Senior Accounting Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Accounting Manager will oversee all financial management, accounting, payroll, and compliance functions for our growing $4.5 million Los Angeles-based non-profit community music school. As a key member of the leadership team, you will help manage a budget comprised of approximately 65% earned income (tuition) supplemented by a mix of city, county, and private philanthropic funding streams. This role requires an experienced leader who can provide strategic fiscal guidelines while effectively managing and sharing workload with a small team to handle day-to-day financial transactions, preparing monthly, quarterly, year-end, and audited financial statements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Governance & Strategy

• Participate in short and long-range financial projections and modeling to help inform Executive Director and Board Finance Committee regarding organizational growth and sustainability goals.
• Oversee and present monthly financial statements and variance reports directly to the Executive Director and the Board Finance Committee.
• Formulate organizational fiscal policies and internal controls to protect assets and minimize risk.

2. Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise & collaborate with the Accounting Manager , ensuring accurate execution of accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), invoicing, general ledger data entry, and student records.
• Provide mentorship and training to staff to optimize department workflows and professional growth.

3. Grants, Payroll & Compliance

• In cooperation with the Director of Development, assist in tracking allocations, billings and matching funds for Federal grants below $1 million, local grants, foundations, and restricted gifts from individuals.
• Review and approve payroll processed by Human Resources and reviewed by the Director of Programs and Student Services, ensuring adherence to federal and state wage and tax laws.
• Monitor organizational cash flow and produce accurate forecasts to maintain operational liquidity.

4. Budgeting & Audit Prep

• Assist in developing the annual $4.5 M budgeting process in close collaboration with program managers, Board Finance Committee and the Executive Director.
• Coordinate the annual external audit and tax filings (IRS Form 990 / CA Form 199), serving as the primary auditor liaison.
• Work with Board Finance Committee to track endowment and reserve investments to ensure fiscal stability, preservation of capital, and continued income support for operating budget.

Candidate Qualifications

Required Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
• Management Experience: Minimum of 3 years of direct experience supervising accounting, finance, or HR staff.
• Accounting: Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting/finance experience (some within a 501(c)(3) organization preferred).
• Fund Accounting: Deep practical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for non-profits and restricted fund tracking.
• Software Fluency: Mastery of QuickBooks Online alongside advanced Excel skills; knowledge of Paychex payroll systems preferred.

Preferred Assets

• Local Insight: Experience within a non-profit arts organization, preferably within Los Angeles county.
• HR Payroll Oversight: Familiarity with high-level California HR compliance and payroll structures.
• Credentials: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) desirable but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $85,000-100,000 annually (commensurate with experience).
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits.
• Retirement: 403(b) plan options
• Paid Time Off: 2 weeks vacation (increases with tenure), 5 personal days, 8 paid holidays, and one additional week (year-end office closure)
• Location: Hybrid/On-site options available