’s mission and a commitment to improving educational equity with a focus on racial equity
• Dedication in contributing to and maintaining an equitable working environment 
• Willingness to receive and act upon, as well as provide, constructive feedback 
• Expertise in nonprofit accounting practices and systems
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Detailed-oriented and committed to accuracy in qualitative and quantitative work
• Strong team and people management skills
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Creative problem solving and analytical skills
• Ability to adapt, handle complexity, and exercise sound judgment

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
• Significant experience (e.g., 7+ years) in accounting, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and supervisory experience
• Experience using cloud-based or other accounting software solutions integrating timesheets, payroll, grant activities, and expense reporting (e.g., Intacct, Bill.com, ADP, or similar software)
• Experience managing accounting functions in 501(c3) and 501(c4) organizations
• Expertise in grant funding activities and reporting
• Knowledge of accounting standards for nonprofits, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Financial Accounting Standards (FAS)
• Success ensuring clean audits

VACCINATION FOR COVID-19

At The Education Trust, the health and safety of our employees is of the utmost importance. As such, all Education Trust employees are required to be fully vaccinated and remain up to date on their vaccinations for COVID-19. New hires should be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to their first day of work. Requests for accommodations due to medical or religious reasons will be reviewed by Human Resources. 

The Education Trust prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees and, to that end, offers a highly competitive benefits package. Medical, dental and vision insurance are covered at 100% for the employee, with significant coverage also offered for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents. We provide sick leave, vacation leave, and personal leave, and we follow the federal government for most holiday closures. To ensure staff have synchronous opportunities for rest and renewal, the office is closed for a week-long summer break and a week-long winter break. Among other offerings, we provide an Employee Assistance Program at no cost to the employee, and a generous 7% contribution opportunity on a 403(b)-retirement plan. 

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, PLEASE APPLY

The Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. 

To apply: Please apply via ADP; provide an updated resume and respond to the short answer questions in lieu of a cover letter.