Accounting Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The New Haven Ecology Project/Common Ground 

Accounting Manager: Full-Time position

Location : New Haven, CT

New Haven Ecology Project Inc. (NHEP) is the 501c Non-Profit Entity that includes an Urban Farm, Environmental Education Center and a Public Charter High School (CGHS). NHEP and CGHS have two completely separate QuickBooks and Payroll Systems. Due to state and federal regulations, the finances for these entities must be tracked and audited separately but do live under one Tax ID Number. Many of the tasks listed below are performed individually for each side of the organization and each side of the organization has different regulations/norms that must be followed to ensure continued success. 

The Accounting Manager serves in the following capacities: 

Supervises: Staff Accountant; liaises with YPTC (Your Part-Time Controller) and external accountants/auditors.

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the organization while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in accordance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, donor restrictions, and Connecticut state requirements. This role combines strategic financial oversight with hands-on accounting and administrative responsibilities, supporting organizational leadership, program teams, development staff, and the Board of Directors.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Oversight

• Oversee daily accounting operations including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, and month-end and year-end close.
• Supervise the Accounting Assistant and coordinate closely to ensure accurate, timely processing of transactions and financial reporting.
• Serve as the primary banking contact, reviewing bank activity, reconciling accounts, and closely monitoring organizational cash flow.

Financial Reporting & Board Support

• Works to prepare timely and accurate monthly financial reports, including statements of financial position, activities, and cash flows.
• Perform variance analysis against approved budgets and present financial insights to leadership.
• Ensure all required reports are prepared and submitted to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budget development process in collaboration with the Executive Director, Budget Managers, and other stakeholders.
• Monitor program and departmental budgets throughout the year and support leaders with budget tracking and financial planning.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and scenario planning.

Grant, Donor & Fund Accounting

• Track grant and donor-restricted funds to ensure proper expense allocation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Support the Development team with monthly and quarterly grant drawdowns and financial reporting.
• Close out grant funds annually by June 30, ensuring compliance with funder and state requirements.
• Support state and federal education reporting requirements, including coordination on the State of Connecticut Educational Financial System (EFS), desk audits, and related updates.
• Prepare SPED billing for suburban districts on behalf of Common Ground High School.

Audit, Compliance & Internal Controls

• Lead financial data collection and preparation for the annual organization-wide audit.
• Serve as liaison to external auditors and accountants.
• Review and allocate deferred revenue and prepaid expenses; review assets and liabilities as part of audit preparation.
• Assist with preparation of Form 990 and other required filings.
• Develop, document, and maintain internal financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance, accuracy, and fraud prevention.
• Maintain general financial records in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Business Administration & Regulatory Reporting

• Coordinate with HR to collect Teachers Retirement Board (TRB) documentation and dispatch monthly TRB payments via ACH.
• Manage annual commercial liability insurance renewals and audits.
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut-specific financial and tax requirements.

Cross ‑ Departmental Support

• Act as a financial liaison between program teams, development staff, and executive leadership.
• Provide guidance and financial clarity to non-finance staff as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Demonstrated experience with fund accounting and financial reporting
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Experience working in a nonprofit organization, preferably mid-sized
• Familiarity with CT eGMS and state-level education finance systems
• Experience with Title I, II, III, and IV funding applications and compliance
• Experience with audit preparation and liaison with external auditors
• Supervisory or mentoring experience

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a charter school and/or nonprofit environment
• Software Proficiency: Experience with software such as QuickBooks Online and Checkwriters Payroll Processing platform
• Local Compliance: Knowledge of Connecticut state tax filing/reporting requirements and potential for payroll tax and worker's compensation reporting. 

Work Schedule and Compensation 

Common Ground’s Business Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm, this department functions year-round.  

This role is categorized as "confidential" and will not be represented by Common Ground's Staff Union.