Accountant Team Lead

National Heritage Academies; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

National Heritage Academies in Grand Rapids, MI seeks an Accounting Team Lead to oversee daily accounting operations, supervise two direct reports, and ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial records. You will lead month-end close, internal controls, GAAP compliance, and process improvement, reporting to the Senior Manager of Accounting & Financial Reporting, with in-person work at our Service Center.

A Bachelor's in accounting and 5+ years of progressive accounting experience are required,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting is required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and supervise the accounting team and two direct reports.
• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closes.
• Review journal entries and reconciliations for accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and internal controls.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve accounting issues.

Skills

Supervisory experience

GAAP knowledge

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Accounting Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the accounting team while ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial records and reporting. This position provides leadership, guidance, and performance management for two direct reports—a Fixed Assets Accountant and an Entry-Level Accountant—and serves as a key resource for accounting processes, internal controls, month-end close activities, and continuous process improvement.

The Accounting Team Lead reports directly to our Senior Manager of Accounting & Financial Reporting and will work out of our Service Center located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The ideal candidate for this position will possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting and 5 or more years of experience working as a General Staff Accountant and with fixed assets.

Company Information:

National Heritage Academies (NHA) partners with communities to build and operate public charter schools. Founded in 1995, today NHA serves over 100 schools in nine states, with more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Our schools are designed to eliminate the achievement gap and provide school choice to families so their children are prepared for success in college, career, and life. A majority of our schools consistently outperform their local district on the state test. According to the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University, NHA is a leading performer among charter schools and management organizations, outperforming both conventional district schools and other charter school operators. In addition, according to our employee survey, over 90% of respondents agree that the work they do is meaningful to them. Join our team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and supervise the daily activities of the accounting team, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to direct reports.
• Assign and monitor workloads to ensure deadlines are met and work is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation prepared by staff.
• Coordinate and participate in month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), organizational policies, and internal controls.
• Review and analyze general ledger accounts, investigate discrepancies, and resolve accounting issues.
• Oversee the fixed asset accounting function, including capitalization, depreciation, and asset disposals.
• Oversee the preparation of personal property tax returns and other external reporting in various states.
• Assist with the preparation of the fixed asset budget.
• Supervise the Entry-Level Accountant in processing journal entries, reconciliations, accounts analysis, and other routine accounting functions while fostering professional development.
• Support annual financial audits by preparing schedules and responding to auditor requests.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, increase efficiencies, and strengthen internal controls.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization to resolve accounting issues and provide financial guidance.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Serve as a backup for accounting functions as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, preferred.
• 5 or more years of progressive accounting experience.
• Prior supervisory or team lead experience, preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to establish facts and develop conclusions.
• Possess ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with individuals from various business units throughout the organization and represent NHA in a professional manner.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Excel.

This is an in-person position at our NHA Service Center located at 3850 Broadmoor Ave., Grand Rapids, MI.

National Heritage Academies is an equal-opportunity employer.