AACTE American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

Senior Accountant
Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant is responsible for financial data integrity and for executing all processes related to monthly accounting close, including the preparation of account reconciliations and monthly close journal entries, and ensuring all transactions are recorded in the general ledger based on US GAAP. The Controller will collaborate with AACTE’s outsourced CFO/Accounting vendor to implement the financial strategy for the organization.   This position is fully remote with travel for meetings as described below.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. General Accounting

• Serve as liaison with the outsourced Accounting vendor.
• Oversee preparation of monthly journal entries and ensures accurate entry into the accounting system.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts.
• Prepare monthly accounting close binder containing all account reconciliations and necessary supporting details for CFO Vendor review.
• Run reports out of Bill.com, ADP, Intacct, and Impexium that are utilized to generate monthly closing journal entries.
• Ensure adherence to established internal controls and related procedures, including expense reports.
• Coordinate all aspects of annual audit in collaboration with the outsourced CFO/Accounting vendor.

2. Financial Reporting

• Oversee preparation of reports related to outstanding receivables and oversees collection efforts.
• Prepare ad-hoc financial analytics as requested from time to time by President/CEO.
• Review weekly AP processes including review of all invoices entered into Bill.com and prepare weekly AP approval report and cash flow analysis for President/CEO’s review and pay outstanding invoices.
• Help the organization manage its liquidity by reviewing bank balances, deposits, and spending on a weekly basis.
• Lead preparation of annual operating budget and work with department heads to finalize their budgets. Provide department heads with ongoing budget versus actual reports.

3. Operations & Human Resources Support

• Process bi-weekly payroll, including ensuring all compensation, benefits, and taxes are correct.
• Leverage ADP expertise to prepare employee audit reports as requested by insurance providers and other organizations.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies in processing and reporting and collaborate with COO and others to implement as appropriate.

4. Other projects as assigned.

VALUES & COMPETENCIES

The Senior Accountant is expected to accomplish their work in accordance with AACTE’s core values as follows:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Be mindful and inclusive of our diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders – who we are, how we think, the experiences we bring to work, and our skill sets and personalities.
• Treat all colleagues and stakeholders with fairness, dignity, and respect to create a positive environment.
• Adhere to all workplace policies outlined in the Employee Handbook to create a safe working environment free of harassment and all forms of discrimination.

Quality & Impact

• Process/maintain documents and information according to all federal, state, and local requirements, using the highest standard of discretion to protect the confidentiality of AACTE, our members, and our employees.
• Respond to work requests promptly and interact in a supportive way.
• Collaborate with co-workers and proactively share project information with relevant staff.
• Know the data, facts, and figures associated with their projects, provide regular updates to stakeholders, and respond quickly with accurate answers when questioned.

Inquiry & Innovation

• Demonstrate understanding of AACTE’s mission, purpose, and strategic goals, and incorporate this perspective into questions, decision making, and ideas for change / improvement in administrative processes.
• Gather and integrate information from a variety of sources ensure understanding of available facts and data when working independently on projects.
• When challenging assumptions and/or the status quo, use rational argument and evidence, and then experience.
• With support from Supervisor, keep abreast of knowledge, outside developments, and trends in our field; and identify key professional working relationships and proactively develop them over time.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Up to 25% travel will be required, typically to the National Office in Washington, DC, Board of Director meetings, or conference locations.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or finance. Although not required, preference will be given to candidates with an active CPA license.
• 7-10 years of accounting experience, preferably in a sales-oriented, educational, or a non-profit environment.
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of US GAAP.
• Strong working knowledge of ADP and of Bill.com; intermediate knowledge of accounting systems in general.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and communicate financial data and tell the “story behind the numbers.”
• Demonstrated experience with systems automation initiatives and creating efficiencies preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

When in the national office, working conditions are characteristic of an office setting.  Work is performed in an area that is adequately lighted and ventilated.  When working remote, staff must adhere to guidelines set forth in the AACTE Remote Work Policy. Physical demands required to perform work include walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Base pay for this position is $79,000 – $113,000 DOQ, plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance coverages, as well as generous leave time; and 403b and/Roth IRA retirement plans with employer match after 6 months.

ABOUT THIS JOB DESCRIPTION

At AACTE we expect job descriptions do not limit employees, but rather encourage them to stretch their experience, adapt to change, grow their skills, and develop their ability to contribute to the mission of AACTE. Thus, while this document provides a general overview of the expectations, duties and responsibilities of this position as of the date on the first page, the incumbent can expect to review it with their Supervisor during the annual performance review meeting to ensure that it is updated appropriately as business needs shift and evolve.

 Equal Opportunity Employer

AACTE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits against harassment of any applicant or employee because of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.   AACTE allows for reasonable accommodations that enable an individual with a disability to participate in the application process, to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of a job, and to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment that are available to individuals without disabilities.