Accounting Manager (CPA Required)

Job Description

Job Description

Accounting Manager (CPA Required).
Location: MGRM Pinnacle / Pinnacle Charter Schools – Tempe, AZ (Full-Time, On-site).

About Us:

MGRM Pinnacle operates Pinnacle Charter Schools, a Cognia-accredited network of alternative public charter schools serving students throughout Arizona since 1995. Through a combination of innovative online instruction and personalized on-site support, our schools provide flexible educational pathways for students who benefit from a non-traditional learning environment. For nearly three decades, we have remained committed to educational excellence, operational integrity, and continuous improvement while helping students achieve meaningful academic success.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a dependable and experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to serve as our in-house Accounting Manager.

In this role, you will oversee the organization's accounting and financial operations across multiple educational entities, including financial reporting, budgeting, payroll coordination, tax compliance, audit preparation, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with executive leadership and experienced accounting professionals who provide additional support, you will play a key role in maintaining accurate financial operations while supporting sound organizational decision-making.

This position offers a balance of leadership and hands-on accounting responsibilities. The successful candidate should be comfortable taking ownership of the accounting function while remaining engaged in day-to-day accounting activities as needed.

CPA certification is required for this position.

Key Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Reporting:

• Prepare and analyze monthly and annual financial statements across multiple educational entities.
• Reconcile bank accounts and general ledger balances.
• Prepare journal entries and oversee the monthly and year-end closing process.
• Conduct financial and budget variance analyses, identifying significant trends and recommending corrective action where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and audit-ready financial records and supporting documentation.

Taxation Compliance & Audit:

• Prepare, review, and coordinate federal, state, and local tax filings while ensuring timely compliance with applicable regulations.
• Monitor changes in accounting standards and tax laws, implementing necessary updates to maintain compliance.
• Lead internal and external audit activities and serve as the primary liaison with auditors.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with GAAP, internal accounting policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Accounting Operations & Budget Oversight:

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and financial reconciliations.
• Coordinate payroll processing with Human Resources and external payroll providers to ensure timely and accurate payroll administration.
• Partner with leadership to develop, monitor, and manage organizational budgets and financial forecasts.
• Evaluate and improve accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Leadership & Strategic Support:

• Serve as a trusted financial resource to executive leadership by providing timely financial reporting, analysis, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with external accountants, tax professionals, legal counsel, and other financial consultants as needed.
• Support long-term financial planning and organizational initiatives that advance the mission and operational goals of Pinnacle Charter Schools.

Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing (required).
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive accounting experience , including financial reporting, tax compliance, budgeting, and audit preparation.
• Demonstrated experience managing the full accounting cycle.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and applicable tax regulations.
• Experience preparing for and coordinating external audits.
• Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, including financial analysis and reporting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing finances across multiple entities is highly desirable.
• Experience within K-12 education, charter schools, or nonprofit organizations is preferred, but not required.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and CPA credentials.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Employer retirement contribution.
• Paid holidays and other eligible benefits in accordance with company policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

MGRM Pinnacle Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.