Assistant Controller

Thanks for your interest in Success Academy! Running the largest, fastest-growing, and highest-performing network of public charter schools in New York City takes a village - families, children, teachers, staff and faculty, advocates, and supporters alike. We would love to welcome you to our community! We work tirelessly every day to ensure each child in NYC has access to a fun, rigorous, whole-child education regardless of zip code or economic status. When you join SA, you play a part in giving every student who walks through the doors of one of our 57 schools in NYC a fair shot at reaching his or her potential.

The Assistant Controller will play a crucial role in supporting the Controller in managing all aspects of the organization's accounting processes. This position requires a strong understanding of accounting principles, exceptional attention to detail, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to work effectively with both financial and non-financial personnel. The ideal candidate will be a proactive problem-solver with excellent organizational and communication skills, eager to contribute to the financial health and stability of our growing organization.

Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting: Lead the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and relevant regulatory requirements.  

• General Ledger Management: Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, ensuring accurate coding of transactions, performing account reconciliations, and investigating discrepancies.

• Grant Accounting (End-to-End Ownership - Private & Government): Take ownership of the complete grant accounting lifecycle for both private and government grants, from initial setup and tracking of grant awards through to final reporting and closeout. This includes establishing and maintaining grant budgets, monitoring expenditures against budget restrictions, ensuring accurate allocation of expenses, and proactively addressing any potential compliance issues specific to each grant type. Collaborate with relevant teams to ensure alignment regarding grant proposals, awards, and reporting requirements.

• SEFA Preparation and Oversight (Government Grants): Oversee the accurate and timely preparation of the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and related documentation, ensuring compliance with Uniform Guidance and other relevant federal regulations. This includes maintaining detailed records of federal awards, tracking expenditures, and coordinating with auditors as needed.

• Form 990 Preparation: Lead and organize the annual preparation work for Form 990 filings, ensuring all necessary financial information is gathered accurately and efficiently. Serve as a key point of contact with external auditors regarding the Form 990, facilitating the provision of required documentation and addressing any audit-related inquiries to ensure timely and compliant filing.

• Audit Support (Engagement & Deliverables Management): Serve as a primary point of contact for external auditors, actively engaging with them throughout the audit process. This includes planning with the accounting team to prepare and organize all necessary supporting documentation and schedules, and proactively managing the timely delivery of audit deliverables to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process.

• Internal Controls Enhancement: Participate in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a robust system of internal controls to safeguard the organization's assets and ensure the accuracy of financial information. This includes documenting key financial processes and assisting in the creation and updating of relevant accounting policies and procedures.

• Compliance: Stay up-to-date on relevant accounting regulations and reporting requirements specific to charter schools and non-profit organizations.

• Process Transformation and Optimization: Proactively identify, analyze, and lead initiatives to transform and optimize existing accounting and financial processes. This includes critically evaluating current workflows, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and developing and implementing streamlined, scalable solutions.

• AI Implementation Exploration: Stay abreast of advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and explore opportunities for the strategic implementation of AI-powered tools and technologies within the finance function to automate routine tasks, enhance data analysis, improve accuracy, and drive greater efficiency. This includes researching potential AI solutions, collaborating with relevant stakeholders on pilot projects, and supporting the successful adoption of new technologies.

• Team Leadership and Development: Lead and manage three key accounting teams: General Accounting, Reporting, and Grants Management. This includes actively engaging in performance management, setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and conducting performance reviews. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within each team, identifying training opportunities and supporting the career growth of team members.

• Journal Entries and Account Reconciliations Oversight: Manage and review journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis for the month-end and year-end closing process, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established timelines and accounting policies.

• Performance Monitoring and KPIs: Assist in the development and implementation of relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor the financial health and operational efficiency of the organization. This includes tracking and analyzing performance against established targets, identifying trends, and providing insights to the Controller and other stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making.

• Cash Management and Forecasting: Monitor the organization's daily cash position, ensuring adequate liquidity to meet operational needs. Assist in the development of short-term and long-term cash flow projections to provide insights into future cash availability and potential funding requirements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other departments, providing financial insights and support as needed.

• Other Duties: Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Controller or the CFO.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting experience.

• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-profit accounting principles.

• Proven experience in managing and reviewing general ledger functions, financial reporting, and internal controls.

• Proficiency in using accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, Blackbaud Financial Edge or similar ERP systems) and standard office productivity software.

• CPA license strongly preferred.

• Prior public accounting firm experience preferred.

• Experience with grant accounting and reporting for both private and government grants.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop accounting teams.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences.

• Experience with grant accounting and reporting.

• Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to charter schools.

Success Academy Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We actively seek applications from people of all backgrounds to strengthen our community and the perspectives needed to flourish in a multicultural world. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Learn more about our philosophy, benefits, and team at our Working Here page.

Success Academy Charter Schools does not offer employment-based immigration sponsorship.