Director of Accounting - CPA

Job Description Job Description The Academy Charter Schools offers an exceptional interdisciplinary curriculum in a technology rich environment that challenges students to explore connections across subjects and use experiential learning to bridge the gaps between theory and practice. The Academy’s focus on character development and community service cultivates a student body poised to be active, engaged and responsible members of the community. The Academy employs a committed staff whose teaching and high academic and behavioral expectations will promote the excellence known so the community’s children can achieve.

The Director of Accounting (CPA) serves as a key financial leader within the charter school network, responsible for ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and strategic fiscal stewardship across multiple campuses. This role oversees accounting operations, audit readiness, financial reporting, and internal controls while partnering closely with the Group Chief Financial Officer to support the network’s mission of delivering high-quality public education. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting expertise and the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights.

Requirements

Financial Management & Reporting
Oversee general ledger, month-end and year-end close processes across the network
Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
Ensure accurate tracking of restricted and unrestricted funds, including grants and public funding
Monitor cash flow, reserves, and financial sustainability

Compliance, Audit & Regulatory Oversight
Lead all external audits, including coordination with independent auditors
Ensure compliance with NYSED, SUNY Charter Schools Institute, federal, and state financial regulations
Prepare and submit required financial filings, reports, and disclosures
Maintain audit documentation and internal controls to ensure clean audit outcomes

Budgeting & Forecasting
Support development and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets
Conduct variance analysis and provide recommendations to leadership
Assist with long-term financial planning, enrollment-based projections, and expansion modeling

Internal Controls & Risk Management
Design, implement, and monitor internal accounting controls and best practices
Ensure segregation of duties and compliance with Board-approved fiscal policies
Identify financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies

Leadership & Collaboration
Support Board Finance Committee meetings with reports and financial analysis
Mentor and support accounting staff, as applicable

Required Qualifications:
Active CPA license (New York State)
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Minimum 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofits or public sector.
Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and fund accounting
Proficiency in Abila/MIP, accounting systems and Excel

CORE COMPETENCIES:
High level of integrity and discretion
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
Collaborative leadership mindset aligned to a mission-driven organization

Working Conditions:
Position is primarily based on Long Island with periodic travel between school sites
Some evening or occasional weekend work may be required during audits or reporting cycles

Pay Transparency: The salary for this role is $160,000 - $180,000. Base pay offered may vary within the posted range based on several factors, including but not limited to education, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

The Academy is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Company Description The Academy Charter Schools offers an exceptional interdisciplinary curriculum in a technology-rich environment that challenges students to explore connections across subjects and use experiential learning to bridge the gaps between theory and practice. The Academy’s focus on character development and community service cultivate a student body poised to be active, engaged and responsible members of the community. The Academy employs a committed staff whose teaching and high academic and behavioral expectations will promote the excellence known, so the community’s children can achieve. Company Description The Academy Charter Schools offers an exceptional interdisciplinary curriculum in a technology-rich environment that challenges students to explore connections across subjects and use experiential learning to bridge the gaps between theory and practice. The Academy’s focus on character development and community service cultivate a student body poised to be active, engaged and responsible members of the community. The Academy employs a committed staff whose teaching and high academic and behavioral expectations will promote the excellence known, so the community’s children can achieve.