Staff Accountant

Company Description

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!

Job Description

The Staff Accountant plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health and operational integrity of Uncommon Schools by managing the accounting functions for multiple schools within our network. Operating out of our Home Office, this position supports our mission by maintaining robust financial record-keeping and reporting systems that ensure resources are accurately tracked and maximized for our students. By overseeing essential daily financial transactions and generating key financial statements, the Staff Accountant provides the critical data needed for strategic organizational oversight. This role acts as a vital bridge between school operations, network leadership, and external partners, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance across our growing community.

Duties & Responsibilities

General Ledger & Financial Reporting

• Manage accounting functions for multiple schools, maintaining accurate financial record-keeping and reporting systems.
• Ensure precise recording of financial transactions in the general ledger and execute necessary adjusting entries.
• Prepare and post journal entries, including comprehensive monthly and yearly closing entries, and perform monthly ledger reconciliations.
• Produce accurate and timely monthly accrual-based financial statements, including balance sheets, profit/loss statements, and transaction reports.

Transaction Oversight & Reconciliation

• Oversee transaction workflows for accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts, and cash disbursements.
• Reconcile and manage organization credit card expenses efficiently.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations and proactively investigate and resolve any unusual items.
• Review philanthropy and grants received, recording them in accordance with non-profit accounting rules as needed.

Compliance, Asset Management & Audit Support

• Maintain up-to-date fixed asset records and associated depreciation schedules.
• Maintain monthly rent and lease schedules, updating them annually or per contracted terms, and record lease adoption entries following GASB 87 regulations.
• Prepare accounting records, work papers, and documentation to support outside accountants for 990 filings and annual audits.
• Maintain and enforce organizational fiscal policies, procedures, and internal control guidelines.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Systems Support

• Act as a reliable liaison between internal and external stakeholders, including schools, the Home Office, bankers, and vendors.
• Lead and execute annual system training for users utilizing the Workday platform.
• Conduct necessary research to support strategic team initiatives, special projects, and other specialized accounting requests.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
• Experience: 1–2 years of relevant accounting experience (aligned with Role Level 2 guidance).
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in MS Excel (including functions like VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables) and the broader MS Office Suite.
• Core Competencies: An in-depth understanding of accounting principles and a strong ability to read, understand, and identify issues within financial statements.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a focused attention to detail and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: 3–4 years of combined experience in accounting, with specific experience in non-profit accounting, fund accounting, Uniform Guidance, or working with external auditors being a plus.
• Industry Context: Prior experience working within a multi-site organization or K-12 public education environment.
• Systems: Advanced experience with ERP and accounting software, with a strong preference for Workday, Sage Intacct, or NetSuite.
• Technical Knowledge: