Accounting Manager

Accounting & Finance Manager
Sector: Government / Education
Reports To: Director of Finance / CFO / Business Services Administrator
Supervises: Accounting staff, payroll, accounts payable/receivable (varies by organization)

Role Summary
The Accounting & Finance Manager is responsible for managing the daily financial operations of a public-sector or educational organization, ensuring compliance with government regulations, accounting standards, and funding requirements. This role oversees budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and internal controls while supporting transparent, accountable, and mission-driven financial practices.

Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Oversight

Manage general ledger activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and month- and year-end close
Ensure compliance with GASB, GAAP, and applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations
Maintain internal controls and financial policies to ensure fiscal integrity and audit readiness

Budgeting & Forecasting

Prepare, monitor, and manage annual operating and capital budgets
Perform budget-to-actual analysis and provide variance explanations
Support long-range financial planning, enrollment projections, and funding scenarios
Partner with department leaders to ensure responsible budget management

Reporting & Compliance

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports
Coordinate external audits and respond to audit findings
Ensure compliance with restricted funds, grants, categorical funding, and bond proceeds
Prepare regulatory reports required by oversight agencies (state, federal, or accrediting bodies)

Grants & Fund Accounting

Oversee accounting for grants and special revenue funds
Monitor allowable expenditures and compliance with grant terms
Support grant reporting, reimbursement requests, and closeouts

Payroll & Accounts Operations

Oversee payroll processes, benefits accounting, and labor cost allocations
Manage accounts payable and receivable functions
Ensure timely payments, billing, and collections in accordance with public-sector rules

Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate accounting staff
Collaborate with HR, procurement, academic departments, and executive leadership
Provide financial guidance and training to non-financial managers
Support board, council, or governing body presentations as needed

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
Minimum 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience
Experience in governmental, public-sector, nonprofit, or educational finance
Strong knowledge of fund accounting, budget management, and financial reporting
Advanced proficiency with financial systems and Excel

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.