Director of Accounting - CPA

Academy Charter School; Uniondale (NY); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A charter school network in Uniondale, NY, is seeking a Director of Accounting to lead financial operations, ensure compliance with regulations, and oversee reporting across campuses. The role requires a CPA license and a Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, along with 3-5 years of relevant experience. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, financial management expertise, and the ability to communicate complex financial data clearly. Salary range for the position is $160,000 - $180,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in nonprofits or public sector.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and fund accounting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general ledger, month-end and year-end close processes across the network.
• Ensure compliance with NYSED and federal financial regulations.
• Support development and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Design, implement, and monitor internal accounting controls and best practices.
• Mentor and support accounting staff, as applicable.

Skills

Financial Management

Analytical Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

Active CPA license (New York State)

Tools

Abila/MIP

Excel

Job description

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.